Searching for Globular Cluster Streams in Andromeda Using the Rolling Hough Transform
Abstract
In the Milky Way we now know of more than 50 stellar streams from globular clusters. To date, however, no globular cluster stellar streams have been discovered in other galaxies. Globular cluster streams form as stars are tidally stripped from their progenitors, and the streams can be used to investigate the distribution and nature of dark matter in galaxies. We present recent results on a search for globular cluster streams in the Andromeda galaxy. In particular, we modify the machine vision algorithm "the Rolling Hough Transform'' to work on star positions instead of on binned images. We use the modified algorithm to search the PAndAS data set for linear structures in 10 by 10 kpc regions across Andromeda's stellar halo. To build intuition and to optimize our search for globular cluster streams, we inject mock stellar streams to Andromeda's halo which are scaled in length, width, and number of stars based on recent work on streams in external galaxies. We check the validity of our findings, by investigating the morphology, metallicity, color, and magnitude of the stream candidates we detect.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #235
- Pub Date:
- January 2020
- Bibcode:
- 2020AAS...23537118D