Stellar Populations of Elliptical Galaxies in Virgo Cluster. I. The Data and Stellar Population Analysis

Yamada, Y.; Arimoto, N.; Vazdekis, A.; Peletier, R. F.
Bibliographical reference

The Astrophysical Journal, Volume 637, Issue 1, pp. 200-213.

Advertised on:
1
2006
Number of authors
4
IAC number of authors
1
Citations
51
Refereed citations
43
Description
We have determined spectroscopic ages of elliptical galaxies in the Virgo Cluster using spectra of very high signal-to-noise ratio (S/N>100 Å-1). We observed eight galaxies with the Subaru Telescope and have combined this sample with six galaxies previously observed with the WHT. To determine their ages, we have used a new method based on the Hγσ age indicator, which is virtually independent of the effects of metallicity. Apart from ages we have estimated abundances of various elements. In this paper we present the observations, the data reduction, and the reliability of the Hγσ method. The results of this investigation are presented in a companion paper.