Search NASA⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Madore, Barry F.

Publications and source records attributed to Madore, Barry F..

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Coordinated JWST Imaging of Three Distance Indicators in a Supernova Host Galaxy and an Estimate of the Tip of the Red Giant Branch Color Dependence

Boasting a 6.5 m mirror in space, JWST can increase by several times the number of supernovae (SNe) to which a redshift-independent distance has been measured with a precision distance indicator (e.g., tip of the red giant branch (TRGB) or Cepheids); the limited number of such SN calibrators currently dominates the uncertainty budget in distance ladder Hubble constant (H 0 ) experiments. JWST/NIRCAM imaging of the Virgo Cluster galaxy NGC 4536 is used here to preview JWST program GO-1995, which aims to measure H 0 using three stellar distance indicators (Cepheids, TRGB, and J-branch asymptotic giant branch/carbon stars). Each population of distance indicator was here successfully detected—with sufficiently large number statistics, well-measured fluxes, and characteristic distributions consistent with ingoing expectations—so as to confirm that we can acquire distances from each method precise to about 0.05 mag (statistical uncertainty only). We leverage overlapping Hubble Space Telescope imaging to identify TRGB stars, crossmatch them with the JWST photometry, and present a preliminary constraint on the slope of the TRGB's F115W versus (F115W – F444W) relation equal to -0.99 ± 0.16 mag mag -1 . This slope is consistent with prior slope measurements in the similar Two Micron All-Sky Survey J band, as well as with predictions from the BaSTI isochrone suite. We use the new TRGB slope estimate to flatten the 2D TRGB feature and measure a (blinded) TRGB distance relative to a set of fiducial TRGB colors, intended to represent the absolute fiducial calibrations expected from geometric anchors such as NGC 4258 and the Magellanic Clouds. In doing so, we empirically demonstrate that the TRGB can be used as a standardizable candle at the IR wavelengths accessible with JWST.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS2016

The Carnegie Chicago Hubble Program: The Mid-Infrared Colours of Cepheids and the Effect of Metallicity on the CO Band-Head at 4.6 Micron

We compare mid-infrared (IR) 3.6 and 4.5 micron Warm Spitzer observations for Cepheids in the Milky Way and the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. Using models, we explore in detail the effect of the CO rotation-vibration band-head at 4.6 micron on the mid-IR photometry. We confirm the temperature sensitivity of the CO band-head at 4.6 micron and find no evidence for an effect at 3.6 micron. We compare the ([3.6]-[4.5]) period-colour relations in the MW, LMC and SMC. The slopes of the period-colour relations for the three galaxies are in good agreement, but there is a trend in zero-point with metallicity, with the lowest metallicity Cepheids having redder mid-IR colours. Finally, we present a colour-[Fe/H] relation based on published spectroscopic metallicities. This empirical relation, calibrated to the metallicity system of Genovali et al., demonstrates that the ([3.6]-[4.5]) colour provides a reliable metallicity indicator for Cepheids, with a precision comparable to current spectroscopic determinations.

Scowcroft, Victoria↗
NASA NTRS2016

The Carnegie Hubble Program: The Distance and Structure of the SMC as Revealed by Mid-Infrared Observations of Cepheids

Using Spitzer observations of classical Cepheids we have measured the true average distance modulus of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) to be18.96 +/- 0.01 stat +/- 0.03sys mag (corresponding to 62+/- 0.3kpc), which is 0.48 +/- 0.01 mag more distant than the LMC. This is in agreement with previous results from Cepheid observations, as well as with measurements from other indicators such as RR Lyrae stars and the tip of the red giant branch. Utilizing the properties of the mid-infrared Leavitt Law we measured precise distances to individual Cepheids in the SMC, and have confirmed that the galaxy is tilted and elongated such that its eastern side is up to20 kpc closer than its western side. This is in agreement with the results from red clump stars and dynamical simulations of the Magellanic Clouds and Stream.

Scowcroft, Victoria↗
NASA NTRS2013

Calibration of the Mid-Infrared Tully-Fisher Relation

Distance measures on a coherent scale around the sky are required to address the outstanding cosmological problemsof the Hubble constant and of departures from the mean cosmic flow. The correlation between galaxy luminositiesand rotation rates can be used to determine the distances to many thousands of galaxies in a wide range ofenvironments potentially out to 200 Mpc. Mid-infrared (3.6m) photometry with the Spitzer Space Telescope isparticularly valuable as a source of luminosities because it provides products of uniform quality across the sky.From a perch above the atmosphere, essentially the total magnitude of targets can be registered in exposures ofa few minutes. Extinction is minimal and the flux is dominated by the light from old stars, which is expected tocorrelate with the mass of the targets.In spite of the superior photometry, the correlation between mid-infrared luminosities and rotation rates extractedfrom neutral hydrogen profiles is slightly degraded from the correlation found with I-band luminosities. A colorcorrection recovers a correlation that provides comparable accuracy to that available at the I band (20 1in an individual distance) while retaining the advantages identified above. Without color correction, the relationbetween linewidth and [3.6] magnitudes is Mb,i,k,a [3.6] 20.34 9.74(logWimx 2.5). This description is foundwith a sample of 213 galaxies in 13 clusters that define the slope and 26 galaxies with Cepheid or tip of the red giant branch distances that define the zero point. A color-corrected parameter MC[3.6] is constructed that has reduced scatter: MC[3.6] 20.34 9.13(logWimx 2.5). Consideration of the seven calibration clusters beyond 50 Mpc, outside the domain of obvious peculiar velocities, provides a preliminary Hubble constant estimate of H0 74 4 km s1 Mpc1.

Mid-Infrared↗
NASA NTRS2013

The Carnegie Hubble Program: The Infrared Leavitt Law in IC 1613

We have observed the dwarf galaxy IC 1613 at multiple epochs in the midinfrared using Spitzer and the in the near-infrared using the new FourStar near-IR camera on Magellan. We have constructed Cepheid period luminosity relations in the J, H, Ks, [3.6] and [4.5] bands and have used the run of their apparent distance moduli as a function of wavelength to derive the line of sight reddening and distance to IC 1613. Using a nineband fit, we find E(BV ) = 0.050.01 mag and an extinction corrected distance modulus of 0 = 24.29 0.03statistical 0.03systematic mag. By comparing our multiband and [3.6] distance moduli to results from the tip of the red giant branch and red clump distance indicators, we find that metallicity has no measurable effect on Cepheid distances at 3.6 m in the metallicity range 1.0 [Fe/H] 0.2, hence derivations of the Hubble constant at this wavelength require no correction for metallicity.

Scowcroft, Victoria↗
NASA NTRS2012

Carnegie Hubble Program: A Mid-Infrared Calibration of the Hubble Constant

Using a mid-infrared calibration of the Cepheid distance scale based on recent observations at 3.6 micrometers with the Spitzer Space Telescope, we have obtained a new, high-accuracy calibration of the Hubble constant. We have established the mid-IR zero point of the Leavitt law (the Cepheid period-luminosity relation) using time-averaged 3.6 micrometers data for 10 high-metallicity, MilkyWay Cepheids having independently measured trigonometric parallaxes. We have adopted the slope of the PL relation using time-averaged 3.6micrometers data for 80 long-period Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) Cepheids falling in the period range 0.8 < log(P) < 1.8.We find a new reddening-corrected distance to the LMC of 18.477 +/- 0.033 (systematic) mag. We re-examine the systematic uncertainties in H(sub 0), also taking into account new data over the past decade. In combination with the new Spitzer calibration, the systematic uncertainty in H(sub 0) over that obtained by the Hubble Space Telescope Key Project has decreased by over a factor of three. Applying the Spitzer calibration to the Key Project sample, we find a value of H(sub 0) = 74.3 with a systematic uncertainty of +/-2.1 (systematic) kilometers per second Mpc(sup −1), corresponding to a 2.8% systematic uncertainty in the Hubble constant. This result, in combination with WMAP7measurements of the cosmic microwave background anisotropies and assuming a flat universe, yields a value of the equation of state for dark energy, w(sub 0) = −1.09 +/- 0.10. Alternatively, relaxing the constraints on flatness and the numbers of relativistic species, and combining our results with those of WMAP7, Type Ia supernovae and baryon acoustic oscillations yield w(sub 0) = −1.08 +/- 0.10 and a value of N(sub eff) = 4.13 +/- 0.67, mildly consistent with the existence of a fourth neutrino species.

Program↗
NASA NTRS2011

The Carnegie Hubble Program

We present an overview of and preliminary results from an ongoing comprehensive program that has a goal of determining the Hubble constant to a systematic accuracy of 2%. As part of this program, we are currently obtaining 3.6 micron data using the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) on Spitzer, and the program is designed to include JWST in the future. We demonstrate that the mid-infrared period-luminosity relation for Cepheids at 3.6 microns is the most accurate means of measuring Cepheid distances to date. At 3.6 microns, it is possible to minimize the known remaining systematic uncertainties in the Cepheid extragalactic distance scale. We discuss the advantages of 3.6 micron observations in minimizing systematic effects in the Cepheid calibration of the Hubble constant including the absolute zero point, extinction corrections, and the effects of metallicity on the colors and magnitudes of Cepheids. We are undertaking three independent tests of the sensitivity of the mid-IR Cepheid Leavitt Law to metallicity, which when combined will allow a robust constraint on the effect. Finally, we are providing a new mid-IR Tully-Fisher relation for spiral galaxies.

Freedman, Wendy L.↗
NASA NTRS2011

The Carnegie Hubble Program: The Leavitt Law at 3.6 microns and 4.5 microns in the Large Magellanic Cloud

The Carnegie Hubble Program (CHP) is designed to improve the extragalactic distance scale using data from the post-cryogenic era of Spitzer. The ultimate goal is a determination of the Hubble constant to an accuracy of 2%. This paper is the first in a series on the Cepheid population of the Large Magellanic Cloud, and focuses on the period-luminosity relations (Leavitt laws) that will be used, in conjunction with observations of Milky Way Cepheids, to set the slope and zero-point of the Cepheid distance scale in the mid-infrared. To this end, we have obtained uniformly-sampled light curves for 85 LMC Cepheids, having periods between 6 and 140 days. Period- luminosity and period-color relations are presented in the 3.6 micron and 4.5 micron bands. We demonstrate that the 3.6 micron band is a superb distance indicator. The cyclical variation of the [3.6]-[4.5] color has been measured for the first time. We attribute the amplitude and phase of the color curves to the dissociation and recombination of CO molecules in the Cepheid s atmosphere. The CO affects only the 4.5 micron flux making it a potential metallicity indicator.

Scowcroft, Victoria↗
NASA NTRS1997

Hipparcos Parallaxes and the Cepheid Distance Scale

Hipparcos parallaxes have recently become available for a sample of Galactic Cepheids. We have used these new distances to calibrate the Cepheid period-luminosity (PL) relation at six wavelengths (BVIJHK).

Hipparcos Parallaxes Cepheid Multiwavelength↗
NASA NTRS1996

The HST Key Project on the Extragalactic Distance Scale VI. The Cepheids in NGC925

We report the detection of Cepheid Variable stars in the barred spiral galaxy NGC925, using the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2). Twelve V (F555W), four I (F814W) and three B (F439W) epochs of cosmic ray split observations were obtained. Eighty Cepheids were discovered, with periods from 6 to +-80 days. Light curves of the Cepheids are presented, and their corresponding period-luminosity diagrams are discussed.

Cepheids Cepheid Cepheid Variable stars barred spi↗
NASA NTRS1995

The tip of the red giant branch as a distance indicator for resolved galaxies. 2: Computer simulations

Based on both empirical data for the nearby galaxies, and on computer simulations, we show that measuring the position of the tip of the first-ascent red-giant branch provides a means of obtaining the distances to nearby galaxies with a precision and accuracy comparable to using Cepheids and/or RR Lyrae variables. We present an analysis of synthetic I vs (V-I) color magnitude diagrams of Population 2 systems to investigate the use of the observed discontinuity in the I-band luminosity function as a primary distance indicator. In the simulations we quantify the effects (1) signal to noise, (2) crowding, (3) population size, and (4) non-giant-branch-star contamination, on the method adopted for detecting the discontinuity,, measuring its luminosity, and estimating its uncertainity. We discuss sources of systematic error in the context of observable parameters, such as the signal-to-noise ratio and/or surface brightness. The simulations are then scaled to observed color-magnitude diagrams. It is concluded, that from the ground the tip of the red-giant-branch method can be sucessfully used to determine distances accurate to +/- 10% for galaxies out to 3 Mpc (mu approximately 27.5 mag); and from space a factor of four further in distance (mu approximately 30.6 mag) can be reached using HST. This method can be applied whereever a metal-poor population (-2.0 less than Z less than -0.7) of red-giant stars is detected (whose age is in the range 7-17 Gyr), whether that population resides in the halo of a spiral galaxy, the extended outer disk of a dwarf irregular, or in the outer periphery of an elliptical galaxy.

Madore, Barry F.↗
NASA NTRS1994

First Hubble Space Telescope observations of the brightest stars in the Virgo galaxy M100 = NGC 4321

As part of both the Early Release Observations from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and the Key Project on the Extragalactic Distance Scale, we have obtained multiwavelength BVR Wide Field/Planetary Camera-2 (WFPC2) images for the face-on Virgo cluster spiral galaxy M100 = NGC 4321. We report here preliminary results from those observations, in the form of a color-magnitude diagram for approximately 11,500 stars down to V approximately 27 mag and a luminosity function for the brightest blue stars which is found to have a slope of 0.7, in excellent agreement with previous results obtained for significantly nearer galaxies. With the increased resolution now available using WFPC2, the number of galaxies in which we can directly measure Population I stars and thereby quantify the recent evolution, as well as test stellar evolution theory, has dramatically increased by at least a factor of 100. Finally, we find that the stars are present in M100 at the colors and luminosities expected for the brightest Cepheid variables in galaxies.

Freedman, Wendy L.↗
NASA NTRS1994

(abstract) Galaxy Morphology in the Digital Era

A Galaxy Reconstruction Program (GREP) is to be described. Using structural primitives related to galactic structural components, it is demonstrated that realistic galaxy images can be produced. By assigning spectral energy distributions to each of these primitives, the images can be mapped into other wavelengths and thereby viewed at alternate redshifts. This is essentially a method for producing spatially resolved K-corrections for spiral galaxies.

galaxies images spiral galaxies GREP↗
NASA NTRS1994

The initial mass function for massive stars in the Magellanic Clouds. 2: Interstellar reddening toward 14 OB associations

We have used UBV CCD photometry to determine the interstellar reddening toward 14 OB associations in the Magellanic Clouds. The two reddening-free indices available in the UBV system were used to obtain the reddening estimates. The mean color excesses of the associations range from E(B-V) = 0.01-0.26 mag in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and from E(B-V) = 0.06-0.25 mag in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). We have modeled the observed scatter in the color excesses of individual stars within the associations and find that statisically significant differential reddening exists in at least some of the associations.

Hill, Robert J.↗
NASA NTRS1994

The initial mass function for massive stars in the Magellanic Clouds. 3: Luminosity and mass functions for 14 OB associations

We have used UBV photometry of stars in 14 associations in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds (LMC/SMS) (Hill, Madore, & Freedman) to derive luminosity and mass functions for the most massive stars. The main-sequence luminosity functions for the associations are quite similar, having an average slope of s = 0.03 +/- 0.06. The mass functions for the associations have slopes that span similar ranges about a common mean for both the LMC and SMC and there is no strong evidence for a significant variation in the slopes from one association to another. Accordingly, metal abundance does not appear to have a strong effect on the initial mass function (IMF), at least for the range in metallicity observed between the Magellanic Clouds. The average slope of the IMF for the Magellanic Cloud associations is Gamma = -2.0 +/- 0.5 for M greater than 9 Solar Masses. The range in the derived slopes is more likely due to the large uncertainties associated with the calculations of the mass functions, rather than to real variations in the IMF. There may be some evidence for a decrease in the slope of the IMF at masses below 9 Solar Masses, but incompleteness and the larger photometric errors associated with the faintest stars make this conclusion tentative.

Hill, Robert J.↗