NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013B-0423
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013B-0423 |
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PI: Jana Grcevich, American Museum of Natural History, jgrcevich@amnh.org
Address: Astrophysics, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024, USA
CoI: Marla Geha, Yale University
CoI: Mary Putman, Columbia University
Title: Searching for Milky Way Companions: pODI Follow-up of HI-Detected Dwarf Galaxy Candidates
Abstract: We have identified candidate Milky Way dwarf galaxies in a systematic search of the GALFA-HI Survey catalog. These candidates are compact, isolated HI gas clouds with properties similar to that of extremely low mass dwarf galaxies on the outskirts of the Milky Way. We require a stellar detection to claim discovery of a new dwarf galaxy, since there are currently no known HI-only galaxies. Based on very rough estimates, the majority of these candidates are expected between 300 kpc to 1 Mpc. Over these distances, the brightest associated stars will range in optical magnitude from r=22 to 24.5. Thus, the majority of these candidates are below the detection limits of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. To confirm and estimate more accurate distances, we request deep broad-band (g,r,i) imaging with the WIYN pODI camera reaching a limiting magnitude of r ~ 25. If we do not find stars associated with these HI candidates, the pODI observations will inform our ongoing and future multi-wavelength searches for Milky Way satellites. Confirmation of a single candidate may open a new era of dwarf galaxy searches.
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-0423 |
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