Chandra Early-Type Galaxy Atlas

TL;DR

This paper presents a comprehensive Chandra-based atlas of hot gas in 70 early-type galaxies, providing uniform spectral maps that reveal new features and aid in understanding galaxy evolution.

Contribution

The study systematically analyzes archival Chandra data to produce detailed spectral maps of hot gas in early-type galaxies, offering new insights into their structural features and evolution.

Findings

Identification of new features in spectral maps not visible in surface brightness images

Provision of publicly accessible high-resolution spectral maps

Enhanced understanding of feedback and merging processes in galaxy evolution

Abstract

The hot ISM in early type galaxies (ETGs) plays a crucial role in understanding their formation and evolution. The structural features of the hot gas identified by Chandra observations point to key evolutionary mechanisms, (e.g., AGN and stellar feedback, merging history). In our Chandra Galaxy Atlas (CGA) project, taking full advantage of the Chandra capabilities, we systematically analyzed the archival Chandra data of 70 ETGs and produced uniform data products for the hot gas properties. The primary data products are spatially resolved 2D spectral maps of the hot gas from individual galaxies. We emphasize that new features can be identified in the spectral maps which are not readily visible in the surface brightness maps. The high-level images can be viewed at the dedicated CGA website, and the CGA data products can be downloaded to compare with data at other wavelengths and to perform further analyses. Utilizing our data products, we address a few focused science topics.