NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013B-0327
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013B-0327 |
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PI: Idan Ginsburg, Dartmouth College, idan.ginsburg@gmail.com
Address: Physics Department, 6127 Wilder Laboratory, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
CoI: Warren Brown, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
CoI: Gary Wegner, Dartmouth College
Title: Confirming Photometric Variability of Hypervelocity Stars
Abstract:
"Hypervelocity stars" (HVSs) have sufficient velocity to escape the
Milky Way. Initially ejected from the Galactic Center, HVSs traverse
the galaxy. This allows HVSs to be used as unique probes of the dark
matter distribution surrounding the Milky Way. However, we are missing
a key piece of information: the nature and distance of these HVSs. This
follow-up to our successful observing campaign from last year will allow
us to constrain the nature of the remaining HVSs and verify the
variability of five previously identified targets. In order to
accomplish this goal, we request four nights on the WIYN telescope. The
variability identifies the stars as being on the main sequence, and once
the nature of the HVSs is determined, we can accurately calculate their
distances. Such estimates will compliment our Hubble Space Telescope
proper motion measurements. By knowing the HVSs' distances and full
space trajectories can we firmly establish their nature, better
understand the environment at the center of our galaxy, and use HVSs to
help study the Milky Way's dark matter distribution.
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 > 2013B-0327 |
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