Tidal Structure in Galactic Satellites

Abstract

The dynamical histories of three Galactic satellite systems have been investigated. These include the Fornax and Sculptor dwarf spheroidal galaxies, and the globular cluster Omega Centauri. Wide-field CCD photometry was obtained for these objects in two colours, V and I, covering a total sky area of 30 square degrees. These data were used to construct a colour-magnitude diagram for each system, which then provided a filter to select probable member stars. This technique reduced contamination from foreground stars, allowing a comprehensive examination of the poorly-known outer regions of these three Galactic satellites. ... Show more