STEP (Small Magellanic Cloud in Time: Evolution of a Prototype interacting late-type dwarf galaxy) is a Guaranteed Time Observation survey being carried out at the VLT Survey Telescope. STEP will obtain homogeneous photometry in the g-, r-, i- and Hα-bands over an area of 74 square degrees covering the main body of the Small Magellanic Cloud (42 square degrees), the Bridge that connects it to the Large Magellanic Cloud (30 square degrees) and a small part of the Magellanic Stream (2 square degrees). Our photometry will allow us to detect and measure the magnitudes of individual stars well below the main sequence turnoff of the oldest populations. Here we describe the observing strategy, the photometric techniques, and the upcoming data products of the STEP survey. Preliminary results for the first two fields for which data acquisition is complete are also presented.
STEP: The VST Survey of the SMC and the Magellanic Bridge
Cignoni, M.;
2014-01-01
Abstract
STEP (Small Magellanic Cloud in Time: Evolution of a Prototype interacting late-type dwarf galaxy) is a Guaranteed Time Observation survey being carried out at the VLT Survey Telescope. STEP will obtain homogeneous photometry in the g-, r-, i- and Hα-bands over an area of 74 square degrees covering the main body of the Small Magellanic Cloud (42 square degrees), the Bridge that connects it to the Large Magellanic Cloud (30 square degrees) and a small part of the Magellanic Stream (2 square degrees). Our photometry will allow us to detect and measure the magnitudes of individual stars well below the main sequence turnoff of the oldest populations. Here we describe the observing strategy, the photometric techniques, and the upcoming data products of the STEP survey. Preliminary results for the first two fields for which data acquisition is complete are also presented.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
