NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0509
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0509 |
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PI: Elizabeth J. Jeffery, James Madison University, jeffe2ej@jmu.edu
Address: Physics Department, 901 Carrier Dr, MSC 4502, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, USA
CoI: Ted von Hippel, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
CoI: David van Dyk, University College London
CoI: Nathan Stein, Harvard University
CoI: W.H. Jefferys, University of Texas at Austin
Title: Deep Observations of the Open Cluster NGC 6253
Abstract:
We propose to use GMOS on Gemini-South to obtain deep images of the
metal rich open cluster NGC 6253, observing the cluster white dwarfs for
the first time. These observations are an important piece and further
test of the variously proposed scenarios to explain the formation of the
strange white dwarfs of the metal rich cluster open NGC 6791. We will
use the proposed observations of NGC 6253 to measure a white dwarf age
for the cluster and search for any anomalous features in the cluster
white dwarf luminosity function. Additionally, we will identify bright
(i.e., newly formed) cluster white dwarfs for spectroscopic follow up to
measure their masses and empirically determine this cluster's initial-
final mass relation to aid us in determining if enhanced mass loss due
to metallicity is at work in this cluster, as it has been suggested to
be at work in NGC 6791. Observations of the white dwarfs in NGC 6253
will be an important piece in the continuing puzzle that has important
implications on mass loss, white dwarf cooling, and stellar evolution as
a whole.
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 > 2013A-0509 |
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