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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1990

Viral coefficient and hidden mass in the galaxy groups

The purpose is the verification of the virial mass estimations for small galaxy groups. The dynamical evolution of triple and quintuple galaxies was studied by the numerical simulations. The dependence of the virial coefficient k(t) versus time was derived. Initial k(O) = O. The function k(t) has some strong oscillations from 0.02 to 0.99. Generally, these oscillations are quasiperiodical ones. Such a behavior of k(t) is caused by formation in a system of close isolated temporary double subsystems. A strong correlation between the virial coefficient and the least mutual distance in the system is observed. Such wide oscillations may add into the estimation of virial mass of the galaxy groups an uncertainty of more than one order. An additional uncertainty is introduced by the projection effect. This uncertainty for the individual estimations of the masses approach three orders. Thus any individual estimation of the virial mass is impossible for small galaxy groups. Some possibility of statistical estimation (median or average) of the total mass, including a hidden mass, is shown for the homogeneous samples. The authors propose a method for these estimations based on a comparison of the medians of dynamical parameters (a mean size in projection and a dispersion of relative radial velocities) for the simulated and observed ensembles of the galaxy groups. This method has been applied to a sample of 46 probably physical triplets of galaxies. The probable median of the hidden mass in a volume of the triplet is about 4 M, where M is the total mass of visible matter.

Anosova, Joanna P.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Galaxy Group Stephan's Quintet Video File HubbleMinute: Battle Royale in Stephan's Quintet

The Hubble Space Telescope's closeup view of Stephan's Quintet, a group of five galaxies, reveals a string of brighter star clusters that separate like a diamond necklace. Astronomers studying the compact galaxy group Stephan's Quintet have seen creative destruction in the many collisions taking place among its galaxies. This HubbleMinute discusses what astronomers are learning and hope to learn from exploring the quintet.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2016

The Ultraviolet and Infrared Star Formation Rates of Compact Group Galaxies: An Expanded Sample

Compact groups of galaxies provide insight into the role of low-mass, dense environments in galaxy evolution because the low velocity dispersions and close proximity of galaxy members result in frequent interactions that take place over extended time-scales. We expand the census of star formation in compact group galaxies by Tzanavaris et al. (2010) and collaborators with Swift UVOT, Spitzer IRAC and MIPS 24 m photometry of a sample of 183 galaxies in 46 compact groups. After correcting luminosities for the contribution from old stellar populations, we estimate the dust-unobscured star formation rate (SFRUV) using the UVOT uvw2 photometry. Similarly, we use the MIPS 24 m photometry to estimate the component of the SFR that is obscured by dust (SFRIR). We find that galaxies which are MIR-active (MIR-red), also have bluer UV colours, higher specific SFRs, and tend to lie in Hi-rich groups, while galaxies that are MIR-inactive (MIR-blue) have redder UV colours, lower specific SFRs, and tend to lie in Hi-poor groups. We find the SFRs to be continuously distributed with a peak at about 1 M yr1, indicating this might be the most common value in compact groups. In contrast, the specific SFR distribution is bimodal, and there is a clear distinction between star-forming and quiescent galaxies. Overall, our results suggest that the specific SFR is the best tracer of gas depletion and galaxy evolution in compact groups.

galaxies: star formation↗
NASA NTRS2013

Stellar Populations in Compact Galaxy Groups: a Multi-wavelength Study of HCGs 16, 22, and 42, Their Star Clusters, and Dwarf Galaxies

We present a multi-wavelength analysis of three compact galaxy groups, Hickson compact groups (HCGs) 16, 22, and 42, which describe a sequence in terms of gas richness, from space- (Swift, Hubble Space Telescope (HST), and Spitzer) and ground-based (Las Campanas Observatory and Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory) imaging and spectroscopy.We study various signs of past interactions including a faint, dusty tidal feature about HCG 16A, which we tentatively age-date at <1 Gyr. This represents the possible detection of a tidal feature at the end of its phase of optical observability. Our HST images also resolve what were thought to be double nuclei in HCG 16C and D into multiple, distinct sources, likely to be star clusters. Beyond our phenomenological treatment, we focus primarily on contrasting the stellar populations across these three groups. The star clusters show a remarkable intermediate-age population in HCG 22, and identify the time at which star formation was quenched in HCG 42. We also search for dwarf galaxies at accordant redshifts. The inclusion of 33 members and 27 "associates" (possible members) radically changes group dynamical masses, which in turn may affect previous evolutionary classifications. The extended membership paints a picture of relative isolation in HCGs 16 and 22, but shows HCG 42 to be part of a larger structure, following a dichotomy expected from recent studies. We conclude that (1) star cluster populations provide an excellent metric of evolutionary state, as they can age-date the past epochs of star formation; and (2) the extended dwarf galaxy population must be considered in assessing the dynamical state of a compact group.

Compact Galaxy↗
NASA NTRS1973

A study of galaxy groups and clusters - The case for a clumpy intergalactic medium.

A nonuniform model for a dense intergalactic medium is constructed under the assumption that all groups and clusters of galaxies are gravitationally bound by ionized gas. Catalogs by de Vaucouleurs and Abell are utilized to provide an almost complete sample of the spatial distribution of groups and clusters over a wide range of richness, and a distribution function is derived for galaxy groups and clusters as a function of velocity dispersion. A simple scaling law is applied to predict velocity dispersions for the very rich Abell clusters. Thermal bremsstrahlung emission from the intracluster gas accounts for the observed emission over 2 to 10 keV from several rich clusters, and also contributes up to 20% of the diffuse X-ray background over a considerable fraction of the observed range. The amount of X-ray emitting gas is restricted to a small fraction of the virial mass, with the remainder of the binding mass present as cooler ionized clouds. Available soft X-ray and ultraviolet diffuse background observations are used to define a narrow range of permissible temperatures and densities for these clouds.

Silk, J.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Exploring X-Ray Binary Populations in Compact Group Galaxies With Chandra

We obtain total galaxy X-ray luminosities, LX, originating from individually detected point sources in a sample of 47 galaxies in 15 compact groups of galaxies (CGs). For the great majority of our galaxies, we find that the detected point sources most likely are local to their associated galaxy, and are thus extragalactic X-ray binaries (XRBs) or nuclear active galactic nuclei (AGNs). For spiral and irregular galaxies, we find that, after accounting for AGNs and nuclear sources, most CG galaxies are either within the +/-1σ scatter of the Mineo et al. LX-star formation rate (SFR) correlation or have higher LX than predicted by this correlation for their SFR. We discuss how these "excesses" may be due to low metallicities and high interaction levels. For elliptical and S0 galaxies, after accounting for AGNs and nuclear sources, most CG galaxies are consistent with the Boroson et al. LX-stellar mass correlation for low-mass XRBs, with larger scatter, likely due to residual effects such as AGN activity or hot gas. Assuming non-nuclear sources are low- or high-mass XRBs, we use appropriate XRB luminosity functions to estimate the probability that stochastic effects can lead to such extreme LX values. We find that, although stochastic effects do not in general appear to be important, for some galaxies there is a significant probability that high LX values can be observed due to strong XRB variability.

X-rays: binaries↗
NASA NTRS2003

XMM-Newton and Chandra Observations of the Galaxy Group NGC 5044: Evidence for Limited Multiphase Hot Gas - 1

Using new XMM and Chandra observations, we present an analysis of the temperature structure of the hot gas within a radius of 100 kpc of the bright nearby galaxy group NGC 5044. A spectral deprojection analysis of data extracted from circular annuli reveals that a two-temperature model (2T) of the hot gas is favored over single-phase or cooling flow (M = 4.5 +/- 0.2 solar mass/yr) models within the central approx.30 kpc. Alternatively, the data can be fitted equally well if the temperature within each spherical shell varies continuously from approx.T(sub h) to T(sub c) approx. T(sub h)/2, but no lower. The high spatial resolution of the Chandra data allows us to determine that the temperature excursion T(sub h) approaches T(sub c) required in each shell exceeds the temperature range between the boundaries of the same shell in the best-fitting single-phase model. This is strong evidence for a multiphase gas having a limited temperature range. We do not find any evidence that azimuthal temperature variations within each annulus on the sky can account for the range in temperatures within each shell. We provide a detailed investigation of the systematic errors on the derived spectral models considering the effects of calibration, plasma codes, bandwidth, variable NH, and background rate. We find that the RGS gratings and the EPIC and ACIS CCDs give fully consistent results when the same models are fitted over the same energy ranges for each instrument. The cooler component of the 2T model has a temperature (T(sub c) approx. 0.7 keV) similar to the kinetic temperature of the stars. The hot phase has a temperature (T(sub h) approx. 1.4 keV) characteristic of the virial temperature of the solar mass halo expected in the NGC 5044 group. However, in view of the morphological disturbances and X-ray holes visible in the Chandra image within R approx. equals 10 kpc, bubbles of gas heated to approx.T(sub h) in this region may be formed by intermittent AGN feedback. Some additional heating at larger radii may be associated with the evolution of the cold front near R approx. 50 kpc, as suggested by the sharp edge in the EPIC images. Subject headings: cooling flows - galaxies: formation - galaxies: halos - intergalactic medium - X-rays: galaxies: clusters

Buote, David A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Estimated number of field stars toward Galactic globular clusters and Local Group Galaxies

Field star densities are estimated for 89 fields with /b/ greater than 10 degrees based on the Galaxy model of Bahcall and Soneira (1980, 1984; Bahcall et al. 1985). Calculated tables are presented for 76 of the fields toward Galactic globular clusters, and 16 Local Group Galaxies in 13 fields. The estimates can be used as an initial guide for planning both ground-based and Space Telescope observations of globular clusters at intermediate-to-high Galactic latitudes.

Ratnatunga, K. U.↗
NASA NTRS1991

New Cepheid distances to nearby galaxies based on BVRI CCD photometry. II - The local group galaxy M33

A true distance modulus to the nearby spiral galaxy M33 has been determined based on CCD photometry obtained at BVRI wavelengths. M33 is presently one of five nearby galaxies used in the calibration of the IR Tully-Fisher relation, and thereby in the determination of the Hubble constant. Using period-luminosity relations at several wavelengths offers the advantage that the distance moduli derived can be corrected for the effects of interstellar extinction. These data indicate that there is internal reddening affecting the Cepheid photometry in M33 which must be accounted for if a true distance modulus is to be obtained for this galaxy. Adopting a true distance modulus to the LMC of 18.5 mag, the new CCD data yield a true distance to M33 of 24.64 + or - 0.09 mag, corresponding to a linear distance of 840 kpc. A mean value of the total color excess (foreground and internal) for the Cepheids in M33 is estimated to be E(B - V) = 0.10 + or - 0.09 mag, assuming a value for the total mean LMC Cepheid color excess of 0.10 mag.

Freedman, Wendy L.↗
NASA NTRS1994

The Reddening law outside the local group galaxies: The case of NGC 7552 and NGC 5236

The dust reddening law from the UV to the near-IR for the extended regions of galaxies is here derived from the spectral distributions of the starburst spiral galaxies NGC 7552 and NGC 5236. The centers of these galaxies have similar absorption and emission line spectra, differing only if the strength of their interstellar lines and in the continuum distribution, with NGC 7552 appearing more reddened than NGC 5236. The disk of NGC 7552 is more inclined, and there is evidence that its center is observed through additional foreground dust and gas clouds, as compared to the center of NGC 5236. While the galaxies can be expected to have similar dust content, they are known to have different dust path lengths to our line of sight. Therefore, differences in the shape of the spectra can be attributed mainly to the effects of dust, allowing us to probe for the first time the properties of the reddening law outside the local group of galaxies. We derive the reddening law based on the optical depth of the emission line of H Alpha and H Beta and also based on the continuum distribtuion. We find that the optical depth from the emission line regions are about twice the optical depth of the continuum regions. Thus, dereddening a starburst galaxy by scaling the Milky Way reddening laws to optical depths obtained from the H Alpha/H Beta line ratio overcompensates for the effect of dust.

Kinney, Anne L.↗
NASA NTRS1990

H I studies of the sculptor group galaxies

Results from large-scale mapping of the H I gas in the Sculptor group are presented. From this kinematic analysis, a mean global (M/L sub B) approx. equals 9 solar maximum/solar luminosity (at the last observed velocity point) is found for the individual galaxies. This is only a factor approx. 10 smaller than the (M/L sub B) dyn approx. equals 90 solar maximum/solar luminosity derived from a dynamical study of the whole group. The parameters derived from the mass models suggest that most of the unseen matter has to be concentrated around the luminous galaxies. Under the assumption that the Sculptor group is a virialized system and that all the mass is associated with the galaxies, an upper limit of approx. 40 kpc is derived for the size of the dark halos present in the five late-type spirals of the group.

Carignan, Claude↗
NASA NTRS1990

A classification of the galaxy groups

A statistical criterion has been proposed to reveal the random and physical clusterings among stars, galaxies and other objects. This criterion has been applied to the galaxy triples of the list by Karachentseva, Karaschentsev and Scherbanovsky, and the double galaxies of the list by Dahari where the primary components are the Seyfert galaxies. The confident physical, probable physical, probable optical and confident optical groups have been identified. The limit difference of radial velocities of components for the confident physical multiple galaxies has also been estimated.

Anosova, Joanna P.↗
NASA NTRS1991

UGC-A86 - A local group galaxy candidate

Deep CCD images were obtained for the object UGC-A86, an object identified on the Palomar Observatory Sky Survey, and listed in the Addendum of the UGC. Two objects are revealed at this location: perhaps a chance superposition in the sky of two galaxies at different distances or two interacting galaxies, or two components of the same galaxy. The brighter component is well resolved into stars, and a color-magnitude diagram has been obtained for it. Interpretation of the color-magnitude diagram is somewhat ambiguous, but it seems very likely that this galaxy is a dwarf member of the Local Group.

Saha, A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

A revised catalog of CfA galaxy groups in the Virgo/Great Attractor flow field

A new identification of groups and clusters in the CfAl Catalog of Huchra, et al. (1983) is presented, using a percolation algorithm to identify density enhancements. The procedure differs from that of the original Geller and Huchra (1983; GH) catalog in several important respects; galaxy distances are calculated from the Virgo-Great Attractor flow model of Faber and Burnstein (1988), the adopted distance linkage criteria is only approx. 1/4 as large as in the Geller and Huchra catalog, the sky link relation is taken from Nolthenius and White (1987), correction for interstellar extinction is included, and 'by-hand' adjustments to group memberships are made in the complex regions of Virgo/Coma I/Ursa Major and Coma/A1367 (to allow for varying group velocity dispersions and to trim unphysical 'spider arms'). Since flow model distances are poorly determined in these same regions, available distances from the IR Tully-Fisher planetary nebula luminosity function and surface brightness resolution methods are adopted if possible.

Nolthenius, Richard↗
NASA NTRS1990

RR Lyrae stars in local group galaxies. II - NGC 147

Deep CCD images of NGC 147 taken with the '4-shooter' on the Hale 5 m telescope have been processed to find and photometrically measure RR Lyrae stars. 36 variable stars have been found, of which 32 are surmised to be RR Lyrae stars. Finding charts, periods, and light curves are presented. The mean magnitude of the RR Lyraes is determined to be 25.25 mag. A distance modulus 23.92 is derived, based on the best currently available values of foreground extinction and mean absolute magnitudes of RR Lyrae stars. A wide range of periods is seen for the RR Lyrae stars, indicating a correspondingly wide range of metallicities for the stars in NGC 147. The distance modulus derived here places NGC 147 at a distance of 154 kpc from the center of M31, and in conjunction with the line sight velocities of these two galaxies, this implies a lower limit of 7.2 x 10 to the 11th solar masses for the mass of M31.

Saha, A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

RR Lyrae stars in local group galaxies. I - NGC 185

Deep CCD images of NGC 185 taken with the '4-shooter' on the Hale 5-m telescope have been processed to find and photometrically measure RR Lyrae stars. 176 variable stars have been found, of which 151 are surmised to be RR Lyrae stars. Finding charts, periods, and light curves are presented. The RR Lyrae stars in this galaxy have a very wide distribution of periods indicating a wide range of metallicity. The mean magnitudes of the RR Lyraes is determined to be 25.20 mag. A distance modulus of 23.79 is derived, based on the best currently available values of foreground extinction and mean absolute magnitudes of RR Lyrae stars.

Saha, A.↗