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We derive the metallicity (traced by the O/H abundance) of the narrow-line region (NLR) of 108 Seyfert galaxies as well as radial metallicity gradients along their galaxy discs and of these of a matched control sample of no active galaxies. In view of that, observational data from the SDSS-IV MaNGA survey and strong emission-line calibrations taken from the literature were considered. The metallicity obtained for the NLRs was compared to the value derived from the extrapolation of the radial oxygen abundance gradient, obtained from H II region estimates along the galaxy disc, to the central part of the host galaxies. We find that, for most of the objects (∼ 80 per cent), the NLR metallicity is lower than the extrapolated value, with the average difference ( D ) between these estimates ranging from 0.16 to 0.30 dex. We suggest that D is due to the accretion of metal-poor gas to the AGN that feeds the nuclear supermassive black hole (SMBH), which is drawn from a reservoir molecular and/or neutral hydrogen around the SMBH. Additionally, we look for correlations between D and the electron density (Ne), [O III]λ5007, and H α luminosities, extinction coefficient (AV) of the NLRs, as well as the stellar mass (M∗) of the host galaxies. Evidence of an inverse correlation between the D and the parameters Ne, M∗, and Av was found.

[Context] Palomar 6 (Pal6) is a moderately metal-poor globular cluster projected towards the Galactic bulge. A full analysis of the cluster can give hints on the early chemical enrichment of the Galaxy and a plausible origin of the cluster. [Aims] The aim of this study is threefold: a detailed analysis of high-resolution spectroscopic data obtained with the UVES spectrograph at the Very Large Telescope (VLT) at ESO, the derivation of the age and distance of Pal6 from Hubble Space Telescope (HST) photometric data, and an orbital analysis to determine the probable origin of the cluster. [Methods] High-resolution spectra of six red giant stars in the direction of Pal6 were obtained at the 8 m VLT UT2-Kueyen telescope equipped with the UVES spectrograph in FLAMES+UVES configuration. Spectroscopic parameters were derived through excitation and ionisation equilibrium of Fe?raquo; I and Fe?raquo; II lines, and the abundances were obtained from spectrum synthesis. From HST photometric data, the age and distance were derived through a statistical isochrone fitting. Finally, a dynamical analysis was carried out for the cluster assuming two different Galactic potentials. [Results] Four stars that are members of Pal 6 were identified in the sample, which gives a mean radial velocity of 174.3 ± 1.6 km s-1 and a mean metallicity of [Fe/H] = -1.10 ± 0.09 for the cluster. We found an enhancement of α-elements (O, Mg, Si, and Ca) of 0.29< [X/Fe] < 0.38 and the iron-peak element Ti of [Ti/Fe] ∼+0.3. The odd-Z elements (Na and Al) show a mild enhancement of [X/Fe] ∼+0.25. The abundances of both first- (Y and Zr) and second-peak (Ba and La) heavy elements are relatively high, with +0.4 < [X/Fe] < +0.60 and +0.4 < [X/Fe] < +0.5, respectively. The r-element Eu is also relatively high with [Eu/Fe] ∼+0.6. One member star presents enhancements in N and Al, with [Al/Fe] > +0.30, this being evidence of a second stellar population, further confirmed with the NaON-Al (anti)correlations. For the first time, we derived the age of Pal 6, which resulted to be 12.4 ± 0.9 Gyr. We also found a low extinction coefficient RV = 2.6 for the Pal 6 projection, which is compatible with the latest results for the highly extincted bulge populations. The derived extinction law results in a distance of 7.67 ± 0.19 kpc from the Sun with an AV = 4.21 ± 0.05. The chemical and photometric analyses combined with the orbital-dynamical analyses point out that Pal 6 belongs to the bulge component probably formed in the main-bulge progenitor. [Conculsions] The present analysis indicates that the globular cluster Pal 6 is located in the bulge volume and that it was probably formed in the bulge in the early stages of the Milky Way formation, sharing the chemical properties with the family of intermediate metallicity very old clusters M 62, NGC 6522, NGC 6558, and HP 1.

Dissertação de Mestrado em Astrofísica e Instrumentação para o Espaço apresentada à Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia Linking the physical properties of planets and their host stars can reveal essential details about the environmental conditions for planet formation.There is a known relationship between giant planets occurrence and metallicity of their host stars, which favors the formation of these planets via so called core-accretion model.However, some recent works suggested that there might be a planetary mass breakpoint at about 4 Jupiter masses above and below which planet formation channels are different: the Jupiter-like planets form via core-accretion, while the super-massive planets form through gravitational instability. The key argument for such a conclusion is that super-massive planets are mostly detected around metal-poor stars, which goes against the predictions of core-accretion theory. An important limitations of the aforementioned works is that iron abundance was used as a proxy for overall metallicity, which might be inaccurate for stars with low iron content. This is mostly because iron-poor planet host stars have been shown to be enhanced in other metals which could compensate for the lack of iron in these stars. We performed a detailed spectroscopic analysis of 113 FGK-type stars hosting 96 planets with masses below 4 Mjup and 39 planet with masses above 4 Mjup to determine the abundances of the metals (C, O, Mg, and Si) important for exoplanet formation. A stoichiometric model was then used to estimate the summed mass percentage of metals (Z) in the protoplanetary discs where these planets formed. Additionally we used the mass of the host stars as a proxy for protoplanetary disk and by multiplying it with Z we estimated the total amount of metals in the disk relevant for the formation of massive planets. By performing a Kolmogorov–Smirnov test we showed that the systems with giant and super-giant planets have similar distributions of Z x M* (stellar mass) which suggest a common formation mechanism for the two populations of planets. Additionally, we found that Z is significantly larger in systems with any type of giant planets when compared with stars without detected planets. This result led us to suggest that the most probable mechanism for the formation of massive and super-massive planets is core-accretion. Interligar os processos físicos dos planetas e das suas estrelas pode revelar detalhes essenciais sobre as condições ambientais da formação dos planetas. Existe uma relação conhecida entre a ocorrência de planetas gigantes e a metalicidade das suas estrelas, favorecendo a formação destes planetas pelo modelo de "acreção do núcleo" (core-accretion). No entanto, alguns trabalhos recentes sugeriram que pode haver uma quebra na massa planetária a cerca de 4 massas de Júpiter a cima e abaixo da qual os canais de formação planetária são diferentes: os planetas tipo Júpiter formam-se via "acreção do núcleo", enquanto que os planetas super-massivos formam-se por "instabilidade gravitacional". O argumento-chave para tal conclusão é que os planetas super-massivos foram maioritariamente detectados em volta de estrelas pouco metálicas, o que contradiz a previsão da teoria de "acreção do núcleo".Uma limitação importante dos trabalhos mencionados é usarem a abundância do ferro como uma aproximação da metalicidade global, o que pode ser pouco preciso para estrelas com pouco ferro. Isto é maioritariamente porque estrelas hospedeiras com pouco ferro tem mostrado estar enriquecidas noutros metais o que pode compensar pela falta de ferro nestas estrelas.Nos realizamos uma analise espectroscópica detalhada de 113 FGK estrelas hospedeiras de 96 planetas com massas abaixo de 4 Mjup e 39 planetas com massas superiores a 4 Mjup para determinar as abundâncias dos metais (C, O, Mg e Si) importantes para a formação de exoplanetas. De seguida, um modelo estequiométrico foi usado para estimar a soma da percentagem de massa de metais (Z) no disco protoplanetário onde os planetas foram formados. Adicionalmente, usamos a massa das estrelas hospedeiras como uma aproximação para o disco protoplanetário e ao multiplicá-la com o Z nos estimamos a quantidade total de metais no disco relevantes para a formação de planetas massivos. Ao realizar um teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov nos mostramos que os sistemas com planetas gigantes e super-gigantes tem distribuições semelhantes de Z x M* (massa das estrela) o que sugere um mecanismo de formação comum para as duas populações de planetas. Adicionalmente, encontramos que o Z é significativamente maior em sistemas com qualquer tipo de planeta gigante quando comparado com estrelas sem planetas detectados. Este resultado leva-nos a sugerir que o mecanismo de formação mais provável para a formação de planetas massivos e super-massivos é a "acreção do núcleo".

The age-metallicity relation constitutes a fundamental observation to detail the chemical-time evolution of the galactic disk. However, this relation still has a controversial history in the literature. For this work, it is suggested the addition of the distance parameter, from the Sun to the star R and the XYZ Cartesian planes of the galactic disk in this relation with the aiming to trace its behavior. For this purpose, it was used a F and G spectral types single star’s sample in the solar neighborhood from the Geneva-Copenhagen survey (GCS) catalog, which holds [Fe/H] derived from the system uvby by Strömgren, distances resulting from parallax of the Hipparcos and Tycho-2 catalogs and computed ages of theoretical isochrones. The final sample, therefore, has 2215 single dwarf stars, aged less than 10 giga-years with an error of less than 25%, distances up to the Sun R 120 pc and, in the great majority, poor in metals. Based on the results, it can be seen that the dispersion in the age-metallicity relation already detected in the current literature, extends across the entire age range for type G stars, however, for those of type F, the relation showed an explicit gradual decline. In addition, the dispersion behavior in this relation tends to be greater for metal-poor G stars than for type F stars. We found the presence of stars with [Fe/H] < 0 both near and far to the Sun, with manifestations of stars with [Fe/H] < -0.4 in regions between 80 < R < 120 for type F and between 70 < R < 90 for type G. In addition, those of type G emphasize the assiduity from young stars to greater distances. We also used the resampling method bootstrap to ascertain the behavior of the dispersion of [Fe/H] on the physical planes. It has been found that the edges of these planes are the most likely regions of heating effects, where it may be associated with contamination by mass or other stellar properties. The age-metallicity-distance analysis intensified the concept of orbital diffusion in the solar neighborhood, a factor that may be one of the mechanism responsible for the appearance of a decrease in metallicity in the same age range of stars close to greater distances. A relação idade-metalicidade configura uma observação fundamental para pormenorizar a evolução química-temporal do disco galáctico. No entanto, essa relação ainda possui um histórico controverso na literatura. Neste trabalho, preconizamos o acréscimo do parâmetro distância, do Sol até a estrela R e dos planos Cartesianos XYZ do disco galáctico nessa relação, com o objetivo de traçar o seu comportamento. Para tal, utilizamos uma amostra de dados de estrelas single de tipos espectrais F e G na vizinhança solar advindos do catálogo Geneva-Copenhagen survey (GCS), que detém de [Fe/H] derivadas do sistema uvby de Strömgren, distâncias resultantes de paralaxe dos catálogos Hipparcos e Tycho-2 e idades computadas de isócronas teóricas. A amostra final, portanto, dispõe de 2215 estrelas anãs single, com idades inferior a 10 giga-anos com erro menor que 25%, distâncias até o Sol R120 pc e, em sua grande maioria, pobres em metais. Com base nos resultados, pode-se observar que a dispersão na relação idade-metalicidade já detectada na literatura vigente, se estende por toda faixa etária para estrelas do tipo G, contudo, para aquelas do tipo F, a relação apresentou um declínio gradual explícito. Além disso, o comportamento da dispersão nessa relação propende a ser maior para estrelas G pobres em metais do que para aquelas do tipo F. Constatamos a presença de estrelas com [Fe/H] < 0 tanto próximo quanto distante ao Sol, com manifestações de estrelas com [Fe/H] < -0.4 nas regiões entre 80 < R < 120 para o tipo F e entre 70 < R < 90 para o tipo G. Ademais, aquelas do tipo G salientam a assiduidade de jovens estrelas a distâncias maiores. Utilizamos também o método de reamostragem bootstrap para averiguar o comportando da dispersão de [Fe/H] nos planos físicos. Foi detectado que as bordas desses planos são as regiões mais prováveis de efeitos de “aquecimento”, onde pode estar associado a contaminação pela massa ou outra propriedade estelar. A análise relação idade-metalicidade-distância intensificou a concepção de difusão orbital na vizinhança solar, fator que pode ser um dos mecanismos responsáveis pelo aparecimento da diminuição na metalicidade no mesmo intervalo etário de estrelas próximas a maiores distâncias.

NGC 6522 is a moderately metal-poor bulge globular cluster ([Fe/H]$\sim$$-$1.0), and it is a well-studied representative among a number of moderately metal-poor blue horizontal branch clusters located in the bulge. The NGC 6522 abundance pattern can give hints on the earliest chemical enrichment in the central Galaxy. The aim of this study is to derive abundances of the light elements C and N; alpha elements O, Mg, Si, Ca, and Ti; odd-Z elements Na and Al; neutron-capture elements Y, Zr, Ba, La, and Nd; and the r-process element Eu. We verify if there are first- and second-generation stars: we find clear evidence of Na-Al, Na-N, and Mg-Al correlations, while we cannot identify the Na-O anti-correlation from our data. High-resolution spectra of six red giants in the bulge globular cluster NGC 6522 were obtained at the 8m VLT UT2-Kueyen telescope in FLAMES+UVES configuration. In light of Gaia data, it turned out that two of them are non-members, but these were also analysed. Spectroscopic parameters were derived through the excitation and ionisation equilibrium of FeI and FeII lines from UVES spectra. The abundances were obtained with spectrum synthesis. The present analysis combined with previous UVES results gives a mean radial velocity of vrhel = -15.62+-7.7 km.s-1 and a metallicity of [Fe/H] = -1.05+-0.20 for NGC 6522. Mean abundances of alpha elements for the present four member stars are enhanced with [O/Fe]=+0.38, [Mg/Fe]=+0.28, [Si/Fe]=+0.19, and [Ca/Fe]=+0.13, together with the iron-peak element [Ti/Fe]=+0.13, and the r-process element [Eu/Fe]=+0.40.The neutron-capture elements Y, Zr, Ba, and La show enhancements in the +0.08 < [Y/Fe] < +0.90, 0.11 < [Zr/Fe] < +0.50, 0.00 < [Ba/Fe] < +0.63, 0.00 < [La/Fe] < +0.45, and -0.10 < [Nd/Fe] < +0.70 ranges. We also discuss the spread in heavy-element abundances., Accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics, 27 pages, 18 figures

In this work, we characterize the properties of the object SDSS J020536.84−081424.7, an extended nebular region with projected extension of 14 × 14 kpc2 in the line of sight of the ETG Mrk 1172, using unprecedented spectroscopic data from MUSE. We perform a spatially resolved stellar population synthesis and estimate the stellar mass for both Mrk 1172 (1 × 1011 M ) and our object of study (3 × 109 M ). While the stellar content of Mrk 1172 is dominated by an old (∼10 Gyr) stellar population, the extended nebular emission has its light dominated by young to intermediate age populations (from ∼100 Myr to ∼1 Gyr) and presents strong emission lines such as H β; [O III] λλ4959, 5007 Å; H α; [N II] λλ6549, 6585 Å; and [S II] λλ6717, 6732 Å. Using these emission lines, we find that it is metal poor (with Z ∼ 1/3 Z , comparable to the LMC) and is actively forming stars (0.70 M yr−1), especially in a few bright clumpy knots that are readily visible in H α. The object has an ionized gas mass ≥3.8 × 105 M . Moreover, the motion of the gas is well described by a gas in circular orbit in the plane of a disc and is being affected by interaction wtih Mrk 1172. We conclude that SDSS J020536.84−081424.7 is most likely a dwarf irregular galaxy (the dIGal).

We measured gas-phase metallicity, ionisation parameter, and dust extinction for a representative sample of 1795 local star-forming galaxies using integral field spectroscopy from the SDSS-IV MaNGA survey. We self-consistently derive these quantities by compar ing observed line fluxes with photoionisation models using a Bayesian framework. We also present the first comprehensive study of the [S iii]λλ9069,9532 nebular lines, which have long been predicted to be ideal tracers of the ionisation parameter. However, we find that current photoionisation model predictions substantially over-predict the intensity of the [S iii] lines, while broadly reproducing other observed optical line ratios. We discuss how to nonetheless make use of the information provided by the [S iii] lines by setting a prior on the ionisation parameter. Following this approach, we derive spatially resolved maps and radial profiles of metallicity and ionisation parameter. The metallicity radial profiles derived are comparable with previous works, with metallicity declining toward the outer parts and showing a flattening in the central regions. This is in agreement with infall models of galaxy formation, which predict that spiral discs build up through accretion of material, leading to an inside-out growth. On the other hand, ionisation parameter radial profiles are flat for low-mass galaxies, while their slope becomes positive as galaxy mass increases. However, the ionisation parameter maps we obtain are clumpy, especially for low-mass galaxies. The ionisation parameter is tightly correlated with the equivalent width of Hα [EW(Hα)], following a nearly universal relation, which we attribute to the change of the spectral shape of ionising sources due to ageing of Hii regions. We derive a positive correlation between ionisation parameter and metallicity at fixed EW(Hα), in disagreement with previous theoretical work that predict an anti-correlation.

The presence of nitrogen-enriched stars in globular clusters provides key evidence for multiple stellar populations (MPs), as has been demonstrated with globular cluster spectroscopic data towards the bulge, disk, and halo. In this work, we employ the VVV Infrared Astrometric Catalogue (VIRAC) and the DR16 SDSS-IV release of the APOGEE survey to provide the first detailed spectroscopic study of the bulge globular cluster UKS 1. Based on these data, a sample of six selected cluster members was studied. We find the mean metallicity of UKS 1 to be [Fe/H] = −0.98 ± 0.11, considerably more metal-poor than previously reported, and a negligible metallicity scatter, typical of that observed by APOGEE in other Galactic globular clusters. In addition, we find a mean radial velocity of 66.1 ± 12.9 km s−1 , which is in good agreement with literature values, within 1σ. By selecting stars in the VIRAC catalogue towards UKS 1, we also measure a mean proper motion of (µα cos(δ), µδ) = (−2.77 ± 0.23, −2.43 ± 0.16) mas yr−1 . We find strong evidence for the presence of MPs in UKS 1, since four out of the six giants analysed in this work have strong enrichment in nitrogen ([N/Fe] & +0.95) accompanied by lower carbon abundances ([C/Fe] . −0.2). Overall, the light- (C, N), α- (O, Mg, Si, Ca, Ti), Fe-peak (Fe, Ni), Odd-Z (Al, K), and the s-process (Ce, Nd, Yb) elemental abundances of our member candidates are consistent with those observed in globular clusters at similar metallicity. Furthermore, the overall star-to-star abundance scatter of elements exhibiting the multiple-population phenomenon in UKS 1 is typical of that found in other global clusters (GCs), and larger than the typical errors of some [X/Fe] abundances. Results from statistical isochrone fits in the VVV colour-magnitude diagrams indicate an age of 13.10+0.93 −1.29 Gyr, suggesting that UKS 1 is a fossil relic in the Galactic bulge.

The metal-rich Galactic globular cluster NGC 6366 is the fifth closest to the Sun. Despite its interest, it has received scarce attention, and little is known about its internal structure. Its kinematics suggests a link to the halo, but its metallicity indicates otherwise. We present a detailed chemical analysis of eight giant stars of NGC 6366, using high resolution and high quality spectra (R > 40000, S/N > 60) obtained at the VLT (8.2 m) and CFHT (3.6 m) telescopes. We attempted to characterize its chemistry and to search for evidence of multiple stellar populations. The atmospheric parameters were derived using the method of excitation and ionization equilibrium of FeI and FeII lines and from those atmospheric parameters we calculated the abundances for other elements and found that none of the elements measured presents star-to-star variation greater than the uncertainties. We compared the derived abundances with those of other globular clusters and field stars available in the literature. We determined a mean [Fe/H] = -0.60 +- 0.03 for NGC 6366 and found some similarity of this object with M 71, another inner halo globular cluster. The Na-O anticorrelation extension is short and no star-to-star variation in Al is found. The presence of second generation stars is not evident in NGC 6366., 17 pages, 14 figures. Accepted for publication in MNRAS; Corrected typos and added references

Context. Moderately metal-poor inner bulge globular clusters are relics of a generation of long-lived stars that formed in the early Galaxy. Terzan 9, projected at 4°.12 from the Galactic center, is among the most central globular clusters in the Milky Way, showing an orbit which remains confined to the inner 1 kpc. Aims. Our aim is the derivation of the cluster’s metallicity, together with an accurate measurement of the mean radial velocity. In the literature, metallicities in the range between −2.0 < [Fe/H] < −1.0 have been estimated for Terzan 9 based on color-magnitude diagrams and CaII triplet (CaT) lines. Methods. Given its compactness, Terzan 9 was observed using the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) at the Very Large Telescope. The extraction of spectra from several hundreds of individual stars allowed us to derive their radial velocities, metallicities, and [Mg/Fe]. The spectra obtained with MUSE were analysed through full spectrum fitting using the ETOILE code. Results. We obtained a mean metallicity of [Fe/H] ≈ −1.10 ±0.15, a heliocentric radial velocity of vhr = 58.1 ± 1.1 km s−1, and a magnesium-to-iron [Mg/Fe] = 0.27 ± 0.03. The metallicity-derived character of Terzan 9 sets it among the family of the moderately metal-poor Blue Horizontal Branch clusters HP 1, NGC 6558, and NGC 6522.

Context. We present a new methodology for the estimation of stellar atmospheric parameters from narrow- and intermediate-band photometry of the Javalambre Photometric Local Universe Survey (J-PLUS), and propose a method for target pre-selection of low-metallicity stars for follow-up spectroscopic studies. Photometric metallicity estimates for stars in the globular cluster M15 are determined using this method. Aims. By development of a neural-network-based photometry pipeline, we aim to produce estimates of effective temperature, Teff, and metallicity, [Fe/H], for a large subset of stars in the J-PLUS footprint. Methods. The Stellar Photometric Index Network Explorer, SPHINX, was developed to produce estimates of Teff and [Fe/H], after training on a combination of J-PLUS photometric inputs and synthetic magnitudes computed for medium-resolution (R ~ 2000) spectra of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. This methodology was applied to J-PLUS photometry of the globular cluster M15. Results. Effective temperature estimates made with J-PLUS Early Data Release photometry exhibit low scatter, σ(Teff) = 91 K, over the temperature range 4500 < Teff (K) < 8500. For stars from the J-PLUS First Data Release with 4500 < Teff (K) < 6200, 85 ± 3% of stars known to have [Fe/H] < −2.0 are recovered by SPHINX. A mean metallicity of [Fe/H] = − 2.32 ± 0.01, with a residual spread of 0.3 dex, is determined for M15 using J-PLUS photometry of 664 likely cluster members. Conclusions. We confirm the performance of SPHINX within the ranges specified, and verify its utility as a stand-alone tool for photometric estimation of effective temperature and metallicity, and for pre-selection of metal-poor spectroscopic targets.

We present a chemical abundance analysis of four additional confirmed member stars of Tucana III, a Milky Way satellite galaxy candidate in the process of being tidally disrupted as it is accreted by the Galaxy. Two of these stars are centrally located in the core of the galaxy while the other two stars are located in the eastern and western tidal tails. The four stars have chemical abundance patterns consistent with the one previously studied star in Tucana III: they are moderately enhanced in r-process elements, i.e., they have 0.4dex. The non-neutron-capture elements generally follow trends seen in other dwarf galaxies, including a metallicity range of 0.44 dex and the expected trend in α-elements, i.e., the lower metallicity stars have higher Ca and Ti abundances. Overall, the chemical abundance patterns of these stars suggest that Tucana III was an ultra-faint dwarf galaxy, and not a globular cluster, before being tidally disturbed. As is the case for the one other galaxy dominated by r-process enhanced stars, Reticulum II, Tucana III's stellar chemical abundances are consistent with pollution from ejecta produced by a binary neutron star merger, although a different r-process element or dilution gas mass is required to explain the abundances in these two galaxies if a neutron star merger is the sole source of r-process enhancement.

Indexación: Web of Science; Scopus. The galaxy formation process in the A cold dark matter scenario can be constrained from the analysis of stars in the Milky Way's halo system. We examine the variation of chemical abundances in distant halo stars observed by the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment ( APOGEE), as a function of distance from the Galactic Centre ( r) and iron abundance ([M/H]), in the range 5 less than or similar to r less than or similar to 30 kpc and - 2.5 15 kpc and [M/H] > - 1.1 (larger in the case of O, Mg, and S) with respect to the nearest halo stars. This result confirms previous claims for low-alpha stars found at larger distances. Chemical differences in elements with other nucleosynthetic origins (Ni, K, Na, and Al) are also detected. C and N do not provide reliable information about the interstellar medium from which stars formed because our sample comprises red giant branch and asymptotic giant branch stars and can experience mixing of material to their surfaces. https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/mnras/stw2861

We present chemical abundance measurements of three stars in the ultrafaint dwarf galaxy Horologium I, a Milky Way satellite discovered by the Dark Energy Survey. Using high-resolution spectroscopic observations, we measure the metallicity of the three stars, as well as abundance ratios of several α-elements, iron-peak elements, and neutron-capture elements. The abundance pattern is relatively consistent among all three stars, which have a low average metallicity of [Fe/H]∼−2.6 and are not α-enhanced ([α/Fe]∼0.0). This result is unexpected when compared to other low-metallicity stars in the Galactic halo and other ultrafaint dwarfs and suggests the possibility of a different mechanism for the enrichment of Hor I compared to other satellites. We discuss possible scenarios that could lead to this observed nucleosynthetic signature, including extended star formation, enrichment by a Population III supernova, and or an association with the Large Magellanic Cloud.

The compositions of stars are a critical diagnostic tool for many topics in astronomy such as the evolution of our Galaxy, the formation of planets, and the uniqueness of the Sun. Previous spectroscopic measurements indicate a large intrinsic variation in the elemental abundance patterns of stars with similar overall metal content. However, systematic errors arising from inaccuracies in stellar models are known to be a limiting factor in such studies, and thus it is uncertain to what extent the observed diversity of stellar abundance patterns is real. Here we report the abundances of 30 elements with precisions of 2% for 79 Sun-like stars within 100 parsecs. Systematic errors are minimized in this study by focusing on solar twin stars and performing a line-by-line differential analysis using high-resolution, high-signal-to-noise spectra. We resolve [X/Fe] abundance trends in galactic chemical evolution at precisions of $10^{-3}$ dex Gyr$^{-1}$ and reveal that stars with similar ages and metallicities have nearly identical abundance patterns. Contrary to previous results, we find that the ratios of carbon-to-oxygen and magnesium-to-silicon in solar metallicity stars are homogeneous to within 10% throughout the solar neighborhood, implying that exoplanets may exhibit much less compositional diversity than previously thought. Finally, we demonstrate that the Sun has a subtle deficiency in refractory material relative to >80% of solar twins (at 2$\sigma$ confidence), suggesting a possible signpost for planetary systems like our own., Comment: ApJ accepted version

We present a spectroscopic study of the tidal tails and core of the Milky Way satellite Tucana III, collectively referred to as the Tucana III stream, using the 2dF+AAOmega spectrograph on the Anglo-Australian Telescope and the IMACS spectrograph on the Magellan Baade Telescope. In addition to recovering the brightest nine previously known member stars in the Tucana III core, we identify 22 members in the tidal tails.We observe strong evidence for a velocity gradient of 8.0 0.4 km s-1 deg-1 over at least 3° on the sky. Based on the continuity in velocity, we confirm that the Tucana III tails are real tidal extensions of Tucana III. The large velocity gradient of the stream implies that Tucana III is likely on a radial orbit. We successfully obtain metallicities for four members in the core and 12 members in the tails. We find that members close to the ends of the stream tend to be more metal-poor than members in the core, indicating a possible metallicity gradient between the center of the progenitor halo and its edge. The spread in metallicity suggests that the progenitor of the Tucana III stream is likely a dwarf galaxy rather than a star cluster. Furthermore, we find that with the precise photometry of the Dark Energy Survey data, there is a discernible color offset between metal-rich disk stars and metal-poor stream members. This metallicity-dependent color offers a more efficient method to recognize metal-poor targets and will increase the selection efficiency of stream members for future spectroscopic follow-up programs on stellar streams.

We report the discovery of two new candidate stellar systems in the constellation of Cetus using the data from the first two years of the Dark Energy Survey (DES). The objects, DES J0111-1341 and DES J0225+0304, are located at a heliocentric distance of ~ 25 kpc and appear to have old and metal-poor populations. Their distances to the Sagittarius orbital plane, ~ 1.73 kpc (DES J0111-1341) and ~ 0.50 kpc (DES J0225+0304), indicate that they are possibly associated with the Sagittarius dwarf stream. The half-light radius (r_h ~ 4.55 pc) and luminosity (M_V ~ +0.3) of DES J0111-1341 are consistent with it being an ultrafaint stellar cluster, while the half-light radius (r_h ~ 18.55 pc) and luminosity (M_V ~ -1.1) of DES J0225+0304 place it in an ambiguous region of size-luminosity space between stellar clusters and dwarf galaxies. Determinations of the characteristic parameters of the Sagittarius stream, metallicity spread (-2.18 < [Fe/H] < -0.95) and distance gradient (23 kpc < D_sun < 29 kpc), within the DES footprint in the Southern hemisphere, using the same DES data, also indicate a possible association between these systems. If these objects are confirmed through spectroscopic follow-up to be gravitationally bound systems and to share a Galactic trajectory with the Sagittarius stream, DES J0111-1341 and DES J0225+0304 would be the first ultrafaint stellar systems associated with the Sagittarius stream. Furthermore, DES J0225+0304 would also be the first confirmed case of an ultrafaint satellite of a satellite., 13 pages, 9 figures, 1 table

We conduct a comprehensive projected phase-space analysis of the A901/2 multi-cluster system at $z\sim0.165$. Aggregating redshifts from spectroscopy, tunable-filter imaging, and prism techniques, we assemble a sample of 856 cluster galaxies reaching $10^{8.5}M_\odot$ in stellar mass. We look for variations in cluster galaxy properties between virialised and non-virialised regions of projected phase-space (PPS). Our main conclusions point to relatively gentle environmental effects, expressed mainly on galaxy gas reservoirs. (1) Stacking the four subclusters in A901/2, we find galaxies in the virialised region are more massive, redder, and have marginally higher S��rsic indices, but their half-light radii and Hubble types are not significantly different. (2) After accounting for trends in stellar mass, there is a remaining change in rest-frame colour across PPS. Primarily, the colour difference is due to an absence in the virialised region of galaxies with rest-frame $B-V10^{9.85}M_\odot$) stellar mass. (3) There is an infalling population of lower-mass ($M_\star\leq10^{9.85}M_\odot$), relatively blue ($B-V, Accepted for publication in MNRAS

We present a study on the stellar age and metallicity distributions for 1105 galaxies using the STARLIGHT software on MaNGA integral field spectra. We derive age and metallicity gradients by fitting straight lines to the radial profiles, and explore their correlations with total stellar mass M*, NUV-r colour and environments, as identified by both the large scale structure (LSS) type and the local density. We find that the mean age and metallicity gradients are close to zero but slightly negative, which is consistent with the inside-out formation scenario. Within our sample, we find that both the age and metallicity gradients show weak or no correlation with either the LSS type or local density environment. In addition, we also study the environmental dependence of age and metallicity values at the effective radii. The age and metallicity values are highly correlated with M* and NUV-r and are also dependent on LSS type as well as local density. Low-mass galaxies tend to be younger and have lower metallicity in low-density environments while high-mass galaxies are less affected by environment., 18 pages, 24 figures, accepted for publication in MNRAS

We determine relative abundance ratios for the neutron-capture elements Zr, La, Ce, Nd, and Eu for a sample of 27 Galactic dwarf stars with -1.5 < [Fe/H], Comment: MNRAS in press

We have conducted a photometric survey of the globular cluster NGC 6397 in a search for variable stars. We obtained ∼11 h of time-resolved photometric images with one European Southern Observatory-Very Large Telescope using the FOcal Reducer and low dispersion Spectrograph imager distributed over two consecutive nights. We analysed 8391 light curves of stars brighter than magnitude 23 with the 465-nm filter, and we identified 412 variable stars, reaching ∼4.8 ± 0.2 per cent of variability with time-scales between 0.004 and 2 d, with amplitudes variation greater than ±0.2 mag.

Chemically peculiar stars in dwarf galaxies provide a window for exploring the birth environment of stars with varying chemical enrichment. We present a chemical abundance analysis of the brightest star in the newly discovered ultra-faint dwarf galaxy candidate Tucana III. Because it is particularly bright for a star in an ultra-faint Milky Way (MW) satellite, we are able to measure the abundance of 28 elements, including 13 neutron-capture species. This star, DES J235532.66−593114.9 (DES J235532), shows a mild enhancement in neutron-capture elements associated with the r-process and can be classified as an r-I star. DES J235532 is the first r-I star to be discovered in an ultra-faint satellite, and Tuc III is the second extremely low-luminosity system found to contain rprocess enriched material, after Reticulum II. Comparison of the abundance pattern of DES J235532 with r-I and r-II stars found in other dwarf galaxies and in the MW halo suggests a common astrophysical origin for the neutron-capture elements seen in all r-process enhanced stars. We explore both internal and external scenarios for the r-process enrichment of Tuc III and show that with abundance patterns for additional stars, it should be possible to distinguish between them.

We present Magellan/IMACS spectroscopy of the recently discovered Milky Way satellite EridanusII (Eri II). We identify 28 member stars in EriII, from which we measure a systemic radial velocity of vhel = 75.6 1.3 (stat.) 2.0 (sys.) km s-1 and a velocity dispersion of - 6.9+0.9 1.2 km s-1. Assuming that EriII is a dispersion-supported system in dynamical equilibrium, we derive a mass within the half-light radius of - ´ 1.2+ 10 0.3 0.4 7 M, indicating a mass-tolight ratio of - 420+140 210 M/L and confirming that it is a dark matter-dominated dwarf galaxy. From the equivalent width measurements of the Ca triplet lines of 16 red giant member stars, we derive a mean metallicity of [Fe/ H]=−2.38±0.13 and a metallicity dispersion of s[ / ] = - 0.47+ Fe H 0.09 0.12. The velocity of EriII in the Galactic standard of rest frame is vGSR=−66.6 km s-1, indicating that either EriII is falling into the Milky Way potential for the first time or that it has passed the apocenter of its orbit on a subsequent passage. At a Galactocentric distance of 370 kpc, Eri II is one of the Milky Way’s most distant satellites known. Additionally, we show that the bright blue stars previously suggested to be a young stellar population are not associated with EriII. The lack of gas and recent star formation in EriII is surprising given its mass and distance from the Milky Way, and may place constraints on models of quenching in dwarf galaxies and on the distribution of hot gas in the Milky Way halo. Furthermore, the large velocity dispersion of Eri II can be combined with the existence of a central star cluster to constrain massive compact halo object dark matter with mass 10 M.

We present an observational study of the impacts of interactions on the stellar population in a sample of galaxy pairs. Long-slit spectra in the wavelength range 3440–7300 Å obtained with the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS) at Gemini South for 15 galaxies in nine close pairs were used. The spatial distributions of the stellar population contributions were obtained using the stellar population synthesis code STARLIGHT. Taking into account the different contributions to the emitted light, we found that most of the galaxies in our sample are dominated by young/intermediate stellar populations. This result differs from the one derived for isolated galaxies, where the old stellar population dominates the disc surface brightness. We interpreted such different behaviour as being due to the effect of gas inflows along the discs of interacting galaxies on the star formation over a time-scale of the order of about 2 Gyr. We also found that, in general, the secondary galaxy of a pair has a higher contribution from the young stellar population than the primary one. We compared the estimated values of stellar and nebular extinction derived from the synthesis method and the Hα/Hβ emission-line ratio, finding that nebular extinctions are systematically higher than stellar ones by about a factor of 2. We did not find any correlation between nebular and stellar metallicities. Neither did we find a correlation between stellar metallicities and ages, while a positive correlation between nebular metallicities and stellar ages was obtained, with older regions being the most metal-rich.

We present Magellan/IMACS spectroscopy of the recently discovered Milky Way satellite TucanaIII (Tuc III). We identify 26 member stars in TucIII from which we measure a mean radial velocity of vhel=−102.3±0.4 (stat.)±2.0(sys.) km s-1, a velocity dispersion of - 0.1+0.1 0.7 km s-1, and a mean metallicity of = - - [Fe/H] 2.42+0.08 0.07. The upper limit on the velocity dispersion is σ

We study the internal radial gradients of stellar population properties within $1.5\;R_{\rm e}$ and analyse the impact of galaxy environment. We use a representative sample of 721 galaxies with masses ranging between $10^{9}\;M_{\odot}$ to $10^{11.5}\;M_{\odot}$ from the SDSS-IV survey MaNGA. We split this sample by morphology into early-type and late-type galaxies. Using the full spectral fitting code FIREFLY, we derive the light and mass-weighted stellar population properties age and metallicity, and calculate the gradients of these properties. We use three independent methods to quantify galaxy environment, namely the $N^{th}$ nearest neighbour, the tidal strength parameter $Q$ and distinguish between central and satellite galaxies. In our analysis, we find that early-type galaxies generally exhibit shallow light-weighted age gradients in agreement with the literature and mass-weighted median age gradients tend to be slightly positive. Late-type galaxies, instead, have negative light-weighted age gradients. We detect negative metallicity gradients in both early and late-type galaxies that correlate with galaxy mass, with the gradients being steeper and the correlation with mass being stronger in late-types. We find, however, that stellar population gradients, for both morphological classifications, have no significant correlation with galaxy environment for all three characterisations of environment. Our results suggest that galaxy mass is the main driver of stellar population gradients in both early and late-type galaxies, and any environmental dependence, if present at all, must be very subtle., 14 pages, 8 figures, 4 tables. MNRAS in press

We study the properties of 66 galaxies with kinematically misaligned gas and stars from MaNGA survey. The fraction of kinematically misaligned galaxies varies with galaxy physical parameters, i.e. M*, SFR and sSFR. According to their sSFR, we further classify these 66 galaxies into three categories, 10 star-forming, 26 "Green Valley" and 30 quiescent ones. The properties of different types of kinematically misaligned galaxies are different in that the star-forming ones have positive gradient in D4000 and higher gas-phase metallicity, while the green valley/quiescent ones have negative D4000 gradients and lower gas-phase metallicity on average. There is evidence that all types of the kinematically misaligned galaxies tend to live in more isolated environment. Based on all these observational results, we propose a scenario for the formation of star forming galaxies with kinematically misaligned gas and stars - the progenitor accretes misaligned gas from a gas-rich dwarf or cosmic web, the cancellation of angular momentum from gas-gas collisions between the pre-existing gas and the accreted gas largely accelerates gas inflow, leading to fast centrally-concentrated star-formation. The higher metallicity is due to enrichment from this star formation. For the kinematically misaligned green valley and quiescent galaxies, they might be formed through gas-poor progenitors accreting kinematically misaligned gas from satellites which are smaller in mass., 19 pages, 11 figures, published in MNRAS

Cosmological models predict the oldest stars in the Galaxy should be found closest to the centre of the potential well, in the bulge. The EMBLA Survey successfully searched for these old, metal-poor stars by making use of the distinctive SkyMapper photometric filters to discover candidate metal-poor stars in the bulge. Their metal-poor nature was then confirmed using the AAOmega spectrograph on the AAT. Here we present an abundance analysis of 10 bulge stars with -2.8, Comment: 20 pages, 16 figures. Accepted to Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Online tables can be found at http://www.astro.lu.se/~louise/data

Diffuse Ionized Gas (DIG) is prevalent in star-forming galaxies. Using a sample of 365 nearly face-on star-forming galaxies observed by MaNGA, we demonstrate how DIG in star-forming galaxies impacts the measurements of emission line ratios, hence the interpretation of diagnostic diagrams and gas-phase metallicity measurements. At fixed metallicity, DIG-dominated low H\alpha\ surface brightness regions display enhanced [SII]/H\alpha, [NII]/H\alpha, [OII]/H\beta, and [OI]/H\alpha. The gradients in these line ratios are determined by metallicity gradients and H\alpha\ surface brightness. In line ratio diagnostic diagrams, contamination by DIG moves HII regions towards composite or LI(N)ER-like regions. A harder ionizing spectrum is needed to explain DIG line ratios. Leaky HII region models can only shift line ratios slightly relative to HII region models, and thus fail to explain the composite/LI(N)ER line ratios displayed by DIG. Our result favors ionization by evolved stars as a major ionization source for DIG with LI(N)ER-like emission. DIG can significantly bias the measurement of gas metallicity and metallicity gradients derived using strong-line methods. Metallicities derived using N2O2 are optimal because they exhibit the smallest bias and error. Using O3N2, R23, N2=[NII]/H\alpha, and N2S2H\alpha\ (Dopita et al. 2016) to derive metallicities introduces bias in the derived metallicity gradients as large as the gradient itself. The strong-line method of Blanc et al. (2015; IZI hereafter) cannot be applied to DIG to get an accurate metallicity because it currently contains only HII region models which fail to describe the DIG., Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS, 30 pages, 32 figures

We present wide field JHKs photometry of 16 Galactic globular clusters located towards the Galactic bulge, calibrated on the 2MASS photometric system. Differential reddening corrections and statistical field star decontamination are employed for all of these clusters before fitting fiducial sequences to the cluster red giant branches (RGBs). Observed values and uncertainties are reported for several photometric features, including the magnitude of the RGB bump, tip, the horizontal branch (HB) and the slope of the upper RGB. The latest spectroscopically determined chemical abundances are used to build distance- and reddening-independent relations between observed photometric features and cluster metallicity, optimizing the sample size and metallicity baseline of these relations by supplementing our sample with results from the literature. We find that the magnitude different between the HB and the RGB bump can be used to predict metallicities, in terms of both iron abundance [Fe/H] and global metallicity [M/H], with a precision of better than 0.1 dex in all three near-IR bandpasses for relative metal-rich ([M/H]$\gtrsim$-1) clusters. Meanwhile, both the slope of the upper RGB and the magnitude difference between the RGB tip and bump are useful metallicity indicators over the entire sampled metallicity range (-2$\lesssim$[M/H]$\lesssim$0) with a precision of 0.2 dex or better, despite model predictions that the RGB slope may become unreliable at high (near-solar) metallicities. Our results agree with previous calibrations in light of the relevant uncertainties, and we discuss implications for clusters with controversial metallicities as well as directions for further investigation., Comment: MNRAS, in press, 31 pages, 16 figures, 9 tables. A supplementary figure set including color-magnitude diagrams and luminosity functions will be available online upon publication

We use deep near-IR photometry of the VISTA Variables in the Vía Láctea (VVV) Survey and deep DECam PlaneSurvey (DECaPS) optical photometry to confirm the physical reality of the candidate globular cluster (GC) Minni22, which is located in the Galactic bulge. This object, which was detected as a high density region in our maps ofbulge red giants, is now confirmed as a real GC based on the optical and near-IR color?magnitude diagrams. Wealso recover three known fundamental mode (ab type) RR Lyrae stars within 2 arcmin of the cluster center. Thepresence of RR Lyrae stars also seems to confirm Minni 22 as a bonafide old and metal-poor GC. We estimate acluster reddening E(J-Ks) = 0.6 mag and determine its heliocentric distance D = 7.4 ± 0.3 kpc. The opticaland near-IR color?magnitude diagrams reveal well-defined red giant branches in all cases, including a red giantbranch bump at Ks = 13.30 ± 0.05 mag. The comparison with theoretical isochrones yields a mean metallicity of[Fe/H] = −1.3 ± 0.3 dex, and age of t ∼ 11.2 Gyr. This is a good example of a new low-luminosity(M_V = −6.2 mag) GC found in the central bulge of the Milky Way. After discussing the different ways to confirmthe existence of bulge GC candidates, we find that one of the best methods is to use the CMDs from thecombination of the DECaPS + VVV photometries Fil: Minniti, Dante. Universidad Andrés Bello; Chile Fil: Schlafly, Edward. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Estados Unidos Fil: Palma, Tali. Observatorio Astronomico de la Universidad Nacional de Cordoba; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Clariá, Juan José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Observatorio Astronomico de la Universidad Nacional de Cordoba; Argentina Fil: Hempel, Maren. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Chile Fil: García Alonso, José. Universidad de Antofagasta; Chile Fil: Bica, Eduardo. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Brasil Fil: Bonatto, Charles. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Brasil Fil: Braga, Vittorio. Universidad Andrés Bello; Chile Fil: Clementini, Gisella. Osservatorio Astronomico di Bologna; Italia Fil: Garofalo, Alessia. Osservatorio Astronomico di Bologna; Italia Fil: Gómez, Matías Miguel. Universidad Andrés Bello; Chile Fil: Ivanov, Valentin D.. European Southern Observatory Chile.; Chile Fil: Lucas, Phillip W.. University Of Hertfordshire; Reino Unido Fil: Pullen, Joyce. Instituto Milenio de Astrofísica; Chile Fil: Saito, Roberto K.. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Brasil Fil: Smith, Leigh C.. University of Cambridge; Reino Unido. European Southern Observatory; Alemania

We study the central (inner few hundred parsecs) stellar populations of four starburst galaxies (NGC34, NGC1614, NGC3310 and NGC7714) in the near-infrared (NIR), from 0.8 to 2.4microns, by fitting combinations of stellar population models of various ages and metallicities. The NIR spectra of these galaxies feature many absorption lines. For the first time, we fit simultaneously as much as 15 absorption features in the NIR. The observed spectra are best explained by stellar populations containing a sizable amount (20 to 56 % by mass) of ~1Gyr old stellar population with Thermally Pulsing-Asymptotic Giant Branch stars. We found that the metallicity of the stars which dominates the light is solar. Metallicities substantially different from solar give a worse fit. Though the ages and metallicities we estimate using the NIR spectroscopy are in agreement with values from the literature based on the UV/optical, we find older ages and a larger age spread. This may be due to the fact that the optical is mostly sensitive to the last episode of star formation, while the NIR better maintains the record of previous stellar generations. Another interesting result is that the reddening estimated from the whole NIR spectrum is considerably lower than that based on emission lines. Finally, we find a good agreement of the free emission line spectrum with photoionization models, using as input spectral energy distribution the synthetic composite template we derived as best-fit., 11 pages, 7 figures, accepted for publication on MNRAS

Context. Age, metallicity, and spatial distribution of globular clusters (GCs) provide a powerful tool for reconstructing major starformation episodes in galaxies. IKN is a faint dwarf spheroidal (dSph) in the M 81 group of galaxies. It contains five old GCs, which makes it the galaxy with the highest known specific frequency (S N = 126). Aims. We estimate the photometric age, metallicity, and spatial distribution of the poorly studied IKN GCs. We search SDSS for GC candidates beyond the HST/ACS field of view, which covers half of IKN. Methods. To break the age-metallicity degeneracy in the VI colour, we used WHT/LIRIS KS-band photometry and derived photometric ages and metallicities by comparison with SSP models in the V; I; Ks colour space. Results. IKN GCs’ VIKs colours are consistent with old ages ( 8 Gyr) and a metallicity distribution with a higher mean than is typical for such a dSph ([Fe/H] ' 1:4+0:6 0:2 dex). Their photometric mass range (0:5 < MGC < 4 105 M ) implies an unusually high mass ratio between GCs and field stars, of 10:6%. Mixture model analysis of the RGB field stars’ metallicity suggests that 72% of the stars may have formed together with the GCs. Using the most massive GCSFR relation, we calculated a star formation rate (SFR) of 10 M =yr during its formation epoch. We note that the more massive GCs are closer to the galaxy photometric centre. IKN GCs also appear spatially aligned along a line close to the major axis of the IKN and nearly orthogonal to the plane of spatial distribution of galaxies in the M 81 group. We identify one new IKN GC candidate based on colour and the PSF analysis of the SDSS data Conclusions. The evidence of i) broad and high metallicity distribution of the field IKN RGB stars and its GCs, ii) high fraction, and iii) spatial alignment of IKN GCs supports a scenario for tidally triggered, complex IKN’s star formation history in the context of interactions with galaxies in the M 81 group.

Correlations between stellar chemistry and kinematics have long been used to gain insight into the evolution of the Milky Way Galaxy. Orbital angular momentum is a key physical parameter and it is often estimated from three-dimensional space motions. We here demonstrate the lower uncertainties that can be achieved in the estimation of one component of velocity through selection of stars in key directions and use of line-of-sight velocity alone (i.e. without incorporation of proper motion data). In this first paper we apply our technique to stars observed in the direction of Galactic rotation in the APOGEE survey. We first derive the distribution of azimuthal velocities, $v_\phi$, then from these and observed radial coordinates, estimate the stellar guiding centre radii, $R_g$, within $6.9\leq R \leq 10$ kpc with uncertainties smaller than (or of the order of) 1kpc. We show that there is no simple way to select a clean stellar sample based on low errors on proper motions and distances to obtain high-quality 3D velocities and hence one should pay particular attention when trying to identify kinematically peculiar stars based on velocities derived using the proper motions. Using our azimuthal velocity estimations, we investigate the joint distribution of elemental abundances and rotational kinematics free from the blurring effects of epicyclic motions, and we derive the $\partial v_\phi / \partial R_g$ trends for the thin and thick discs as a function of radius. Our analysis provides further evidence for radial migration within the thin disc and hints against radial migration playing a significant role in the evolution of the thick disc., Comment: 21 pages, 26 figures, accepted for publication in MNRAS

Neste trabalho eu desenvolvo um método para a determinação dos quatro principais parâmetros de um aglomerado globular (idade, metalicidade, avermelhamento e modulo de distancia) através de diagramas cor-magnitude, por comparação com modelos teóricos (isócronas). Usando diagramas cor-magnitude sintéticos determino a precisão e a incerteza do método por comparação com o banco de isócronas de Dartmouth e de Padova (PARSEC). Como exemplo, determino a os parâmetros do aglomerado globular NGC 6397, o segundo aglomerado globular mais próximo do sistema solar, utilizando múltiplas observações e múltiplas cores. Os parâmetros são comparados com a idade do Universo e dados espectroscópicos de estrelas do aglomerado e chegam a uma boa concordância. Os parâmetros ajustados são 12 ± 0, 5 Ganos, metalicidade [Fe/H] = −1, 8±0, 25, avermelhamento [E(B-V)] = 0, 12±0.01 e módulo de distância (m-M) = 12,04. Discuto a diferença entre os valores finais dos parâmetros para um conjunto de muitos dados em relação com os parâmetros para apenas um diagrama cor-magnitude e a diferença entre o ajuste para cores do ultravioleta até o infravermelho. In this work I develop a method to determine the four main parameters of a galactic globular cluster (age, metallicity, reddening and distance modulus) by comparing color-magnitude diagrams to theoretical models (isochrones). Using synthetic colormagnitude diagrams I determine the accuracy and uncertainties of the method by comparison with the isochrone databases from Dartmouth and Padova (PARSEC). As an example, I determine the parameters for the globular cluster NGC 6397, the second nearest to the Sun, using multiple observations and multiple colors. The parameters are compared with the age of the Universe and spectroscopic data of cluster stars and yields a good agreement. The parameters fitted are 12 ± 0.5 Gyr, metallicity [Fe/H] = −1.8, reddening [E(B-V)] = 0.12 ± 0.01 and distance modulus (m-M) = 12.04. I discussed the difference between the final parameters values for many data sets with parameter values in a single color-magnitude diagram and the difference between the fit to colors from the ultraviolet to the infrared.

The globular cluster HP~1 is projected at only 3.33 degrees from the Galactic center. Together with its distance, this makes it one of the most central globular clusters in the Milky Way. It has a blue horizontal branch (BHB) and a metallicity of [Fe/H]~-1.0. This means that it probably is one of the oldest objects in the Galaxy. Abundance ratios can reveal the nucleosynthesis pattern of the first stars as well as the early chemical enrichment and early formation of stellar populations. High-resolution spectra obtained for six stars were analyzed to derive the abundances of the light elements C, N, O, Na, and Al, the alpha-elements Mg, Si, Ca, and Ti, and the heavy elements Sr, Y , Zr, Ba, La, and Eu.} High-resolution spectra of six red giants that are confirmed members of the bulge globular cluster HP~1 were obtained with the 8m VLT UT2-Kueyen telescope with the UVES spectrograph in FLAMES-UVES configuration. The spectroscopic parameter derivation was based on the excitation and ionization equilibrium of FeI and FeII. We confirm a mean metallicity of [Fe/H] = -1.06~0.10, by adding the two stars that were previously analyzed in HP~1. The alpha-elements O and Mg are enhanced by about +0.3, Comment: 15 pages, 8 figures In press in Astronomy & Astrophysics (2016)

(ABRIDGED) The evolution and structure of the Magellanic Clouds is presently under debate. The classical scenario where both the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds (LMC, SMC) are orbiting the Milky Way has been challenged by an alternative where the LMC and SMC are in their first close passage to our Galaxy. Detailed studies of stellar populations in the galaxies should constrain the proposed scenarios. In particular, the west halo of the SMC was recently characterized with radial trends in age and metallicity which indicates tidal disruption. We increase the sample of star clusters in the west halo of the SMC with homogeneous age, metallicity, and distance derivations, to determine better age and metallicity gradients. Comparisons of observed and synthetic V,(B-V) colour-magnitude diagrams are used to derive parameters for west halo star clusters. We derived age and metallicity for the reference cluster NGC 152 compatible with literature parameters. Age and metallicity gradients are confirmed in the west halo: 2.6 +/- 0.6 Gyr/deg and -0.19 +/- 0.09 dex/deg, respectively. Age-metallicity relation for the west halo has low dispersion in metallicity and it is compatible with a burst model of chemical enrichment. All WH clusters seem to follow the same predicted stellar distribution, with exception of AM-3 that should belong to the counter-bridge. Bruck 6 is only 130 +/- 40 Myr old and it could have been formed during a recent tidal interaction of the SMC-LMC. We suggest that it is crucial to split the SMC cluster population in groups: main body, wing/bridge, counter-bridge and west halo. This is the way to analyse the complex star formation and dynamical history of our neighbour. In particular we show that west halo has clear age and metallicity gradients and age-metallicity relation, also compatible with the dynamical model of tidal influence of the LMC over the SMC., 17 pages, 16 figures, 6 tables, in press in A&A

We present SOAR/OSIRIS cross-dispersed near-infrared (NIR) integrated spectra of 12 Galactic globular clusters that are employed to test Maraston NIR evolutionary population synthesis models, and to provide spectral observational constraints to calibrate future models.We measured equivalent widths (Wλ) of the most prominent NIR absorption features: λ 1.49 μm, MgI λ 1.58 μm, Fe I/Mg I, λ 1.59 μm, Si I, λ 1.71 μm, MgI, λ 2.21 μm, Na I and λ 2.26 μm, Ca I as well as the λ 1.62 μm, λ 2.29 μm, CO and λ 2.05 μm, CN molecular bands. Optical Wλ of G band (4300 Å), Hβ, Mg2, Fe I (4531, 527 and 5335 Å) and Na I (5897 Å) were also measured. The globular clusters Wλ were compared with model predictions with ages within 4–15 Gyr, and metallicities between 0.005 and 2 Zʘ . Observed integrated colours (B − V, V − I and V − Ks) were also compared with models. The NIR integrated spectra among our sample appear qualitatively similar in most of the absorption features. The Maraston models can properly predict the optical Wλ observed in globular clusters. Regarding the NIR, they do underestimate the strength of MgI 1.49 μm, but they can reproduce the observed Wλ of Fe I 1.58 μm, Si I 1.59 μm and CO 2.29 μm, in about half of our sample. The remaining objects require the inclusion of intermediate-age populations. Thus, we suggest that the presence of Cand O-rich stars in models is important to reproduce the observed strengths of metallic lines. Another possibility is the lack of α-enhancement in the models. In the case of the optical and NIR Fe I lines, standard models and those that include blue horizontal branch stars produce similar results. A similar trend is observed for Na I 5895 Å, while in the case of the G band, the models with blue horizontal branch do describe better the observations. For most of the sample, the optical to NIR colours are well described by the Maraston models. In general, Maraston models can provide reliable information on the NIR stellar population of galaxies, but only when Wλ and colours are taken together; in other words, Wλ and continuum fluxes should be simultaneously fitted. However, the results should be taken with caution, since the models tend to predict results biased towards young ages.

We present an observational study of the impacts of the interactions on the kinematics, stellar populations and oxygen abundances of the components of the galaxy pair AM2322−821. A fairly symmetric rotation curve for the companion (AM 2322B) galaxy with a deprojected velocity amplitude of 110 km s−1 was obtained, and a dynamical mass of 1.1–1.3 × 1010M within a radius of 4 kpc was estimated using this deprojected velocity. Asymmetries in the radial velocity field were detected for the companion, very likely due to the interaction between the galaxies. The interaction between the main and companion galaxies was modelled using numerical N-body/hydrodynamical simulations, with the result indicating that the current stage of the system would be about 90 Myr after perigalacticon. The spatial variation in the distribution of the stellar population components in both galaxies was analysed using the stellar population synthesis code STARLIGHT. The companion galaxy is dominated by a very young (t ≤ 1 × 108 yr) population, with the fraction that this population is of the total flux at λ 5870Å increasing outwards in the galaxy disc. On the other hand, the stellar population of AM2322A is heterogeneous along the slit positions observed. Spatial profiles of oxygen abundance in the gaseous phase were obtained using the diagnostic diagram R23 = ([O II]λ 3727 +[O III] λ 4959 +[O III] λ 5007)/Hβ versus [OIII]λ 5007/[O II]λ 3727 where we compared the observed values with the ones obtained from photoionization models. Such gradients of oxygen abundance are significantly flatter for this pair of galaxies than in typical isolated spiral galaxies. This metallicity distribution is interpreted as the gradients having been destroyed by interaction-induced gas flows from the outer parts to the centre of the galaxy.

The study of old open clusters outside the solar circle can bring constraints on formation scenarios of the outer disk. In particular, accretion of dwarf galaxies has been proposed as a likely mechanism in the area. We use BVI photometry for determining fundamental parameters of the faint open cluster ESO 92-SC05. Colour-Magnitude Diagrams are compared with Padova isochrones, in order to derive age, reddening and distance. We derive a reddening E(B-V)= 0.17, and an old age of $\sim$6.0 Gyr. It is one of the rare open clusters known to be older than 5 Gyr. A metallicity of Z$\sim$0.004 or [M/H]$\sim$-0.7 is found. The rather low metallicity suggests that this cluster might be the result of an accretion episode of a dwarf galaxy., Comment: 11 figures: 1, 2a,b,c, 3a,b, 4a,b, 5, 6, 7 6 pages to compile with mn2e.cls. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, in press

We present an observational study about the effects of the interactions in the kinematics, stellar population and abundances of the components of the galaxy pair AM2306-721. Rotation curves for the main and companion galaxies were obtained, showing a deprojected velocity amplitude of 175 and 185 km s-ˡ, respectively. The interaction between the main and companion galaxies was modelled using numerical N-body/hydrodynamical simulations, with the result indicating that the current stage of the merger would be about 250 Myr after perigalacticum. The spatial variation in the distribution of the stellar-population components in both galaxies was analysed by fitting combinations of stellar-population models of different age groups. The central region of main galaxy is dominated by an old (5–10 Gyr) population, while significant contributions from a young (200 Myr) and intermediate (1 Gyr) components are found in the disc, and being enhanced in the direction of the tidal features. The stellar population of the companion galaxy is overall much younger, being dominated by components with 1 Gyr or less, quite widely spread over the whole disc. Spatial profiles of the oxygen abundance were obtained from a grid of photoionization models using the R23 line ratio. The disc of the main galaxy shows a clear radial gradient, while the companion galaxy presents oxygen abundance relatively homogeneous across the disc. The absence of an abundance gradient in the secondary galaxy is interpreted in terms of mixing by gas flows from the outer parts to the centre of the galaxy due to the gravitational interaction with the more massive primary.

The stellar population, metallicity distribution and ionized gas in the elliptical galaxies NGC6868 and 5903 are investigated in this paper by means of long-slit spectroscopy and stellar population synthesis. Lick indices in both galaxies present a negative gradient indicating an overabundance of Fe, Mg, Na and TiO in the central parts with respect to the external regions. We found that Mg2 correlates both with Fe I λ5270 and Fe I λ5335, suggesting that these elements probably underwent the same enrichment process in NGC 6868. However, only a marginal correlation of Mg2 and Fe I λ5270 occurs in NGC5903. The lack of correlation between computed galaxy mass and the Mg2 gradient suggests that these elliptical galaxies were formed by merger events. The stellar population synthesis shows the presence of at least two populations with ages of 13 and 5 Gyr old in both galaxies. We have estimated the metallicity of the galaxies using single-aged stellar population (SSP) models. The central region of NGC6868 (|R| 0.5 < ~ kpc) presents a deficiency of alpha elements with respect to iron and solar metallicity. The external parts present a roughly uniform distribution of [α/Fe] ratios and metallicities ranging from [Z/Zʘ] = − 0.33 and solar. A similar conclusion applies to NGC5903. Concerning the emitting gas conspicuously detected in NGC6868, we test three hypotheses as ionizing source: an H II region, post-AGB (asymptotic giant branch) stars and an active galactic nucleus (AGN). Diagnostic diagrams involving the ratios ([N II] λ6584)/(Hα), ([O I] λ6300)/(Hα) and ([S II] λλ6717, 6731)/(Hα) indicate that values measured in the central region of NGC6868 are typical of LINERs (Low-Ionization Nuclear Emission-Line Regions). Together with the stellar population synthesis, this result suggests that the main source of gas ionization in NGC6868 is non-thermal, produced by a low-luminosity AGN, probably with some contribution of shocks to explain ionization at distances of ~ 3.5 kpc from the nucleus.

Apresentamos a análise de diagramas cor-magnitude (CMDs) profundos para 5 aglomerados ricos da Grande Nuvem de Magalhães (LMC). Os dados fazem parte do projeto HST G07307, entitulado "Formação e Evolução de Aglomerados Estelares Ricos da LMC", e foram obtidos através do HST/WFPC2 nos filtros F555W (~ V) e F814W (~ I), alcançando V555~25. A amostra de aglomerados é composta por NGC 1805 e NGC 1818, os mais jovens (r < 100 Myr), NGC 1831e NGC 1868,de idades intermediárias (400 < r < 1000Myr), e Hodge 14, o mais velho (r > 1200Myr). Discutimos e apresentamos um método de correção dos CMDs para incompleteza da amostra e contaminação por estrelas de campo. O uso eficiente das informações contidas nos CMDs foi feito por meio de comparações entre os CMDs observados e CMDs modelados. O processo de modelamento de CMDs gera uma Seqüência Principal (MS) sintética, que utiliza como entrada do modelo a informação sobre idade (r), metalicidade (Z), Função de Massa do Presente (PDMF), fração de binárias não resolvidas, distância e extinção da luz. As incertezas fotométricas foram empiricamente determinadas a partir dos dados e incorporadas no modelamento. Técnicas estatísticas de comparação entre CMDs em 1D e 2D são apresentadas e aplicadas como métodos objetivos capazes de determinar a compatibilidade entre modelo e observação. Modelando os CMDs da região central dos aglomerados podemos inferir a metalicidade (Z), o módulo de distância intrínseco ((V - Mv)o) e o avermelhamento (E(B-V)) para cada aglomerado. Também determinamos as idades para os 3 aglomerados mais velhos de nossa amostra. Continuação) Através da comparação em 2D os valores encontrados foram os seguintes: para NGC 1805, Z = 0.007:1+-0.003, (V - Mv)o = 18.50:1+- 0.10, E(B - V) = 0.03:1+-0.01; para NGC 1818,Z = 0.005:1+-0.002, (V - Mv)o = 18.50:1+-0.15, E(B - V)~0.00; para NGC 1831, Z = 0.012:1+-0.002, log(r /yr) = 8.70 :I+-0.05, (V - Mv)o = 18.70:1+- 0.05, E(B - V)~ 0.00; para NGC 1868, Z = 0.008:1+-0.002,log(r/yr) =8.95:1+-0.05, (V - Mv)o = 18.70:1+- 0.05, E(B - V) ~0.00; para Hodge 14, Z = 0.008+-0.004, log(r/yr) = 9.23+-0.10, (V - Mv)o = 18.50+-0.15, E(B - V) = 0.02+- 0.02. Estes valores estão de acordo, dentro das incertezas, com os valores obtidos através da análise de linhas fiduciais (lD), o que agrega confiabilidade a estas determinações. Através da análise de CMDs em regiões concêntricas determinamos a dependência espacial da inclinação da PDMF (a) nos aglomerados mais ricos. Para tanto empregamos duas abordagens distintas para a determinação de a: 1) método tradicional em 1D via conversão direta de V555em massa; 2) método em 2D via modelmento de CMDs. Independente do método de análise, todos os aglomerados analisados demonstram claramente o efeito de segregação em massa. Além disso, NGC 1818, NGC 1831 e NGC 1868 apresentam uma possível perda seletiva de estrelas de baixa massa nas suas regiões mais externas.

Apresentamos fotometria profunda (V ~ 25,5) nas bandas V e I obtidas com a Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 a bordo do telesc opio espacial Hubble para 7 campos distantes ~5º do centro da Grande Nuvem de Magalhães. Ajustamos isócronas aos diagramas cor-magnitude a fim de identficar diferentes populaões estelares nestes campos. Uma população velha (τ > 10¹º anos) foi encontrada em todos os campos. Alguns eventos de elevada formação estelar, com idades entre 2 x 109 e 4 x 109 anos, foram também encontrados em alguns campos localizados na região N/NO. Funções de luminosidade de estrelas de baixa massa (m ≤ 1; 1msol) foram obtidas para todos os campos. Aparentemente não há diferenças na mistura de populações entre os campos como sugerido através do teste Kolmogorov-Smirnov aplicados as funções de luminosidade. Finalmente, derivamos perfis de densidade para estrelas velhas e de idade intermediária. O primeiro apresenta uma inclinação levemente maior quando comparado com o último.

A detailed abundance analysis of 2 giants of the metal-rich bulge globular cluster NGC6553 was carried out using high resolution échelle spectra obtained at the ESO 3.6m telescope. The temperature calibration of metal-rich cool giants needs high quality photometric data.We have obtained JK photometry at ESO and VI photometry with the Hubble Space Telescope for NGC6553. The main purpose of this analysis consists in the determination of elemental abundance ratios for this key bulge cluster, as a basis for the fundamental calibration of metal-rich populations. The present analysis provides a metallicity [Fe/H] = −0.55±0.2 which, combined to overabundances relative to Fe of several elements, results in an overall metallicity Z≈Zʘ.

This paper presents 3600-5400 Angstroms integrated spectra of 19 globular clusters (or candidates) projected on the central regions of M31, r, Accepted for publication in A&A

We study the metal-rich bulge globular cluster Terzan 5 by means of VI colour-magnitude diagrams, with images obtained under exceptional seeing conditions (0.34"–0.50"). Differential reddening is important across the cluster. We derive a reddening of E(B – V) = 2.49 and a distance from the Sun dΘ = 5.6kpc, closer than previous estimates. Based on the red giant branch curvature, we derive a metallicity somewhat higher than that of NGC 6553, probably solar.

We studied NGC 6522 colour magnitude diagrams using CCD photometry with BV filters. We have carefully estimated the reddening, which is criticai for Baade Window studies, obtaining E(B-V) = 0.55. We derive for this intermediate metallicity cluster, a distance of 6.2 kpc, slightly foreground to the bulk of the metal-rich bulge population. The CMD properties of the cluster core show an enhanced and extended blue horizontal branch, a characteristic in common with many other core collapsed globular clusters.

This work undertakes the study of the galaxy NGC 4861, using imaging centered at the strong lines Hα, Hβ, [O III] λ5007 and nearby continua. Integrated, absolute fluxes of 28 H II regions, and the region known as the bright knot, have been measured showing correlations between the equivalent width of Hβ and the excitation index log([O III]/Hβ). An excitation gradient has been detected along the chain of H II regions extending northwards from the bright knot, which is unusual for irregular galaxies like NGC 4861. We suggest that this gradient is due to different stages of evolution, or ages, of the H II regions. The continuum fluxes of eight emissionless associations and lhe continuum colors of the companion galaxy IC 3961 have also been measured, and the presence of ionized gas cannot be detected. The age and mass of the stellar population and ionizing stars of the bright knot were subsequently estimated. lt was also verified that this region is the most important burst of star formation in NGC 4861.

We have observed Lyngå 7, previously catalogued as an open cluster, in B, V and I.The Colour Magnitude Diagrams (CMDs) show that it is old like a globular cluster, or an extremely old thick/old disk cluster. It has a red horizontal branch and the CMD morphology indicates that it is metal rich, intermediate between 47 Tuc and NGC 6553. We derive a reddening of E(B – V) = 0.72 and a distance of ≈ 6.7 kpc from the Sun. Its position in the Galaxy shows that it should belong to the metal-rich disk system of globular clusters, being close to its edge.