The Disturbed and Globular-cluster-rich Ultradiffuse Galaxy UGC 9050-Dw1

Catherine E. Fielder, Michael G. Jones, David J. Sand, Paul Bennet, Denija Crnojević, Ananthan Karunakaran, Burçin Mutlu-Pakdil, Kristine Spekkens

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

We investigate the ultradiffuse galaxy (UDG) UGC 9050-Dw1, which was selected because of its disturbed morphology as part of a larger sample of UDGs that display evidence for significant interactions. We use the Hubble Space Telescope’s Advanced Camera for Surveys to identify globular clusters (GCs) associated with UGC 9050-Dw1, and the Jansky Very Large Array to measure its H i content. UGC 9050-Dw1, a neighbor to the low surface brightness spiral UGC 9050, exhibits a unique UV-bright central “clump” with clearly associated H i gas and an extended stellar tidal plume to the north. We identify 52 ± 12 GCs, implying a specific frequency of S N = 122 ± 38, one of the highest reported for a UDG of this luminosity ( log L V / L ⊙ = 7.5 ± 0.1 ). Additionally, ∼20% of the total light of the galaxy is contributed by GCs. Nearly uniform GC colors suggest they were formed during a single intense episode of star formation. We posit that UGC 9050-Dw1 represents the initial definitive observational example of UDG formation resulting from a dwarf merger event, where subsequent clumpy star formation has contributed to its present observed characteristics.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numberL39
JournalAstrophysical Journal Letters
Volume954
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2023

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Disturbed and Globular-cluster-rich Ultradiffuse Galaxy UGC 9050-Dw1'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this