Home     Getting Started     To Survive in the Universe    
Inhabited Sky
    News@Sky     Astro Photo     The Collection     Forum     Blog New!     FAQ     Press     Login  

IC 3720


Contents

Images

Upload your image

DSS Images   Other Images


Related articles

Virgo Cluster Early-Type Dwarf Galaxies with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. I. On the Possible Disk Nature of Bright Early-Type Dwarfs
We present a systematic search for disk features in 476 Virgo Clusterearly-type dwarf (dE) galaxies. This is the first such study of analmost-complete, statistically significant dE sample, which includes allcertain or possible cluster members with mB<=18 that arecovered by the optical imaging data of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey DataRelease 4. Disk features (spiral arms, edge-on disks, or bars) wereidentified by applying unsharp masks to a combined image from threebands (g, r, and i), as well as by subtracting the axisymmetric lightdistribution of each galaxy from that image. Fourteen objects areunambiguous identifications of disks, 10 objects show ``probable disk''features, and 17 objects show ``possible disk'' features. The numberfraction of these galaxies, for which we introduce the term ``dEdi,''reaches more than 50% at the bright end of the dE population anddecreases to less than 5% for magnitudes mB>16. Althoughpart of this observed decline might be due to the lower signal-to-noiseratio at fainter magnitudes, we show that it cannot be caused solely bythe limitations of our detection method. The luminosity function of ourfull dE sample can be explained by a superposition of dEdis and ordinarydEs, strongly suggesting that dEdis are a distinct type of galaxy. Thisis supported by the projected spatial distribution: dEdis show basicallyno clustering and roughly follow the spatial distribution of spirals andirregulars, whereas ordinary dEs are distributed similarly to thestrongly clustered E/S0 galaxies. While the flattening distribution ofordinary dEs is typical for spheroidal objects, the distribution ofdEdis is significantly different and agrees with their being flat oblateobjects. We therefore conclude that the dEdis are not spheroidalgalaxies that just have an embedded disk component but are instead apopulation of genuine disk galaxies. Several dEdis display well-definedspiral arms with grand-design features that clearly differ from theflocculent, open arms typical for late-type spirals that have frequentlybeen proposed as progenitors of dEs. This raises the question of whatprocess is able to create such spiral arms-with pitch angles like thoseof Sab/Sb galaxies-in bulgeless dwarf galaxies.

Nucleated dwarf elliptical galaxies in the Virgo cluster
Using images from a charge-coupled device survey with the Wide FieldCamera on the Isaac Newton Telescope, we performed B- and I-bandphotometry on 156 Virgo cluster dwarf elliptical (dE) galaxies, 25candidate new cluster dwarfs, and nine candidate field dwarfs. Galaxieswere modelled with Sérsic profiles, using both 1Dχ2 and 2D cross-correlation methods, with nuclei modelledas point sources. The intensity profiles of 50 galaxies previouslyclassified as dE, dE?, or ? are more accurately fitted if a nucleus isincluded, and this results in the majority of dwarfs now beingclassified as nucleated dwarf ellipticals (dE,N). Some faint galaxieswith B magnitudes of 18-21 have particularly large relative nuclei,while a small number have apparent central dimmings. For cluster dE,Ngalaxies the nucleus magnitude is correlated with the magnitude of thehost galaxy. The profile parameters of dE and dE,N galaxies are notsignificantly different, and there is no evident discontinuity inrelative nucleus size between non-nucleated and nucleated dwarfs,suggesting that they may form a continuum. Nuclei are on average redderthan their underlying galaxies, though a spread of relative colours wasfound, and two-fifths of nuclei are bluer. Formation mechanisms ofnuclei are discussed: at least some appear to have formed in an alreadyexisting non-nucleated galaxy, though others may have formedsimultaneously with their galaxies and subsequently evolved within them.

The Colors of Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy Globular Cluster Systems, Nuclei, and Stellar Halos
We present the results of a Hubble Space Telescope WFPC2 F555W and F814Wsurvey of 69 dwarf elliptical galaxies (dEs) in the Virgo and FornaxClusters and Leo Group. The V-I colors of the dE globular clusters,nuclei, and underlying field-star populations are used to trace the dEstar formation histories. We find that the dE globular clustercandidates are as blue as the metal-poor globular clusters of the MilkyWay. The observed correlation of the dE globular cluster systems' V-Icolor with the luminosity of the host dE is strong evidence that theglobular clusters were formed within the halos of dEs and do not have apregalactic origin. Assuming that the majority of dE clusters are old,the mean globular cluster color-host galaxy luminosity correlationimplies a cluster metallicity-galaxy luminosity relation of~L0.22+/-0.05B, which issignificantly shallower than the field-star metallicity-host galaxyluminosity relationship observed in Local Group dwarfs(~L0.4). The dE stellar envelopes are0.1-0.2 mag redder in V-I than their globular clusters and nuclei. Thiscolor offset implies separate star formation episodes within the dEs forthe clusters and field stars, while the very blue colors of two dEnuclei trace a third star formation event in those dEs less than 1 Gyrago.

The luminosity function of the Virgo Cluster from MB=-22 to -11
We measure the galaxy luminosity function (LF) for the Virgo Clusterbetween blue magnitudes MB=-22 and -11 from wide-fieldcharge-coupled device (CCD) imaging data. The LF is only graduallyrising for -22

Arcsecond Positions of UGC Galaxies
We present accurate B1950 and J2000 positions for all confirmed galaxiesin the Uppsala General Catalog (UGC). The positions were measuredvisually from Digitized Sky Survey images with rms uncertaintiesσ<=[(1.2")2+(θ/100)2]1/2,where θ is the major-axis diameter. We compared each galaxymeasured with the original UGC description to ensure high reliability.The full position list is available in the electronic version only.

Detailed Surface Photometry of Dwarf Elliptical and Dwarf S0 Galaxies in the Virgo Cluster
We analyze new V-band images of 14 dwarf S0 galaxies and 10 dwarfelliptical galaxies in the Virgo Cluster, in combination with R-bandimages of 70 dwarf elliptical galaxies from an earlier paper. We computethe intensity-weighted mean ellipticity, the mean deviations fromelliptical isophotes, and a newly defined parameter to measure isophotaltwists. We also fit each major-axis profile to a power lawSigma(a)~exp[-(a/a_s)^n], where n is allowed to vary. Consistent withother studies of the Virgo dwarf ellipticals, we find that the profileshapes for the entire sample is strongly peaked near n=1 (exponentialprofiles) and that no galaxies have n=1/4 (de Vaucouleurs profile). Thefaintest galaxies all have nearly exponential profiles, while thebrighter ones on average have n<1. The correlation betweenellipticity and the boxy/disky parameter is similar to that of largeelliptical galaxies, suggesting that dwarfs may also be divided into twogroups with differing internal dynamics. The Virgo dEs also show agreater degree of isophotal twisting than more luminous ellipticalgalaxies. There does not seem to be any combination of parameters fromthe surface photometry that statistically correlates with the dE/dS0designation: in particular, the dS0 galaxies do not, on average, havemore pointed (disky) isophotes than the dEs.

An image database. II. Catalogue between δ=-30deg and δ=70deg.
A preliminary list of 68.040 galaxies was built from extraction of35.841 digitized images of the Palomar Sky Survey (Paper I). For eachgalaxy, the basic parameters are obtained: coordinates, diameter, axisratio, total magnitude, position angle. On this preliminary list, weapply severe selection rules to get a catalog of 28.000 galaxies, wellidentified and well documented. For each parameter, a comparison is madewith standard measurements. The accuracy of the raw photometricparameters is quite good despite of the simplicity of the method.Without any local correction, the standard error on the total magnitudeis about 0.5 magnitude up to a total magnitude of B_T_=17. Significantsecondary effects are detected concerning the magnitudes: distance toplate center effect and air-mass effect.

The UV properties of normal galaxies. III. Standard luminosity profiles and total magnitudes.
In the previous papers of this series we collected and reduced to thesame system all the available photometric data obtained in theultraviolet (UV) range for normal (i.e. non active) galaxies. Here weuse these data to derive standard UV luminosity profiles for threemorphological bins (E/S0; Sa/Sb; Sc/Sd) and extrapolated totalmagnitudes for almost 400 galaxies. We find that: 1) the UV growthcurves are well matched by the B-band revised standard luminosityprofiles, once a proper shift in the effective radius is applied, and 2)the UV light in early-type galaxies is more centrally concentrated thanthe visible light.

The UV properties of normal galaxies. II. The ``non-IUE'' data.
In the last decade several satellite and balloon borne experiments havecollected a large number of ultraviolet fluxes of normal galaxiesmeasured through apertures of various sizes and shapes. We havehomogenized this data set by deriving scale corrections with respect toIUE. In a forthcoming paper these data will be used to derive standardluminosity profiles and total magnitudes.

The flattening distribution of dwarf elliptical galaxies in the Virgo Cluster
We have obtained R-band surface photometry of 70 dwarf ellipticalgalaxies in the Virgo Cluster. We find, in contrast to the results ofearlier studies, that the dwarfs have a markedly flatter distribution ofellipticities than either 'normal' elliptical galaxies or brightestcluster ellipticals. The ensemble of nucleated dwarfs is rounder thanthe non-nucleated galaxies. Neither the nucleated nor the nonnucleateddwarfs, however, have distributions as round as giant ellipticals.

A sensitive radio continuum survey of low surface brightness dwarf galaxies
The paper reports observations at 4.75 GHz, made with the Effelsberg100-m telescope, of a sample of 128 low-surface brightness dwarfgalaxies (LSBDGs), selected mainly from the UGC catalog. The detectionrate (16 percent of the galaxies) is much lower than that of 'active'dwarf galaxies such as blue compact dwarf galaxies. The radio luminosityof the surveyed LSBDGs correlates with, and is roughly proportional to,their blue luminosity in a way indistinguishable from the correlationobserved in giant spirals, confirming an earlier made suggestion that,as far as the general radio continuum properties are concerned, LSBDGsbehave as scaled-down versions of spirals. Spectral indices were derivedor estimated for 11 LSDGs on the basis of the present and previous radiocontinuum surveys.

A preliminary optical study of the intergalactic H I cloud in Virgo
A possible optical counterpart of the intergalactic H I cloud in theVirgo Cluster, discovered by Giovanelli and Haynes, is reported. It is ablue, 17 mag, irregular galaxy, and it is located near the peak of the HI emission. No other optical objects which can be obviously associatedwith the cloud are found in the area from which the H I emission wasdetected, and no extended, low surface brightness counterpart is seen inthese data. If the irregular galaxy is really associated with the H Icloud, the overall properties of the system would be similar to those ofa number of other known gas-rich dwarf galaxies. However, the system hasan unusually large hydrogen to light ratio, and a large spatial extent,and it could be dynamically young. Optical spectroscopy is needed inorder to establish whether the proposed optical counterpart is indeedcorrect, and if so, to determine the stage of its chemical evolution.

Environmental effects on the dwarf elliptical galaxies in the Virgo cluster
Published observational data on 98 Virgo-cluster dwarf ellipticals arecompiled and analyzed statistically, applying the Kolmogorov-Smirnovtest to evaluate the significance of correlations between severalphotometric parameters and the environmental parameters (1) projecteddistance from the cluster center, (2) distance from the nearest brightgalaxy, and (3) local number density. The results are presented inextensive graphs and discussed in detail, and it is shown that galaxybrightness and diameter are not correlated with (2) or (3), but wellcorrelated with (1), both being greater within 5 deg of the center thanbeyond that distance. These findings are found to support theoreticalmodels in which dwarf ellipticals either have progenitors with verysimilar characteristics or form by internally driven mass loss from moremassive elliptical systems; models based on ram-pressure stripping ortidal interactions appear to be ruled out.

HI-observations of galaxies in the Virgo cluster of galaxies. I - The data
New H I-data for a large number of bright galaxies inside the 10 degradius area of the Virgo cluster of galaxies have been obtained with the100 m radiotelescope at Effelsberg. A total of 234 galaxies was observedfor the first time. Among them, 53 have been detected providing newaccurate radial velocities. Data from the literature have been compiled.Together with the new data, they form a (nearly homogeneous) set of H Iobservations for more than 450 galaxies.

Studies of the Virgo Cluster. II - A catalog of 2096 galaxies in the Virgo Cluster area.
The present catalog of 2096 galaxies within an area of about 140 sq degapproximately centered on the Virgo cluster should be an essentiallycomplete listing of all certain and possible cluster members,independent of morphological type. Cluster membership is essentiallydecided by galaxy morphology; for giants and the rare class of highsurface brightness dwarfs, membership rests on velocity data. While 1277of the catalog entries are considered members of the Virgo cluster, 574are possible members and 245 appear to be background Zwicky galaxies.Major-to-minor axis ratios are given for all galaxies brighter than B(T)= 18, as well as for many fainter ones.

Studies of the Virgo cluster. III - A classification system and an illustrated atlas of Virgo cluster dwarf galaxies
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1984AJ.....89..919S&db_key=AST

A catalog of dwarf galaxies in Virgo
A catalog listing the location, apparent angular diameter, type,estimated central light concentration, and estimated brightness of 846dwarf galaxies in a 200-deg-sq region in Virgo is presented. Thegalaxies comprise 634 ellipticals, 137 IC-3475-type galaxies, 73 dwarfspirals and irregulars, and two objects which are jets of normalgalaxies, and were found on nine long-exposure IIIa-J-emulsion platesmade with the 1.2-m-Schmidt telescope at Palomar Observatory from 1971to 1976. Concordances to other catalogs, tables of additionalparameters, maps, graphs, and photographs are provided. The projecteddistributions of normal and dwarf galaxies and the dependence ofapparent luminosity on central light concentration are discussed. It isfound that dwarf ellipticals and IC-3475-type galaxies are probablemembers of the Virgo cluster, while dwarf spirals and possibly dwarfirregulars are not.

Integrated magnitudes and mean colors of DDO dwarf galaxies in the UBV system. II - Distances, luminosities, and H I properties
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1983AJ.....88..764D&db_key=AST

Middle-ultraviolet photometry of Virgo cluster galaxies
Photographic photometry of Virgo cluster galaxies has been performed ina wavelength band extending from 1620-3200 A using sounding rockettechniques. The observational results are middle ultraviolet magnitudes,U2421, or faint limits for U2421, for 201 galaxies within 5.5 arcmin ofthe cluster center. A strong negative correlation is found between U2421- V and V for all observed S0 galaxies and a similar but weakercorrelation for the observed ellipticals. No such correlation is foundfor spiral galaxies regardless of their projection angles on the sky.The measured colors are generally compatible with colors computed frompreviously generated composite spectra.

A radio continuum survey at 1.4 GHz of the galaxies in the Virgo region
Radio continuum observations made with the Westerbork Synthesis RadioTelescope at 1.4 GHz are presented for 274 galaxies in the Virgo Clusterregion. The observations are partly full syntheses and partly east-weststrip distributions. For the 55 detected galaxies the emission isseparated into central and extended components. A brief summary of theanalysis is also given.

Neutral hydrogen observations of DDO dwarf galaxies
All but 2 of the list of 243 David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) dwarf galaxycandidates have been observed in the H I 21-cm line with the NRAO 91 mand 43 m telescopes, and 179 have been detected. Among these, there areobjects which are particularly interesting because of their low surfacebrightness, including some systems which appear to be intrinsicallyreasonably big, and there are others of interest because they areintrinsically the smallest known extragalactic hydrogen-bearing systems.In this latter category are several new candidates for membership in theLocal Group. For all the detected systems, the radio observationsprovide redshifts, neutral hydrogen masses, and a total mass index. Thedistance independent hydrogen mass to luminosity ratio for the truedwarfs in the DDO sample indicates that they are relatively hydrogenrich with respect to large late type galaxies.

Luminosity classifications of dwarf galaxies.
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1966AJ.....71..922V&db_key=AST

Dwarf galaxies in the Virgo cluster.
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1956AJ.....61...69R&db_key=AST

Submit a new article


Related links

  • - No Links Found -
Submit a new link


Member of following groups:


Observation and Astrometry data

Constellation:Virgo
Right ascension:12h44m47.40s
Declination:+12°03'52.0"
Aparent dimensions:2.239′ × 1.288′

Catalogs and designations:
Proper Names   (Edit)
ICIC 3720
HYPERLEDA-IPGC 42949
J/AJ/90/1681VCC 2008

→ Request more catalogs and designations from VizieR