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Intergalactic Star Formation in
Tidal Dwarf Galaxies of M81
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We propose to extend the area of existing Spitzer M81 observations to
include the coordinates of these recently discovered tidal dwarf galaxies
(TDGs). This will allow us to compare stellar formation in young TDGs
with the disc of M81 to determine if the process of star formation
differs in debris tails. The close proximity of M81 (3.6 Mpc: Freedman
et al, 2001) makes these particular TDGs an ideal target for the study of
the formation of stars due to galactic interaction. If metallicity in
this area is low it could be analogous to stellar formation in the early
universe. This would then be a unique opportunity to study early universe
stellar conditions in a region of low redshift.
This proposal will compare stellar formation conditions in TDGs and
galactic discs. We propose to use IRAC's capabilities to look for PAH
emission, indicating the presence of dust in the debris tails. The
mid-IR capabilities of MIPS will provide the thermal properties of this
dust.
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Lead Teacher:
Theresa Roelofsen
Bassick High School, Bridgeport, CT
Participating Teachers:
Babs Sepulveda
Lincoln High School, Stockton, CA
Tim Spuck
Oil City Area Sr. High School, Oil City, PA
Linda Stefaniak
Allentown High School, Allentown, NJ
Cynthia Weehler
Luther Burbank High School, San Antonio, TX
Support Scientists:
Varoujan Gorjian
JPL/Spitzer Science Center, Pasadena, CA
John Feldmeier
National Optical Astronomical Observatory, Tucson, AZ
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Proposal News
Work Summary:
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
July 2005
May 2005 - pdf file
April 2005 - pdf file
March 2005 - pdf file
Proposal - pdf file
AOR - pdf file
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Proposed Observation Time:
IRAC Mapping to look for PAH emission indicating presence of dust in the debris tails
IRAC: 3.6 microns (12 x 12 sec exposures)
4.5 microns (12 x 12 sec exposures)
5.8 microns (12 x 12 sec exposures)
8.0 microns (12 x 12 sec exposures)
Total IRAC time = 288 seconds plus overhead and slew time = 751.3 seconds
MIPS Photometry provide thermal properties of this dust
MIPS: 24 microns (3 sec exposures x 4 cycles)
70 microns (3 sec exposure x 4 cycles)
Total MIPS time = 212 seconds plus overhead = 744.7 seconds
Total observing Time = 1496 seconds (25 minutes)
Visibility:
M81 and nearby dwarf galaxies are visible in 66 day windows of opportunity
2005 Mar 06 through May 11
2005 Oct 22 through Dec 29
2006 Mar 14 through May 19
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