A Larger Extent for the Ophiuchus Stream


Abstract in English

We present new kinematic data for the Ophiuchus stellar stream. Spectra have been taken of member candidates at the MMT telescope using Hectospec, Hectochelle and Binospec, which provide more than 1800 new velocities. Combined with proper motion measurements of stars in the field by the Gaia - DR2 catalog, we have derived stream membership probabilities, resulting in the detection of more than 200 likely members. These data show the stream extends to more than three times the length shown in the discovery data. A spur to the main stream is also detected. The high resolution spectra allow us to resolve the stellar velocity dispersion, found to be $1.6 pm 0.3 $ km/sec.

Download