NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012A-0254
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012A-0254 |
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PI: Monique C. Aller, University of South Carolina, moniquealler@gmail.com
Address: Department of Physics and Astronomy, 712 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, USA
CoI: Varsha P. Kulkarni, University of South Carolina
CoI: James L. Higdon, Georgia Southern University
CoI: Sarah J. U. Higdon, Georgia Southern University
Title: A Multi-Wavelength Optical Imaging Study of a Unique Star-Forming Environment: Polar Rings
Abstract:
In order to fully understand galaxy formation and evolution, it is
essential to understand the star-formation (SF) processes occurring
within galaxies. This requires studying not only SF in galaxies of
regular morphology, but also locally-uncommon SF processes occurring
within structures formed through mergers or accretion, which may be more
prevalent at high-redshift. Polar ring galaxies (PRGs), which consist
of a robustly star-forming ring of gas, dust, and stars orbiting in a
plane perpendicular to the major axis of a central, host galaxy, provide
such a unique SF environment. It has been hypothesized that stochastic
processes, such as supernova shock propagation, stimulate the SF within
the polar ring (PR). We propose to obtain Gemini GMOS imaging of 10
PRGs to trace the young stellar population in these structures.
Combining these data with our existing Spitzer IRAC 3.6 and 4.5 micron
data, and archival UV and HI maps, we will examine: (1) the stellar
population, masses, and ages, as a function of spatial position, in the
PRGs and their host galaxies; (2) the SF triggering mechanisms and
gravitational stability in PRs; and (3) the opacity of the dust in PRs.
We will also (4) place structural constraints on proposed PR formation
mechanisms.
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 > 2012A-0254 |
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