NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0527
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0527 |
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PI: Knut Olsen, NOAO, kolsen@noao.edu
Address: PO Box 26732, 950 North Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85726-6732, USA
Title: Observing an Ongoing Minor Merger in NGC 5128
Abstract:
I propose to use GSAOI+GeMS on Gemini South to observe what has been
demonstrated to be a dwarf galaxy currently being accreted by the nearby
massive elliptical galaxy NGC 5128. The sharp images and excellent Strehl
ratios delivered by GeMS will allow for measurement of individual stars in
the accreting dwarf and in the halo of NGC 5128, as well as the clear
identification of the star cluster population of the dwarf. Photometry of the
individual stars will be deep enough to discern the coarse star formation
histories of the arc and the halo, and to derive integrated colors and
profiles of the star clusters. NGC 5128 is the only massive elliptical that
is nearby enough to allow for detailed observations of its merger history.
The proposed observations will allow study of the consequences of minor
mergers on the populations of the outer regions of massive elliptical
galaxies.
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-0527 |
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