The Stellar Populations of dE Galaxies in Nearby Groups
Abstract
In this contribution Gemini-North NIRI J,K-observations are used to investigate the upper-Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) intermediate-age population in the M81 Group dwarf elliptical (dE) F8D1. Hubble Space Telescope (HST) `snapshot' V,I-observations are also analysed to investigate the upper-AGB populations in two other M81 Group dEs, DDO 71 and kk077. In all three dEs, significant intermediate-age populations are found. Further, there are sizeable dE-to-dE differences in these populations: F8D1 contains relatively more, and relatively more luminous, upper-AGB stars. These results are compared with existing information for Local Group and Sculptor group dwarfs. It is suggested that `environmental harrassment' plays an important role in governing dwarf galaxy evolution.
- Publication:
-
Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia
- Pub Date:
- 2004
- DOI:
- 10.1071/AS04044
- Bibcode:
- 2004PASA...21..366D
- Keywords:
-
- galaxies: dwarf;
- galaxies: evolution;
- galaxies: stellar content;
- stars: Population II