Absolute Proper Motions of the Magellanic Clouds and Milky Way Globular Clusters

Yale Southern Observatory, Inc., New Haven CT

Investigators

Abstract

Absolute Proper Motions of the Magellanic Clouds and Milky Way Globular Clusters ABSTRACT AST 0407292 van Altena Dr. William van Altena, at the Yale Southern Observatory, Inc., will undertake a program to study the inner structure and gravitational potential of the Milky Way. From the three dimensional velocities of globular clusters, the PI plans to investigate the structure of the bulge region of the Galaxy, the structure and properties of the inner halo, the inner dark-matter density profile, properties of the accretion-assembled halo, and the correlation between the orbital distribution and the dynamical evolution of the globular-cluster system. Additionally the PI proposes a roughly 450-square-degree proper-motion study of the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds (LMC, SMC) and an Intercloud Bridge region. The program will result in a broader understanding of the formation of galaxies. The work has an international component, fostering interaction between Yale and the University of San Juan (Argentina). Student training, and in particular the inclusion of female astronomy majors at the University of San Juan, is also a component of the effort.