Bibcode
Schlaufman, Kevin C.; Rockosi, Constance M.; Lee, Young Sun; Beers, Timothy C.; Allende-Prieto, C.
Bibliographical reference
The Astrophysical Journal, Volume 734, Issue 1, article id. 49 (2011).
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6
2011
Journal
Citations
28
Refereed citations
27
Description
We determine the average metallicities of the elements of cold halo
substructure (ECHOS) that we previously identified in the inner halo of
the Milky Way within 17.5 kpc of the Sun. As a population, we find that
stars kinematically associated with ECHOS are chemically distinct from
the background kinematically smooth inner halo stellar population along
the same Sloan Extension for Galactic Understanding and Exploration
(SEGUE) line of sight. ECHOS are systematically more iron-rich, but less
α-enhanced than the kinematically smooth component of the inner
halo. ECHOS are also chemically distinct from other Milky Way
components: more iron-poor than typical thick-disk stars and both more
iron-poor and α-enhanced than typical thin-disk stars. In
addition, the radial velocity dispersion distribution of ECHOS extends
beyond σ ~ 20 km s-1. Globular clusters are unlikely
ECHOS progenitors, as ECHOS have large velocity dispersions and are
found in a region of the Galaxy in which iron-rich globular clusters are
very rare. Likewise, the chemical composition of stars in ECHOS does not
match predictions for stars formed in the Milky Way and subsequently
scattered into the inner halo. Dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxies are
possible ECHOS progenitors, and if ECHOS are formed through the tidal
disruption of one or more dSph galaxies, the typical ECHOS [Fe/H] ~ -
1.0 and radial velocity dispersion σ ~ 20 km s-1
implies a dSph with M tot >~ 109 M
sun. Our observations confirm the predictions of theoretical
models of Milky Way halo formation that suggest that prominent
substructures are likely to be metal-rich, and our result implies that
the most likely metallicity for a recently accreted star currently in
the inner halo is [Fe/H] ~ - 1.0.
Related projects
Chemical Abundances in Stars
Stellar spectroscopy allows us to determine the properties and chemical compositions of stars. From this information for stars of different ages in the Milky Way, it is possible to reconstruct the chemical evolution of the Galaxy, as well as the origin of the elements heavier than boron, created mainly in stellar interiors. It is also possible to
Carlos
Allende Prieto