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Two micron spectroscopy of the nucleus of M32

Journal Article · · Astronomical Journal; (USA)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/115350· OSTI ID:7163674
 [1]
  1. Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Corp., Kamuela, HI (USA)
Near-infrared spectra, spanning the wavelength range 1.6-2.4 microns, of the Local Group elliptical M32 were obtained at the f/36 focus of the CFH Telescope during the night of September 24/25, 1988. The strongest features were identified as absorption bands of CO, CN, and H{sub 2}O. The M32 observations were modeled, with results indicating that the M32 galaxy contains a population of cool giants in excess of that present on the red giant branch. This population contributes about 60 percent of the 2-micron flux, and is apparently dominated by late M giants, suggesting evolution on the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) and not the horizontal branch. The contribution of AGB stars to the 2-micron flux is roughly twice what would be expected from an old coeval population, suggesting a presence of an intermediate-age component. 57 refs.
OSTI ID:
7163674
Journal Information:
Astronomical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astronomical Journal; (USA) Vol. 99; ISSN 0004-6256; ISSN ANJOA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English