80 research outputs found
Mapping the Galactic Halo. V. Sgr dSph Tidal Debris 60 degrees from the Main Body
As part of the Spaghetti Project Survey (SPS) we have detected a
concentration of giant stars well above expectations for a smooth halo model.
The position (l~350, b~50) and distance (~50 kpc) of this concentration match
those of the Northern over-density detected by SDSS (Yanny et al. 2000, Ivezic
et al. 2000). We find additional evidence for structure at ~80 kpc in the same
direction. We present radial velocities for many of these stars, including the
first published results from the 6.5m Magellan telescope. The radial velocities
for stars in these structures are in excellent agreement with models of the
dynamical evolution of the Sgr dwarf tidal debris, whose center is 60 degrees
away. The metallicity of stars in these streams is lower than that of the main
body of the Sgr dwarf, which may indicate a radial metallicity gradient prior
to disruption.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures accepted in Astrophysical Journal Letter
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