NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010B-0366
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010B-0366 |
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PI: Geraint Lewis, University of Sydney (Astrophysics), geraint.lewis@sydney.edu.au
Address: Astrophysics Department, School of Physics, A28, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
CoI: Alan McConnachie, Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics
CoI: Michael Irwin, University of Cambridge
CoI: R. Michael Rich, UC Los Angeles
CoI: Rodrigo Ibata, Observatoire de Strasborg
Title: Cubs in the Litter: Spectroscopy of New Andromodean Dwarfs from PAndAS
Abstract:
We will use Gemini/GMOS to obtain spectroscopy of Red Giant Branch (RGB)
stars in four new dwarf galaxies identified within the Pan-Andromeda
Archaeological Survey (PAndAS). With these data, we will measure the key
physical properties of the dwarfs, namely their radial velocities, internal
kinematics and spectroscopic metallicities. Such measurements are essential
in determining the dwarfs' fundamental characteristics; namely their internal
dynamics, dark matter content, and clues to star formation and evolutionary
histories. PAndAS is revolutionizing our view of our nearest cosmic
neighbour, the Andromeda Galaxy, revealing a wealth of previously undetected
substructure and dwarf galaxies, and these new observations are indispensable
in unraveling global properties of M31's population of satellites and their
relation to the M31 galaxy and its extended stellar halo. Andromeda is one of
the few targets available which can provide direct tests of predictions of
the distribution of mass and light in galaxy haloes and satellite galaxies,
but a detailed knowledge of the physical properties of such substructure is
essential; the excellent capabilities of Gemini/GMOS makes it one of the few
facilities which can obtain the required spectroscopic data.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010B-0366 |
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