HST/ACS Emission Line Snapshots of nearby 3CR Radio Galaxies
Abstract
We present the results of a new HST/ACS snapshot program in which we have obtained emission line images of nearby (z < 0.3) 3CR radio source counterparts at low- and high- excitation. Prior to ACS failure data were acquired successfully for 20 such objects, a sample consisting of both low-power FR I and classical high-power FR II radio galaxies. While only a subset of our initially proposed sample was observed, the newly reduced data we do have are excellent and will serve as an enhancement to an already superb dataset. In future papers, we will use these data to probe fundamental relationships between warm optical line-emitting gas, radio source structure (jets and lobes) and X-ray coronal halos. We will combine our existing UV images with new emission line images to establish quantitative star formation characteristics and their relation to dust and merger scenarios. Through the use of emission-line excitation maps, we will test theories on ionization beam patterns and luminosities from active nuclei, as well as seek areas of jet induced star formation. The resulting database will be an invaluable resource to the astronomical community for years to come.
- Publication:
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American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #211
- Pub Date:
- March 2008
- Bibcode:
- 2008AAS...21115703T