NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012A-0360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012A-0360 |
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PI: Andrew Schechtman-Rook, University of Wisconsin-Madison, andrew@astro.wisc.edu
Address: Astronomy Department, 475 N. Charter Street, Madison, WI 53706, USA
CoI: Matthew Bershady, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Title: Stellar Populations in Edge-on Spiral Disks
Abstract: We propose to measure independently the vertical scale heights of red giant, asymptotic giant, and red super-giant stars in the edge-on spiral galaxy NGC 4565. These measurements will allow us to determine disk-heating time-scales, constrain corresponding heating mechanisms, and also better understand the \it vertical mass distribution underpinning the estimate of the dynamical mass in kinematic studies of face-on normal spirals. From deep, GNIRS spectroscopy we will extract molecular indices capable of isolating effective surface-gravity, abundances, and temperature. This will be the first time scale heights for different-aged disk populations will be probed in an external galaxy with a rotation speed comparable to the MW. In addition, this one application of GNIRS spectroscopy to a nearby galaxy will allow us to calibrate and apply new narrow-band filters in WHIRC for panoramic studies available to the community.
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-0360 |
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