arXiv subjects

Sungsoon Lim

Publications and source records attributed to Sungsoon Lim.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2021

The Color Gradients of the Globular Cluster Systems in M87 and M49

Combining data from the ACS Virgo Cluster Survey (ACSVCS) and the Next Generation Virgo cluster Survey (NGVS), we extend previous studies of color gradients of the globular cluster (GC) systems of the two most massive galaxies in the Virgo cluster, M87 and M49, to radii of $\sim 15~R_e$ ($\sim 200$ kpc for M87 and $\sim 250$ kpc for M49). We find significant negative color gradients, i.e., becoming bluer with increasing distance, out to these large radii. The gradients are driven mainly by the outwards decrease of the ratio of red to blue GC numbers. The color gradients are also detected out to $\sim 15~R_e$ in the red and blue sub-populations of GCs taken separately. In addition, we find a negative color gradient when we consider the satellite low-mass elliptical galaxies as a system, i.e., the satellite galaxies closer to the center of the host galaxy usually have redder color indices, both for their stars and GCs. According to the "two phase" formation scenario of massive early-type galaxies, the host galaxy accretes stars and GCs from low-mass satellite galaxies in the second phase. So the accreted GC system naturally inherits the negative color gradient present in the satellite population. This can explain why the color gradient of the GC system can still be observed at large radii after multiple minor mergers.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2021

HI observations of the MATLAS dwarf and ultra-diffuse galaxies

The presence of HI gas in galaxies is inextricably linked to their morphology and evolution. This paper aims to understand the HI content of the already identified 2210 dwarfs located in the low-to-moderate density environments of the MATLAS deep imaging survey. We combine the HI observations from the ATLAS$^{3D}$ survey, with the extragalactic HI sources from the ALFALFA survey, to extract the HI line width, velocity and mass of the MATLAS dwarfs. From the 1773 dwarfs in our sample with available HI observations, 8% (145) have an HI line detection. The majority of the dwarfs show irregular morphology, while 29% (42) are ellipticals, the largest sample of HI-bearing dwarf ellipticals (dEs) to date. Of the HI dwarf sample, 2% (3) are ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs), 12% have a transition-type morphology, 5% are tidal dwarf candidates, and 10% appear to be disrupted objects. In our optically selected sample, 9.5% of the dEs, 7% of the UDGs and 10% of the classical dwarfs are HI-bearing. The HI-bearing dwarfs have on average bluer colors than the dwarfs without detected HI. We find relations between the stellar and HI masses, gas fraction, color and absolute magnitude consistent with previous studies of dwarfs probing similar masses and environments. For 79% of the dwarfs identified as satellites of massive early-type galaxies, we find that the HI mass increases with the projected distance to the host. Using the HI line width, we estimate dynamical masses and find that 5% (7) of the dwarfs are dark matter deficient.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2021

The Distance and Dynamical History of the Virgo Cluster Ultradiffuse Galaxy VCC 615

We use deep Hubble Space Telescope imaging to derive a distance to the Virgo Cluster ultradiffuse galaxy (UDG) VCC 615 using the tip of the red giant branch (TRGB) distance estimator. We detect 5,023 stars within the galaxy, down to a 50% completeness limit of F814W = 28.0, using counts in the surrounding field to correct for contamination due to background sources and Virgo intracluster stars. We derive an extinction-corrected F814W tip magnitude of $m_{\rm tip,0} = 27.19^{+0.07}_{-0.05}$, yielding a distance of $d=17.7^{+0.6}_{-0.4}$ Mpc. This places VCC 615 on the far side of the Virgo Cluster ($d_{\rm Virgo} = 16.5 Mpc$), at a Virgocentric distance of 1.3 Mpc and near the virial radius of the main body of Virgo. Coupling this distance with the galaxy's observed radial velocity, we find that VCC 615 is on an outbound trajectory, having survived a recent passage through the inner parts of the cluster. Indeed, our orbit modeling gives a 50% chance the galaxy passed inside the Virgo core (r<620 kpc) within the past Gyr, although very close passages directly through the cluster center (r<200 kpc) are unlikely. Given VCC 615's undisturbed morphology, we argue that the galaxy has experienced no recent and sudden transformation into a UDG due to the cluster potential, but rather is a long-lived UDG whose relatively wide orbit and large dynamical mass protect it from stripping and destruction by Virgo cluster tides. Finally, we also describe the serendipitous discovery of a nearby Virgo dwarf galaxy projected 90 arcseconds (7.2 kpc) away from VCC 615.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2021

Ultra diffuse galaxies in the MATLAS low-to-moderate density fields

Recent advances in deep dedicated imaging surveys over the past decade have uncovered a surprisingly large number of extremely faint low surface brightness galaxies with large physical sizes called ultra diffuse galaxies (UDGs) in clusters and, more recently, in lower density environments. As part of the MATLAS survey, a deep imaging large program at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT), our team has identified 2210 dwarf galaxies, 59 (~3%) of which qualify as UDGs. Averaging over the survey area, we find ~0.4 UDG per square degree. They are found in a range of low to moderate density environments, although 61% of the sample fall within the virial radii of groups. Based on a detailed analysis of their photometric and structural properties, we find that the MATLAS UDGs do not show significant differences from the traditional dwarfs, except from the predefined size and surface brightness cut. Their median color is as red as the one measured in galaxy clusters, albeit with a narrower color range. The majority of the UDGs are visually classified as dwarf ellipticals with log stellar masses of ~6.5-8.7. The fraction of nucleated UDGs (~34%) is roughly the same as the nucleated fraction of the traditional dwarfs. Only five (~8%) UDGs show signs of tidal disruption and only two are tidal dwarf galaxy candidates. A study of globular cluster (GC) candidates selected in the CFHT images finds no evidence of a higher GC specific frequency S_N for UDGs than for classical dwarfs, contrary to what is found in most clusters. The UDG halo-to-stellar mass ratio distribution, as estimated from the GC counts, peaks at roughly the same value as for the traditional dwarfs, but spans the smaller range of ~10-2000. We interpret these results to mean that the large majority of the field-to-group UDGs do not have a different formation scenario than traditional dwarfs.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2021

Dwarf galaxies in the MATLAS survey: Hubble Space Telescope observations of the globular cluster system in the ultra-diffuse galaxy MATLAS-2019

Ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs) are very low-surface brightness galaxies with large effective radii. Spectroscopic measurements of a few UDGs have revealed a low dark matter content, based on the internal motion of stars or globular clusters (GCs). This is in contrast to the large number of GCs found for these systems, from which it would be expected to correspond to a large dark matter halo mass. Here we present HST+ACS observations for the UDG MATLAS-2019 in the NGC5846 group. Using the F606W and F814W filters, we trace the GC population two magnitudes below the peak of the GC luminosity function (GCLF). Employing Bayesian considerations, we identify 26+-6 GCs associated with the dwarf, yielding a large specific frequency of S_N=58+-14. We use the turnover of the GCLF to derive a distance of 21+-2 Mpc, which is consistent with the NGC5846 group of galaxies. Due to the superior image quality of the HST, we are able to resolve the GCs and measure their sizes, which are consistent with the sizes of GCs around Local Group galaxies. Using the linear relation between the total mass of galaxies and of GCs, we derive a halo mass of 0.9(+-0.2) *10^11 M_solar (M_solar/L_solar>1000). The high abundance of GCs, together with the small uncertainties, make MATLAS-2019 one of the most extreme UDGs, which likely sets an upper limit of the number of GCs for UDGs.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2021

Structure and morphology of the MATLAS dwarf galaxies and their central nuclei

We present a photometric study of the dwarf galaxy population in the low to moderate density environments of the MATLAS (Mass Assembly of early-Type gaLAxies with their fine Structures) deep imaging survey. The sample consists of 2210 dwarfs, including 508 nucleated. We define a nucleus as a compact source that is close to the galaxy photocentre (within 0.5 $R_e$) which is also the brightest such source within the galaxy's effective radius. The morphological analysis is performed using a 2D surface brightness profile modelling on the g-band images of both the galaxies and nuclei. Our study reveals that, for similar luminosities, the MATLAS dwarfs show ranges in the distribution of structural properties comparable to cluster (Virgo and Fornax) dwarfs and a range of sizes comparable to the Local Group and Local Volume dwarfs. Colour measurements using the r- and i-band images indicate that the dwarfs in low and moderate density environments are as red as cluster dwarfs on average. The observed similarities between dwarf ellipticals in vastly different environments imply that dEs are not uniquely the product of morphological transformation due to ram-pressure stripping and galaxy harassment in high density environments. We measure that the dwarf nuclei are located predominantly in massive, bright and round dwarfs and observe fewer nuclei in dwarfs with a faint centre and a small size. The colour of the galaxy nucleus shows no clear relation to the colour of the dwarf, in agreement with the migration and wet migration nucleus formation scenarios. The catalogues of the MATLAS dwarfs photometric and structural properties are provided.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2021

Hubble Space Telescope Observations of Two Faint Dwarf Satellites of Nearby LMC Analogs from MADCASH

We present a deep Hubble Space Telescope (HST) imaging study of two dwarf galaxies in the halos of Local Volume Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) analogs. These dwarfs were discovered as part of our Subaru+Hyper Suprime-Cam MADCASH survey: MADCASH-1, which is a satellite of NGC 2403 (D~3.2 Mpc), and MADCASH-2, a previously unknown dwarf galaxy near NGC 4214 (D~3.0 Mpc). Our HST data reach >3.5 mag below the tip of the red giant branch (TRGB) of each dwarf, allowing us to derive their structural parameters and assess their stellar populations. We measure TRGB distances ($D=3.41^{+0.24}_{-0.23}$ Mpc for MADCASH-1, and $D=3.00^{+0.13}_{-0.15}$ Mpc for MADCASH-2), and confirm their associations with their host galaxies. MADCASH-1 is a predominantly old, metal-poor stellar system (age ~13.5 Gyr, [M/H] ~ -2.0), similar to many Local Group dwarfs. Modelling of MADCASH-2's CMD suggests that it contains mostly ancient, metal-poor stars (age ~13.5 Gyr, [M/H] ~ -2.0), but that ~10% of its stellar mass was formed 1.1--1.5 Gyr ago, and ~1% was formed 400--500 Myr ago. Given its recent star formation, we search MADCASH-2 for neutral hydrogen using the Green Bank Telescope, but find no emission and estimate an upper limit on the HI mass of $<4.8\times10^4 M_{\odot}$. These are the faintest dwarf satellites known around host galaxies of LMC mass outside the Local Group ($M_{V,\text{MADCASH-1}}=-7.81\pm0.18$, $M_{V,\text{MADCASH-2}}=-9.15\pm0.12$), and one of them shows signs of recent environmental quenching by its host. Once the MADCASH survey for faint dwarf satellites is complete, our census will enable us to test CDM predictions for hierarchical structure formation, and discover the physical mechanisms by which low-mass hosts influence the evolution of their satellites.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2020

Revealing the formation mechanism of the shell galaxy NGC474 with MUSE

Stellar shells around galaxies could provide precious insights into their assembly history. However, their formation mechanism remains poorly empirically constrained, in particular the type of galaxy collisions at their origin. We present MUSE@VLT data of the most prominent outer shell of NGC 474, to constrain its formation history. The stellar shell spectrum is clearly detected, with a signal-to-noise ratio of around 65 pix$^{-1}$. We use a full spectral fitting method to determine the line-of-sight velocity and the age and metallicity of the shell and associated point-like sources within the MUSE field of view. We detect six GC candidates and eight PN candidates which are all kinematically associated to the stellar shell. We show that the shell has an intermediate metallicity, [M/H] = $-0.83^{+0.12}_{-0.12}$ and a possible $α$-enrichment, [$α$/Fe] ~ 0.3. Assuming the material of the shell comes from a lower mass companion, and that the latter had no initial metallicity gradient, such a stellar metallicity would constrain the mass of the progenitor to be around 7.4 x 10^8 M$_\odot$, implying a merger mass ratio of about 1:100. However our census of PNs and earlier photometry of the shell would suggest a much higher ratio, around 1:20. Given the uncertainties, this difference is significant only at the ~1sigma level. We discuss the characteristics of the progenitor, in particular whether the progenitor could also be composed of stars from the low metallicity outskirts from a more massive galaxy. Ultimately, the presented data does not allow us to put a firm constraint on the progenitor mass. We show that at least two globular cluster candidates possibly associated with the shell are quite young, with ages below 1.5~Gyr. We also note the presence of a young (~1Gyr) stellar population in the center of NGC 474. The two may have resulted from the same event.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2020

Mysterious Globular Cluster System of the Peculiar Massive Galaxy M85

We present a study on stellar population and kinematics of globular clusters (GCs) in the peculiar galaxy M85. We obtain optical spectra of 89 GCs at 8 kpc $< R <$ 160 kpc using the MMT/Hectospec. We divide them into three groups, blue/green/red GCs (B/G/RGCs), with their $(g-i)_0$ colors. All GC subpopulations have mean ages of 10 Gyr, but showing differences in metallicities. The BGCs and RGCs are the most metal-poor ([Z/H] $\sim -1.49$) and metal-rich ([Z/H] $\sim -0.45$), respectively, and the GGCs are in between. We find that the inner GC system exhibits a strong overall rotation that is entirely due to a disk-like rotation of the RGC system. The BGC system shows little rotation. The GGCs show kinematic properties clearly distinct among the GC subpopulations, having higher mean velocities than the BGCs and RGCs and being aligned along the major axis of M85. This implies that the GGCs have an origin different from the other GC subpopulations. The rotation-corrected velocity dispersion of the RGC system is much lower than that of the BGC system, indicating the truncation of the red halo of M85. The BGCs have a flat velocity dispersion profile out to $R$ = 67 kpc, reflecting the dark matter extent of M85. Using the velocity dispersion of the BGC system, we estimate the dynamical mass of M85 to be $3.8 \times 10^{12} M_{\odot}$. We infer that M85 has undergone merging events lately, resulting in the peculiar kinematics of the GC system.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2020

CareCall: a Call-Based Active Monitoring Dialog Agent for Managing COVID-19 Pandemic

Tracking suspected cases of COVID-19 is crucial to suppressing the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. Active monitoring and proactive inspection are indispensable to mitigate COVID-19 spread, though these require considerable social and economic expense. To address this issue, we introduce CareCall, a call-based dialog agent which is deployed for active monitoring in Korea and Japan. We describe our system with a case study with statistics to show how the system works. Finally, we discuss a simple idea which uses CareCall to support proactive inspection.

cs.HC↗

arXiv2020

The Next Generation Virgo Cluster Survey. XXXIV. Ultra-Compact Dwarf (UCD) Galaxies in the Virgo Cluster

We present a study of ultra compact dwarf (UCD) galaxies in the Virgo cluster based mainly on imaging from the Next Generation Virgo Cluster Survey (NGVS). Using $\sim$100 deg$^{2}$ of $u^*giz$ imaging, we have identified more than 600 candidate UCDs, from the core of Virgo out to its virial radius. Candidates have been selected through a combination of magnitudes, ellipticities, colors, surface brightnesses, half-light radii and, when available, radial velocities. Candidates were also visually validated from deep NGVS images. Subsamples of varying completeness and purity have been defined to explore the properties of UCDs and compare to those of globular clusters and the nuclei of dwarf galaxies with the aim of delineating the nature and origins of UCDs. From a surface density map, we find the UCDs to be mostly concentrated within Virgo's main subclusters, around its brightest galaxies. We identify several subsamples of UCDs -- i.e., the brightest, largest, and those with the most pronounced and/or asymmetric envelopes -- that could hold clues to the origin of UCDs and possible evolutionary links with dwarf nuclei. We find some evidence for such a connection from the existence of diffuse envelopes around some UCDs, and comparisons of radial distributions of UCDs and nucleated galaxies within the cluster.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2020

The Next Generation Virgo Cluster Survey (NGVS). XXX. Ultra-Diffuse Galaxies and their Globular Cluster Systems

We present a study of ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs) in the Virgo Cluster based on deep imaging from the Next Generation Virgo Cluster Survey (NGVS). Applying a new definition for the UDG class based on galaxy scaling relations, we define samples of 44 and 26 UDGs using expansive and restrictive selection criteria, respectively. Our UDG sample includes objects that are significantly fainter than previously known UDGs: i.e., more than half are fainter than $\langleμ\rangle_e \sim27.5$ mag arcsec$^{-2}$. The UDGs in Virgo's core region show some evidence for being structurally distinct from "normal" dwarf galaxies, but this separation disappears when considering the full sample of galaxies throughout the cluster. UDGs are more centrally concentrated in their spatial distribution than other Virgo galaxies of similar luminosity, while their morphologies demonstrate that at least some UDGs owe their diffuse nature to physical processes---such as tidal interactions or low-mass mergers---that are at play within the cluster environment. The globular cluster (GC) systems of Virgo UDGs have a wide range in specific frequency ($S_N$), with a higher mean $S_N$ than "normal" Virgo dwarfs, but a lower mean $S_N$ than Coma UDGs at fixed luminosity. Their GCs are predominantly blue, with a small contribution from red clusters in the more massive UDGs. The combined GC luminosity function is consistent with those observed in dwarf galaxies, showing no evidence of being anomalously luminous. The diversity in their morphologies and their GC properties suggests no single process has given rise to all objects within the UDG class. Based on the available evidence, we conclude that UDGs are simply those systems that occupy the extended tails of the galaxy size and surface brightness distributions.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2020

The Formation of Ultra-Diffuse Galaxies in Clusters

We use the IllustrisTNG cosmological hydrodynamical simulation to study the formation of ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs) in galaxy clusters. We supplement the simulations with a realistic mass-size relation for galaxies at the time of infall into the cluster, as well as an analytical model to describe the tidally-induced evolution of their stellar mass, velocity dispersion and size. The model assumes "cuspy" NFW halos and, contrary to recent claims, has no difficulty reproducing the observed number of UDGs in clusters. Our results further suggest that the UDG population consists of a mixture of "normal" low surface brightness galaxies such as those found in the field ("born" UDGs, or B-UDGs), as well as a distinct population that owe their large size and low surface brightness to the effects of cluster tides ("tidal", or T-UDGs). The simulations indicate that T-UDGs entered the cluster earlier and should be more prevalent than B-UDGs near the cluster centres. T-UDGs should also have, at given stellar mass, lower velocity dispersion, higher metallicities, and lower dark matter content than B-UDGs. Our results suggest that systems like DF-44 are consistent with having been born as UDGs, while others such as DF2, DF4 and VLSB-D are possibly extreme T-UDG examples.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2020

A spectroscopic study of MATLAS-2019 with MUSE: an ultra-diffuse galaxy with an excess of old globular clusters

The MATLAS deep imaging survey has uncovered a plethora of dwarf galaxies in the low density environment it has mapped. A fraction of them are unusually extended and have a low-surface brightness. Among these so-called ultra-diffuse galaxies, a few seem to host an excess of globular clusters. With the integral-field unit spectrograph MUSE we have observed one of these galaxies - MATLAS J15052031+0148447 (MATLAS-2019) - located towards the nearby group NGC 5846 and measured its systemic velocity,age, and metallicity, and that of its globular clusters candidates. For the stellar body of MATLAS-2019 we derive a metallicity of -1.33+0.19-0.01 dex and an age of 11.2+1.8-0.8 Gyr. For some of the individual GCs and the stacked GC population, we derive consistent ages and metallicities. From the 11 confirmed globular clusters and using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo approach we derived a dynamical mass-to-light ratio of 4.2+8.6-3.4M/L. This is at the lower end of the luminosity-mass scaling relation defined by the Local Group dwarf galaxies. Furthermore, we couldn't confirm nor reject the possibility of a rotational component of the GC system. If present, this would further modify the inferred mass. Follow-up observations of the globular cluster population and of the stellar body of the galaxy are needed to assess whether this galaxy is lacking dark matter like it was suggested for the pair of dwarf galaxies in the field of NGC 1052, or if this is a miss-interpretation arising from systematic uncertainties of the method commonly used for these systems and the large uncertainties of the individual globular cluster velocities.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2020

A discrete chemo-dynamical model of M87's globular clusters: Kinematics extending to ~ 400 kpc

We study the mass distribution and kinematics of the giant elliptical galaxy M87 (NGC 4486) using discrete chemo-dynamical, axisymmetric Jeans equation modelling. Our catalogue comprises 894 globular clusters (GCs) extending to a projected radius of $\sim 430$ kpc with line-of-sight velocities and colours, and Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) integral field unit data within the central $2.4$ kpc of the main galaxy. The gravitational potential for our models is a combination of a luminous matter potential with a varying mass-to-light ratio for the main galaxy, a supermassive black hole and a dark matter (DM) potential with a cusped or cored DM halo. The best-fitting models with either a cusped or a cored DM halo show no significant differences and both are acceptable. We obtain a total mass of $(2.16 \pm 0.38) \times 10^{13} M_{\odot}$ within $\sim$ 400 kpc. By including the stellar mass-to-light ratio gradient, the DM fraction increases from $\sim$ 26 percent (with no gradient) to $\sim$ 73 percent within $1\,R_e^{\rm maj}$ (major axis of half-light isophote, 14.2 kpc), and from $\sim$ 84 percent to $\sim$ 94 percent within $5\,R_e^{\rm maj}$ (71.2 kpc). Red GCs have moderate rotation with $V_{\rm max}/σ\sim$ 0.4, and blue GCs have weak rotation with $V_{\rm max}/σ\sim$ 0.1. Red GCs have tangential velocity dispersion anisotropy, while blue GCs are consistent with being nearly isotropic. Our results suggest that red GCs are more likely to be born in-situ, while blue GCs are more likely to be accreted.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2019

The ultra-diffuse galaxy NGC 1052-DF2 with MUSE: I. Kinematics of the stellar body

The so-called ultra-diffuse galaxy NGC~1052-DF2 was announced to be a galaxy lacking dark matter based on a spectroscopic study of its constituent globular clusters. Here we present the first spectroscopic analysis of the stellar body of this galaxy using the MUSE integral-field spectrograph at the (ESO) Very Large Telescope. The MUSE datacube simultaneously provides DF2's stellar velocity field and systemic velocities for seven globular clusters (GCs). We further discovered three planetary nebulae (PNe) that are likely part of this galaxy. While five of the clusters had velocities measured in the literature, we were able to confirm the membership of two more candidates through precise radial velocity measurements, which increases the measured specific frequency of GCs in DF2. The mean velocity of the diffuse stellar body, 1792.9$^{-1.8}_{+1.4}$~\kms, is consistent with the mean globular cluster velocity. We detect a weak but significant velocity gradient within the stellar body, with a kinematic axis close to the photometric major-axis, making it a prolate-like rotator. We estimate a velocity dispersion from the clusters and PNe of $σ_{\mathrm{int}}=10.6^{+3.9}_{-2.3}$~\kms. The velocity dispersion $σ_{\rm{DF2}\star}$(\re) for the stellar body within one effective radius is $10.8^{-4.0}_{+3.2}$~\kms. Considering various sources of systemic uncertainties this central value varies between 5 and 13~\kms, and we conservatively report a 95\% confidence upper limit to the dispersion within one \re\ of 21~\kms. We provide updated mass estimates based on these dispersions corresponding to the different distances to NGC~1052-DF2 that have been reported in the recent literature.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2019

A Wide-field Photometric Survey of Globular Clusters in the Peculiar Early-type Galaxy M85

We survey globular clusters (GCs) in M85 using $ugi$-band images of a $1^{\circ} \times 1^{\circ}$ field obtained with the MegaCam at the 3.6 m Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope. We identify 1318 GC candidates with 20.0 mag $< g_0 <$ 23.5 mag in the entire survey region. Their radial number density profile is well fit by a S{é}rsic profile with $n$ = 2.58$^{+0.43}_{-0.33}$ and effective radius $R_{\rm e,GCS}$ = 4$\rlap{.}{'}$14 (= 22 kpc), showing that the candidates at $R < 20'$ are mostly genuine GCs in M85. We estimate the total number of GCs, $N$(total) = $1216^{+82}_{-50}$, and the specific frequency, $S_N = 1.41^{+0.10}_{-0.06}$. The overall color distribution of the GCs in M85 is bimodal, but the GCs in the central region at $R < 2'$ do not show a bimodal distribution clearly. The radial number density profile and surface number density map of the blue GCs (BGCs) show more extended structures than those of the red GCs (RGCs). The spatial distributions of both BGCs and RGCs are elongated, similar to that of the galaxy stellar light. The number fraction of the RGCs in the central region is much smaller compared to those in other early-type galaxies of similar luminosity. The mean $(g-i)_0$ color of the RGCs in M85 is about 0.1 mag bluer than typical values for other Virgo early-type galaxies of similar luminosity, indicating that a significant fraction of the RGCs in M85 may be younger than typical GCs. These results indicate that M85 might have undergone a major wet merger recently.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2019

The ultra-diffuse galaxy NGC 1052-DF2 with MUSE: II. The population of DF2: stars, clusters and planetary nebulae

NGC 1052-DF2, an ultra diffuse galaxy (UDG), has been the subject of intense debate. Its alleged absence of dark matter, and the brightness and number excess of its globular clusters (GCs) at an initially assumed distance of 20Mpc, suggested a new formation channel for UDGs. We present the first systematic spectroscopic analysis of both the stellar body and the GCs (six of which were previously known, and one newly confirmed member) of this galaxy using MUSE@VLT. Even though NGC 1052-DF2 does not show any spatially extended emission lines we report the discovery of three planetary nebulae (PNe). We conduct full spectral fitting on the UDG and the stacked spectra of all GCs. The UDG's stellar population is old, 8.9$\pm$1.5 Gyr, metal-poor, with [M/H] = $-$1.07$\pm$0.12 with little or no $α$-enrichment. The stacked spectrum of all GCs indicates a similar age of 8.9$\pm$1.8 Gyr, but lower metallicity, with [M/H] = $-$1.63$\pm$0.09, and similarly low $α$-enrichment. There is no evidence for a variation of age and metallicity in the GC population with the available spectra. The significantly more metal-rich stellar body with respect to its associated GCs, the age of the population, its metallicity and alpha enrichment, are all in line with other dwarf galaxies. NGC 1052-DF2 thus falls on the same empirical mass-metallicity relation as other dwarfs, for the full distance range assumed in the literature. We find that both debated distance estimates (13 and 20 Mpc) are similarly likely, given the three discovered PNe.

astro-ph.GA↗