Half-Light Radius Measurements of Andromeda Dwarf Satellites from the Isaac Newton Telescope Survey Using Exponential, Plummer, and S´ersic Fits

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Authors: Hedieh Abdollahi
Cited by: 0
References: 20

Abstract

We present half-light radius measurements for the dwarf satellites of Andromeda, based on multi-epoch imaging from the Isaac Newton Telescope (INT) Monitoring Survey of Local Group dwarf galaxies. This analysis is conducted within a larger study to identify long-period variable (LPV) stars in these galaxies. The survey was performed with the Wide Field Camera on the 2.5-m INT and covers multiple epochs obtained between 2015 and 2018 in the i (Sloan) and V (Harris) bands. To determine the half-light radii, we derived surface brightness and number density profiles for each system and fitted them with Exponential, Plummer, and S´ersic models. The resulting half-light radii are in good agreement with literature values but reveal subtle variations linked to differences in stellar distribution and morphology. Distances were independently estimated using the Tip of the Red Giant Branch (TRGB) method, yielding values consistent with previous determinations. The complete photometric and variability catalogs will be made publicly available through CDS/VizieR, providing a valuable resource and foundation for future studies of the structure, stellar populations, and evolution of Andromeda’s dwarf companions.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Stellar planetary and galactic studies Galaxies: Formation Evolution Phenomena Astronomy and Astrophysical Research

Publication details

Journal / source
Communications of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory
Volume
72
Issue
2
Pages
416–416
Publication date
7 January 2026