Surface Brightness Fluctuations (SBF) as distance stellar population tracers. A theoretical point of view

Michele Cantiello (2001-2004)

Università degli Studi di Salerno

Abstract

The SBF are a successful method to derive accurate extragalactic distances (~5% of uncertainity) and also as a powerful tool to infer information on the stellar content of elliptical and spiral galaxies. We present new SBF models both for optical and near-IR bands. We find a very good agreement between distances obtained by adopting our models and what found by using other distance indicators. In this way new calibrations of absolute SBF magnitudes are provided and SBF could be considered a primary distance indicator. We also explored the use of SBF magnitudes and colors as a tool to trace stellar population properties. UBV band Observations of SBF (with telescopes optimized for these wavelengths such as the VST), would provide the unique chances of resolving the age-metallicity degeneracy and also of deriving valuable constraints to stellar evolution theory of hot (blue) star.

Relatori:

  • Salvatore Capozziello – Università degli Studi di Salerno
  • Enzo Brocato – INAF Osservatorio Astronomico di Teramo
  • Massimo Capaccioli – Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II
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