Probing Galactic Structure and Evolution with Extragalactic Planetary Nebulae

AST-0607416

INSTITUTION: Pennsylvania State University

PI: Robin Ciardullo

TITLE: Probing Galactic Structure and Evolution with Extragalactic Planetary Nebulae

ABSTRACT

Dr.. Robin Ciardullo, at the Pennsylvania State University, will undertake three projects that utilize extragalactic planetary nebulae (PNe) to investigate astrophysical questions. The projects consist of: 1) the measurement of the perpendicular kinematics of PNe in near face-on spirals, to constrain galaxy disk masses; 2) the measurement of the composition of PNe in the bulge of the galaxy M31, to understand both an apparent low oxygen abundance and to determine the role of type IA supernovae in the evolution of the M31 bulge; and 3) to probe the kinematics of the Virgo cluster intra-cluster PNe, to determine the relative importance of intra-cluster stars within cluster galaxies..

The major area of broader impact that results from this work involves the training of undergraduate and graduate students, with an emphasis on students from traditionally under-represented groups. The fact that extragalactic planetary nebulae have so many uses suggests that students who work on this project are exposed to a great many topics in astronomy. Finally, public outreach activities will also be undertaken.