SDSS J103913.70+533029.7: A Super Star Cluster in the Outskirts of a Galaxy Merger
Abstract
We describe the serendipitous discovery in the spectroscopic data of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey of a starlike object, SDSS J103913.70+533029.7, at a heliocentric radial velocity of +1012 km s-1. Its proximity in position and velocity to the spiral galaxy NGC 3310 suggests an association with the galaxy. At this distance, SDSS J103913.70+533029.7 has the luminosity of a super star cluster and a projected distance of 17 kpc from NGC 3310. Its spectroscopic and photometric properties imply a mass of >106 Msolar and an age close to that of the tidal shells seen around NGC 3310, suggesting that it formed in the event that formed the shells.
- Publication:
-
The Astronomical Journal
- Pub Date:
- February 2006
- DOI:
- 10.1086/499304
- arXiv:
- arXiv:astro-ph/0511010
- Bibcode:
- 2006AJ....131..859K
- Keywords:
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- Galaxies: Formation;
- Galaxies: Individual: NGC Number: NGC 3310;
- Galaxies: Starburst;
- Galaxies: Star Clusters;
- Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- Accepted by AJ: 4 figures (1 color)