Satellite accretion in action: a tidally disrupting dwarf spheroidal around the nearby spiral galaxy NGC 253
Abstract
We report the discovery of NGC 253-dw2, a dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxy candidate undergoing tidal disruption around a nearby spiral galaxy, NGC 253 in the Sculptor group: the first such event identified beyond the Local Group. The dwarf was found using small-aperture amateur telescopes, and followed up with Suprime-Cam on the 8 m Subaru Telescope in order to resolve its brightest stars. Using g- and Rc-band photometry, we detect a red giant branch consistent with an old, metal-poor stellar population at a distance of ∼3.5 Mpc. From the distribution of likely member stars, we infer a highly elongated shape with a semimajor axis half-light radius of (2 ± 0.4) kpc. Star counts also yield a luminosity estimate of ∼2 × 106 L⊙,V (MV ∼ -10.7). The morphological properties of NGC 253-dw2 mark it as distinct from normal dSphs and imply ongoing disruption at a projected distance of ∼50 kpc from the main galaxy. Our observations support the hierarchical paradigm wherein massive galaxies continuously accrete less massive ones, and provide a new case study for dSph infall and dissolution dynamics. We also note the continued efficacy of small telescopes for making big discoveries.
- Publication:
-
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
- Pub Date:
- March 2016
- DOI:
- 10.1093/mnrasl/slv207
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1512.03815
- Bibcode:
- 2016MNRAS.457L.103R
- Keywords:
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- galaxies: dwarf;
- galaxies: individual: NGC 253;
- galaxies: interactions;
- Astrophysics - Astrophysics of Galaxies
- E-Print:
- MNRAS Letters, in press