Ivanov, VD, Cioni, M-RL, Bekki, K, de Grijs, R, Emerson, J, Gibson, BK, Kamath, D, van Loon, JT, Piatti, AE and For, B-Q (2016) New quasars behind the Magellanic Clouds. Spectroscopic confirmation of near-infrared selected candidates. Astronomy & Astrophysics, 588. ISSN 0004-6361

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Abstract

Context. Quasi-stellar objects (quasars) located behind nearby galaxies provide an excellent absolute reference system for astrometric studies, but they are difficult to identify because of fore- and background contamination. Deep wide-field, high angular resolution surveys spanning the entire area of nearby galaxies are needed to obtain a complete census of such quasars.

Aims. We embarked on a program to expand the quasar reference system behind the Large and the Small Magellanic Clouds, the Magellanic Bridge, and the Magellanic Stream that connects the Clouds with the Milky Way.

Methods. Hundreds of quasar candidates were selected based on their near-infrared colors and variability properties from the ongoing public ESO VISTA Magellanic Clouds survey. A subset of 49 objects was followed up with optical spectroscopy.

Results. We confirmed the quasar nature of 37 objects (34 new identifications): four are low redshift objects, three are probably stars, and the remaining three lack prominent spectral features for a secure classification. The bona fide quasars, identified from their broad emisison lines, are located as follows: 10 behind the LMC, 13 behind the SMC, and 14 behind the Bridge. The quasars span a redshift range from z ~ 0.5 to z ~ 4.1.

Conclusions. Upon completion the VMC survey is expected to yield a total of ~1500 quasars with Y< 19.32 mag, J< 19.09 mag, and Ks< 18.04 mag.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: This work is made available online in accordance with publisher policies
Uncontrolled Keywords: surveys; infrared:galaxies; quasars:general; Magellanic Clouds
Subjects: Q Science > QB Astronomy
Q Science > QC Physics
Divisions: Faculty of Natural Sciences > School of Physical and Geographical Sciences
Related URLs:
Depositing User: Symplectic
Date Deposited: 24 Nov 2016 09:21
Last Modified: 15 Apr 2019 10:33
URI: https://eprints.keele.ac.uk/id/eprint/2529

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