Abstract
Abstract We explore the use of ground-based surface brightness fluctuation (SBF) measurements to constrain distances to nearby dwarf galaxies. Using archival CFHT Megacam imaging data for a sample of 28 nearby dwarfs, we demonstrate that reliable SBF measurements and distances accurate to 15% are possible even for very low surface brightness (μ 0i > 24 mag arcsec−2) galaxies with modest, ∼hour-long exposures with CFHT. Combining our sample with a recent sample of six dwarfs with SBF measured with Hubble Space Telescope (HST) from the literature, we provide the most robust empirical SBF calibration to date for the blue colors expected for these low-mass systems. Our calibration is credible over the color range 0.3 ≲ g − i ≲ 0.8 mag. It is also the first SBF calibration tied completely to tip of the red giant branch (TRGB) distances as each galaxy in the sample has a literature TRGB distance. We find that even though the intrinsic scatter in SBF increases for blue galaxies, the rms scatter in the calibration is still ≲0.3 mag. We verify our measurements by comparing with HST SBF measurements and detailed image simulations. We argue that ground-based SBF is a very useful tool for characterizing dwarf satellite systems and field dwarfs in the nearby, D ≲ 20 Mpc universe.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
