arXiv subjects

A. R. Martel

Publications and source records attributed to A. R. Martel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2007

Principal Component Analysis of the Time- and Position-Dependent Point Spread Function of the Advanced Camera for Surveys

We describe the time- and position-dependent point spread function (PSF) variation of the Wide Field Channel (WFC) of the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) with the principal component analysis (PCA) technique. The time-dependent change is caused by the temporal variation of the $HST$ focus whereas the position-dependent PSF variation in ACS/WFC at a given focus is mainly the result of changes in aberrations and charge diffusion across the detector, which appear as position-dependent changes in elongation of the astigmatic core and blurring of the PSF, respectively. Using >400 archival images of star cluster fields, we construct a ACS PSF library covering diverse environments of the $HST$ observations (e.g., focus values). We find that interpolation of a small number ($\sim20$) of principal components or ``eigen-PSFs'' per exposure can robustly reproduce the observed variation of the ellipticity and size of the PSF. Our primary interest in this investigation is the application of this PSF library to precision weak-lensing analyses, where accurate knowledge of the instrument's PSF is crucial. However, the high-fidelity of the model judged from the nice agreement with observed PSFs suggests that the model is potentially also useful in other applications such as crowded field stellar photometry, galaxy profile fitting, AGN studies, etc., which similarly demand a fair knowledge of the PSFs at objects' locations. Our PSF models, applicable to any WFC image rectified with the Lanczos3 kernel, are publicly available.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2007

Discovery of a Ringlike Dark Matter Structure in the Core of the Galaxy Cluster Cl 0024+17

We present a comprehensive mass reconstruction of the rich galaxy cluster Cl 0024+17 at z~0.4 from ACS data, unifying both strong- and weak-lensing constraints. The weak-lensing signal from a dense distribution of background galaxies (~120 per square arcmin) across the cluster enables the derivation of a high-resolution parameter-free mass map. The strongly-lensed objects tightly constrain the mass structure of the cluster inner region on an absolute scale, breaking the mass-sheet degeneracy. The mass reconstruction of Cl 0024+17 obtained in such a way is remarkable. It reveals a ringlike dark matter substructure at r~75" surrounding a soft, dense core at r~50". We interpret this peculiar sub-structure as the result of a high-speed line-of-sight collision of two massive clusters 1-2 Gyr ago. Such an event is also indicated by the cluster velocity distribution. Our numerical simulation with purely collisionless particles demonstrates that such density ripples can arise by radially expanding, decelerating particles that originally comprised the pre-collision cores. Cl 0024+17 can be likened to the bullet cluster 1E0657-56, but viewed $along$ the collision axis at a much later epoch. In addition, we show that the long-standing mass discrepancy for Cl 0024+17 between X-ray and lensing can be resolved by treating the cluster X-ray emission as coming from a superposition of two X-ray systems. The cluster's unusual X-ray surface brightness profile that requires a two isothermal sphere description supports this hypothesis.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2006

HST/ACS Multiband Coronagraphic Imaging of the Debris Disk around Beta Pictoris

(Abridged.) We present F435W (B), F606W (Broad V), and F814W (Broad I) coronagraphic images of the debris disk around Beta Pictoris obtained with HST's Advanced Camera for Surveys. We confirm that the previously reported warp in the inner disk is a distinct secondary disk inclined by ~5 deg from the main disk. The main disk's northeast extension is linear from 80 to 250 AU, but the southwest extension is distinctly bowed with an amplitude of ~1 AU over the same region. Both extensions of the secondary disk appear linear, but not collinear, from 80 to 150 AU. Within ~120 AU of the star, the main disk is ~50% thinner than previously reported. The surface-brightness profiles along the spine of the main disk are fitted with four distinct radial power laws between 40 and 250 AU, while those of the secondary disk between 80 and 150 AU are fitted with single power laws. These discrepancies suggest that the two disks have different grain compositions or size distributions. The F606W/F435W and F814W/F435W flux ratios of the composite disk are nonuniform and asymmetric about both projected axes of the disk. Within ~120 AU, the m_F435W-m_F606W and m_F435W-m_F814W colors along the spine of the main disk are ~10% and ~20% redder, respectively, than those of Beta Pic. These colors increasingly redden beyond ~120 AU, becoming 25% and 40% redder, respectively, than the star at 250 AU. We compare the observed red colors within ~120 AU with the simulated colors of non-icy grains having a radial number density ~r^-3 and different compositions, porosities, and minimum grain sizes. The observed colors are consistent with those of compact or moderately porous grains of astronomical silicate and/or graphite with sizes >0.15-0.20 um, but the colors are inconsistent with the blue colors expected from grains with porosities >90%.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2006

Evolution of the Color-Magnitude Relation in High-Redshift Clusters: Blue Early-Type Galaxies and Red Pairs in RDCS J0910+5422

The color-magnitude relation has been determined for the RDCS J0910+5422 cluster of galaxies at redshift z = 1.106. Cluster members were selected from HST ACS images, combined with ground--based near--IR imaging and optical spectroscopy. The observed early--type color--magnitude relation (CMR) in (i_775 -z_850) versus z_850 shows intrinsic scatters in color of 0.042 +/- 0.010 mag and 0.044 +/- 0.020 mag for ellipticals and S0s, respectively. From the scatter about the CMR, a mean luminosity--weighted age t > 3.3 Gyr (z > 3) is derived for the elliptical galaxies. Strikingly, the S0 galaxies in RDCS J0910+5422 are systematically bluer in (i_775 - z_850) by 0.07 +/- 0.02 mag, with respect to the ellipticals. The ellipticity distribution as a function of color indicates that the face-on S0s in this particular cluster have likely been classified as elliptical. Thus, if anything, the offset in color between the elliptical and S0 populations may be even more significant. The color offset between S0 and E corresponds to an age difference of ~1 Gyr, for a single-burst solar metallicity model. A solar metallicity model with an exponential decay in star formation will reproduce the offset for an age of 3.5 Gyr, i.e. the S0s have evolved gradually from star forming progenitors. The early--type population in this cluster appears to be still forming. The blue early-type disk galaxies in RDCS J0910+5422 likely represent the direct progenitors of the more evolved S0s that follow the same red sequence as ellipticals in other clusters. Thirteen red galaxy pairs are observed and the galaxies associated in pairs constitute ~40% of the CMR galaxies in this cluster.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2005

An Overdensity of Galaxies near the Most Distant Radio-Loud Quasar

A five square arcminute region around the luminous radio-loud quasar SDSS J0836+0054 (z=5.8) hosts a wealth of associated galaxies, characterized by very red (1.3 < i_775 - z_{850} < 2.0) color. The surface density of these z~5.8 candidates is approximately six times higher than the number expected from deep ACS fields. This is one of the highest galaxy overdensities at high redshifts, which may develop into a group or cluster. We also find evidence for a substructure associated with one of the candidates. It has two very faint companion objects within two arcseconds, which are likely to merge. The finding supports the results of a recent simulation that luminous quasars at high redshifts lie on the most prominent dark-matter filaments and are surrounded by many fainter galaxies. The quasar activity from these regions may signal the buildup of a massive system.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2005

Clustering of Star-forming Galaxies Near a Radio Galaxy at z=5.2

We present HST/ACS observations of the most distant radio galaxy known, TN J0924-2201 at z=5.2. This radio galaxy has 6 spectroscopically confirmed Lya emitting companion galaxies, and appears to lie within an overdense region. The radio galaxy is marginally resolved in i_775 and z_850 showing continuum emission aligned with the radio axis, similar to what is observed for lower redshift radio galaxies. Both the half-light radius and the UV star formation rate are comparable to the typical values found for Lyman break galaxies at z~4-5. The Lya emitters are sub-L* galaxies, with deduced star formation rates of 1-10 Msun/yr. One of the Lya emitters is only detected in Lya. Based on the star formation rate of ~3 Msun/yr calculated from Lya, the lack of continuum emission could be explained if the galaxy is younger than ~2 Myr and is producing its first stars. Observations in V_606, i_775, and z_850 were used to identify additional Lyman break galaxies associated with this structure. In addition to the radio galaxy, there are 22 V-break (z~5) galaxies with z_850<26.5 (5sigma), two of which are also in the spectroscopic sample. We compare the surface density of 2/arcmin^2 to that of similarly selected V-dropouts extracted from GOODS and the UDF Parallel fields. We find evidence for an overdensity to very high confidence (>99%), based on a counts-in-cells analysis applied to the control field. The excess is suggestive of the V-break objects being associated with a forming cluster around the radio galaxy.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2005

HST/ACS Images of the GG Tauri Circumbinary Disk

Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys images of the young binary GG Tauri and its circumbinary disk in V and I bandpasses were obtained in 2002 and are the most detailed of this system to date. The confirm features previously seen in the disk including: a "gap" apparently caused by shadowing from circumstellar material; an asymmetrical distribution of light about the line of sight on the near edge of the disk; enhanced brightness along the near edge of the disk due to forward scattering; and a compact reflection nebula near the secondary star. New features are seen in the ACS images: two short filaments along the disk; localized but strong variations in disk intensity ("gaplets"); and a "spur" or filament extending from the reflection nebulosity near the secondary. The back side of the disk is detected in the V band for the first time. The disk appears redder than the combined light from the stars, which may be explained by a varied distribution of grain sizes. The brightness asymmetries along the disk suggest that it is asymmetrically illuminated by the stars due to extinction by nonuniform circumstellar material or the illuminated surface of the disk is warped by tidal effects (or perhaps both). Localized, time-dependent brightness variations in the disk are also seen.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2005

The Photometric Performance and Calibration of the HST Advanced Camera For Surveys

We present the photometric calibration of the HST Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS). We give here an overview of the performance and calibration of the 2 CCD cameras, the Wide Field Channel (WFC) and the High Resolution Channel (HRC), and a description of the best techniques for reducing ACS CCD data. On-orbit observations of spectrophotometric standard stars have been used to revise the pre-launch estimate of the instrument response curves to best match predicted and observed count rates. Synthetic photometry has been used to determine zeropoints for all filters in 3 magnitude systems and to derive interstellar extinction values for the ACS photometric systems. Due to the CCD internal scattering of long wavelength photons, the width of the PSF increases significantly in the near-IR and the aperture correction for photometry with near-IR filters depends on the spectral energy distribution of the source. We provide encircled energy curves and a detailed recipe to correct for the latter effect. Transformations between the ACS photometric systems and the UBVRI and WFPC2 systems are presented. In general, two sets of transformations are available: 1 based on the observation of 2 star clusters; the other on synthetic photometry. We discuss the accuracy of these transformations and their sensitivity to details of the spectra being transformed. Initial signs of detector degradation due to the HST radiative environment are already visible. We discuss the impact on the data in terms of dark rate increase, charge transfer inefficiency, and hot pixel population.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2005

Feedback and Brightest Cluster Galaxy Formation: ACS Observations of the Radio Galaxy TN J1338--1942 at z=4.1

We present deep optical imaging of the z=4.1 radio galaxy TN J1338--1942 obtained using the ACS on-board HST. The radio galaxy is known to reside within a large galaxy overdensity (both in physical extent and density contrast). There is good evidence that this `protocluster' region is the progenitor of a present-day rich galaxy cluster. TN J1338 is the dominant galaxy in the protocluster, in terms of size and luminosity and therefore seems destined to evolve into the brightest cluster galaxy. The high spatial-resolution ACS images reveal several kpc-scale features within and around the radio galaxy. The continuum light is aligned with the radio axis and is resolved into two clumps in the i-band and z-band bands. These components have luminosities ~10^9 L_sun and sizes of a few kpc. The estimated star-formation rate for the whole radio galaxy is ~200 M_sun/yr. A simple model in which the jet has triggered star-formation in these continuum knots is consistent with the available data. An unusual feature is seen in Lyman-alpha emission. A wedge-shaped extension emanates from the radio galaxy perpendicularly to the radio axis. This `wedge' naturally connects to the surrounding, asymmetric, large-scale (~100 kpc) Lyman-alpha halo. We posit that the wedge is a starburst-driven superwind, associated with the first major epoch of formation of the brightest cluster galaxy. The shock and wedge are examples of feedback processes due to both AGN and star-formation in the earliest stages of massive galaxy formation.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2005

A Dynamical Simulation of the Debris Disk Around HD 141569A

We study the dynamical origin of the structures observed in the scattered-light images of the resolved debris disk around HD 141569A. We explore the roles of radiation pressure from the central star, gas drag from the gas disk, and the tidal forces from two nearby stars in creating and maintaining these structures. We use a simple one-dimensional axisymmetric model to show that the presence of the gas helps confine the dust and that a broad ring of dust is produced if a central hole exists in the disk. This model also suggests that the disk is in a transient, excited dynamical state, as the observed dust creation rate applied over the age of the star is inconsistent with submillimeter mass measurements. We model in two dimensions the effects of a fly-by encounter between the disk and a binary star in a prograde, parabolic, coplanar orbit. We track the spatial distribution of the disk's gas, planetesimals, and dust. We conclude that the surface density distribution reflects the planetesimal distribution for a wide range of parameters. Our most viable model features a disk of initial radius 400 AU, a gas mass of 50 M_earth, and beta = 4 and suggests that the system is being observed within 4000 yr of the fly-by periastron. The model reproduces some features of HD 141569A's disk, such as a broad single ring and large spiral arms, but it does not reproduce the observed multiple spiral rings or disk asymmetries nor the observed clearing in the inner disk. For the latter, we consider the effect of a 5 M_Jup planet in an eccentric orbit on the planetesimal distribution of HD 141569A.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2005

Evolution in the Cluster Early-type Galaxy Size-Surface Brightness Relation at z =~ 1

We investigate the evolution in the distribution of surface brightness, as a function of size, for elliptical and S0 galaxies in the two clusters RDCS J1252.9-2927, z=1.237 and RX J0152.7-1357, z=0.837. We use multi-color imaging with the Advanced Camera for Surveys on the Hubble Space Telescope to determine these sizes and surface brightnesses. Using three different estimates of the surface brightnesses, we find that we reliably estimate the surface brightness for the galaxies in our sample with a scatter of < 0.2 mag and with systematic shifts of \lesssim 0.05 mag. We construct samples of galaxies with early-type morphologies in both clusters. For each cluster, we use a magnitude limit in a band which closely corresponds to the rest-frame B, to magnitude limit of M_B = -18.8 at z=0, and select only those galaxies within the color-magnitude sequence of the cluster or by using our spectroscopic redshifts. We measure evolution in the rest-frame B surface brightness, and find -1.41 \+/- 0.14 mag from the Coma cluster of galaxies for RDCS J1252.9-2927 and -0.90 \+/- 0.12 mag of evolution for RX J0152.7-1357, or an average evolution of (-1.13 \+/- 0.15) z mag. Our statistical errors are dominated by the observed scatter in the size-surface brightness relation, sigma = 0.42 \+/- 0.05 mag for RX J0152.7-1357 and sigma = 0.76 \+/- 0.10 mag for RDCS J1252.9-2927. We find no statistically significant evolution in this scatter, though an increase in the scatter could be expected. Overall, the pace of luminosity evolution we measure agrees with that of the Fundamental Plane of early-type galaxies, implying that the majority of massive early-type galaxies observed at z =~ 1 formed at high redshifts.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

The Luminosity Functions of the Galaxy Cluster MS1054-0321 at z=0.83 based on ACS Photometry

We present new measurements of the galaxy luminosity function (LF) and its dependence on local galaxy density, color, morphology, and clustocentric radius for the massive z=0.83 cluster MS1054-0321. Our analyses are based on imaging performed with the ACS onboard the HST in the F606W, F775W and F850LP passbands and extensive spectroscopic data obtained with the Keck LRIS. Our main results are based on a spectroscopically selected sample of 143 cluster members with morphological classifications derived from the ACS observations. Our three primary findings are (1) the faint-end slope of the LF is steepest in the bluest filter, (2) the LF in the inner part of the cluster (or highest density regions) has a flatter faint-end slope, and (3) the fraction of early-type galaxies is higher at the bright end of the LF, and gradually decreases toward fainter magnitudes. These characteristics are consistent with those in local galaxy clusters, indicating that, at least in massive clusters, the common characteristics of cluster LFs are established at z=0.83. We also find a 2sigma deficit of intrinsically faint, red galaxies (i-z>0.5, Mi>-19) in this cluster. This trend may suggest that faint, red galaxies (which are common in z<0.1 rich clusters) have not yet been created in this cluster at z=0.83. The giant-to-dwarf ratio in MS1054-0321 starts to increase inwards of the virial radius or when Sigma>30 Mpc^-2, coinciding with the environment where the galaxy star formation rate and the morphology-density relation start to appear. (abridged)

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

The Transformation of Cluster Galaxies at Intermeidate Redshift

We combine imaging data from the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) with VLT/FORS optical spectroscopy to study the properties of star-forming galaxies in the z=0.837 cluster CL0152-1357. We have morphological information for 24 star-forming cluster galaxies, which range in morphology from late-type and irregular to compact early-type galaxies. We find that while most star-forming galaxies have $r_{625}-i_{775}$ colors bluer than 1.0, eight are in the red cluster sequence. Among the star-forming cluster population we find five compact early-type galaxies which have properties consistent with their identification as progenitors of dwarf elliptical galaxies. The spatial distribution of the star-forming cluster members is nonuniform. We find none within $R\sim 500$ Mpc of the cluster center, which is highly suggestive of an intracluster medium interaction. We derive star formation rates from [OII] $λλ3727$ line fluxes, and use these to compare the global star formation rate of CL0152-1357 to other clusters at low and intermediate redshifts. We find a tentative correlation between integrated star formation rates and $T_{X}$, in the sense that hotter clusters have lower integrated star formation rates. Additional data from clusters with low X-ray temperatures is needed to confirm this trend. We do not find a significant correlation with redshift, suggesting that evolution is either weak or absent between z=0.2-0.8.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

Dust and Ionized Gas in Nine Nearby Early-Type Galaxies Imaged with the HST Advanced Camera for Surveys

We present $V$ and $I$ continuum images and H$α$+[N II] maps of nine early-type galaxies observed with the Wide Field Channel of the Advanced Camera for Surveys on the Hubble Space Telescope. Dust and ionized gas are detected in all galaxies. The optical nebulae are primarily concentrated on the nuclei and extend out to radii of a few hundred parsecs, in compact clumps, filaments, or disks. Two galaxies, NGC 6166 and NGC 6338, also possess diffuse, ionized filaments on kiloparsec scales. The ionized gas is entirely contained within the nuclear disks of ESO 208-G021, NGC 3078, and NGC 7720. In the radio-loud galaxy NGC 6166, emission-line filaments are detected along the radio lobes, possibly as a result of shock ionization. A wide range of ionized gas masses, $M_g\approx7\times10^2-3\times10^6$ $M_\odot$, are calculated from the observed fluxes. Even in this small sample, the orientation of the ionized material correlates well with the major or minor axis of the galaxies, consistent with an external origin for the dust and gas.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

The Luminosity Function of Early-Type Galaxies at z~0.75

We measure the luminosity function of morphologically selected E/S0 galaxies from $z=0.5$ to $z=1.0$ using deep high resolution Advanced Camera for Surveys imaging data. Our analysis covers an area of $48\Box\arcmin$ (8$\times$ the area of the HDF-N) and extends 2 magnitudes deeper ($I\sim24$ mag) than was possible in the Deep Groth Strip Survey (DGSS). At $0.5 1.7$, E/S0 galaxies at brighter luminosities ($M_B<-20.1$), but are increasingly different at fainter magnitudes where `blue' galaxies are both smaller and have lower Sersic parameters. Fits of the colors to stellar population models suggest that most E/S0 galaxies have short star-formation time scales ($τ<1$ Gyr), and that galaxies have formed at an increasing rate from $z\sim8$ until $z\sim2$ after which there has been a gradual decline.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

Ultra Compact Dwarf galaxies in Abell 1689: a photometric study with the ACS

The properties of Ultra Compact Dwarf (UCD) galaxy candidates in Abell 1689 (z=0.183) are investigated, based on deep high resolution ACS images. A UCD candidate has to be unresolved, have i<28 (M_V<-11.5) mag and satisfy color limits derived from Bayesian photometric redshifts. We find 160 UCD candidates with 22 26.8 mag, the radial and luminosity distribution of the UCD candidates can be explained well by Abell 1689's globular cluster (GC) system. For i<26.8 mag, there is an overpopulation of 15 +/- 5 UCD candidates with respect to the GC luminosity function. For i<26 mag, the radial distribution of UCD candidates is more consistent with the dwarf galaxy population than with the GC system of Abell 1689. The UCD candidates follow a color-magnitude trend with a slope similar to that of Abell 1689's genuine dwarf galaxy population, but shifted fainter by about 2-3 mag. Two of the three brightest UCD candidates (M_V ~ -17 mag) are slightly resolved. At the distance of Abell 1689, these two objects would have King-profile core radii of ~35 pc and r_eff ~300 pc, implying luminosities and sizes 2-3 times those of M32's bulge. Additional photometric redshifts obtained with late type stellar and elliptical galaxy templates support the assignment of these two resolved sources to Abell 1689. Our findings imply that in Abell 1689 there are at least 10 UCDs with M_V<-12.7 mag. Compared to the UCDs in the Fornax cluster they are brighter, larger and have colors closer to normal dwarf galaxies. This suggests that they may be in an intermediate stage of the stripping process. Spectroscopy is needed to definitely confirm the existence of UCDs in Abell 1689.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

Internal Color Properties of Resolved Spheroids in the Deep HST/ACS field of UGC 10214

(Abridged) We study the internal color properties of a morphologically selected sample of spheroidal galaxies taken from HST/ACS ERO program of UGC 10214 (``The Tadpole''). By taking advantage of the unprecedented high resolution of the ACS in this very deep dataset we are able to characterize spheroids at sub-arcseconds scales. Using the V_606W and I_814W bands, we construct V-I color maps and extract color gradients for a sample of spheroids at I_814W < 24 mag. We investigate the existence of a population of morphologically classified spheroids which show extreme variation in their internal color properties similar to the ones reported in the HDFs. These are displayed as blue cores and inverse color gradients with respect to those accounted from metallicity variations. Following the same analysis we find a similar fraction of early-type systems (~30%-40%) that show non-homologous internal colors, suggestive of recent star formation activity. We present two statistics to quantify the internal color variation in galaxies and for tracing blue cores, from which we estimate the fraction of non-homogeneous to homogeneous internal colors as a function of redshift up to z<1.2. We find that it can be described as about constant as a function of redshift, with a small increase with redshift for the fraction of spheroids that present strong color dispersions. The implications of a constant fraction at all redshifts suggests the existence of a relatively permanent population of evolving spheroids up to z~1. We discuss the implications of this in the context of spheroidal formation.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2003

Discovery of Globular Clusters in the Proto-Spiral NGC2915: Implications for Hierarchical Galaxy Evolution

We have discovered three globular clusters beyond the Holmberg radius in Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys images of the gas-rich dark matter dominated blue compact dwarf galaxy NGC2915. The clusters, all of which start to resolve into stars, have M_{V606} = -8.9 to -9.8 mag, significantly brighter than the peak of the luminosity function of Milky Way globular clusters. Their colors suggest a metallicity [Fe/H] ~ -1.9 dex, typical of metal-poor Galactic globular clusters. The specific frequency of clusters is at a minimum normal, compared to spiral galaxies. However, since only a small portion of the system has been surveyed it is more likely that the luminosity and mass normalized cluster content is higher, like that seen in elliptical galaxies and galaxy clusters. This suggests that NGC2915 resembles a key phase in the early hierarchical assembly of galaxies - the epoch when much of the old stellar population has formed, but little of the stellar disk. Depending on the subsequent interaction history, such systems could go on to build-up larger elliptical galaxies, evolve into normal spirals, or in rare circumstances remain suspended in their development to become systems like NGC2915.

astro-ph↗