October 8, 2025

Using adaptive-optics assisted MUSE observations to measure galaxy distances with the Planetary Nebula luminosity function

Key Points

Adaptive optics significantly improves the detection of planetary nebulae, enhancing distance measurements.
Using MUSE, the study achieved more precise results by focusing on central galaxy regions using the luminosity function.
The investigation utilized data from the ESO archive to analyze galaxy distances through integrated observations.
Findings indicate the planetary nebula luminosity function can be effectively applied to various galaxy types.

Abstract

Abstract Thanks to its characteristic bright cut-off, the planetary nebulae luminosity function (PNLF) has now become a well-established extragalactic distance indicator that is in principle applicable to all types of galaxies. Most recently, several studies have demonstrated how the use of integral-field spectroscopy can lead to even more precise PNLF measurements, in particular as it allows to probe the central regions of galaxies and obtain well-sampled PNLF distributions. In this respect, adaptive optics (AO) is expected to further increase the scope and reach of PNLF measurements, as it should allow for the detection of even more and more distant PNe. This proceeding presents first results of the investigation of the MUSE-AO performance in relation to the detection of PNe in external galaxies, based on all galaxies with wide-field mode AO observations in the ESO archive.

Mark Helpful

Bookmark

Relay