Probing the stellar populations of early-type galaxies: the SAURON survey
ASTR SOC P 282 (2002) 189-200
Abstract:
The SAURON project will deliver two-dimensional spectroscopic data of a sample of nearby early-type galaxies with unprecedented quality. In this paper, we focus on the mapping of their stellar populations using the SAURON data, and present some preliminary results on a few prototypical cases.SAURON observations of disks in spheroids
ASTR SOC P 282 (2002) 208-215
Abstract:
The panoramic integral-field spectrograph SAURON is currently being used to map the stellar kinematics, gaseous kinematics, and stellar populations of a large number of early-type galaxies and bulges. Here, we describe SAURON observations of cold stellar disks embedded in spheroids (NGC 3384, NGC 4459, NGC 4526), we illustrate the kinematics and ionization state of large-scale gaseous disks (NGC 4278, NGC 7742), and we show preliminary comparisons of SAURON data with barred galaxy N-body simulations (NGC 3623).SAURON: An innovative look at early-type galaxies
ASTR SOC P 273 (2002) 53-62
Abstract:
A summary of the SAURON project and its current status is presented. SAURON is a panoramic integral-field spectrograph designed to study the stellar kinematics, gaseous kinematics, and stellar populations of spheroids. Here, the sample of galaxies and its properties axe described. The instrument is detailed and its capabilities illustrated through observational examples. These includes results on the structure of central stellar disks, the kinematics and ionization state of gaseous disks, and the stellar populations of galaxies with decoupled cores.Scientific potential of enhancing the integral-field spectrometer SPIFFI with a large detector and high spectral resolution
ESO ASTROPHY SYMP (2002) 149-157
Abstract:
SPIFFI is the near-infrared integral-field spectrometer for the VLT. Assisted by the SINFONI adaptive optics module, the instrument will be offered to the astronomical community in 2004. We outline the scientific rationale for infrared integral-field spectroscopy at the VLT, and specifically for the enhancement of SPIFFI with a larger detector and higher spectral resolution gratings. We give examples of a broad variety of astronomical research which will gain specifically from the high angular and spectral resolution provided by SPIFFI, including studies of high red-shift galaxies, merging galaxies, starburst galaxies, superstar clusters, galactic nuclei, extra-solar planets, and circum-stellar discs.The SAURON project - II. Sample and early results
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society 329 (2002) 513-530