科研之友
微信
新浪微博
Facebook
分享链接
摘要
We present compelling evidence for the complexity of the Fornax dwarf spheroidal. By disentangling three different stellar subpopulations in its red giant branch, we are able to study in detail the dependence between kinematics and metallicity. A well-defined ordering in velocity dispersion, spatial concentration, and metallicity is evident in the subpopulations. We also present evidence for a significant misalignment between the angular momentum vectors of the old-and intermediate-age populations. According to the Hubble Space Telescope measurement of Fornax's proper motion, this corresponds to counter-rotation. These ingredients are used to construct a novel evolutionary history of the Fornax dwarf spheroidal, characterized as a late merger of a bound pair.
- 出版日期2012-9-1
