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Towards Precision Cosmology With Improved PNLF Distances Using VLT-MUSE

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 October 2025

George H. Jacoby Open the ORCID record for George H. Jacoby [Opens in a new window] ,
Robin Ciardullo ,
Martin M. Roth Open the ORCID record for Martin M. Roth [Opens in a new window]  and
Magda Arnaboldi
George H. Jacoby
Affiliation:
NSF’s NOIRLab, U.S.A.
Robin Ciardullo
Affiliation:
The Penn State University, U.S.A.
Martin M. Roth
Affiliation:
Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP), Germany
Magda Arnaboldi
Affiliation:
European Southern Observatory
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Abstract

We analyzed VLT/MUSE data for 20 galaxies in the ESO public archive to identify their systems’ planetary nebulae (PNe). Using the differential emission line filter (DELF) technique, we performed photometry of the galaxies’ PNe and determined their distances via the planetary nebula luminosity function (PNLF). Of the 16 galaxies for which a quality PNLF could be formed, two are isolated and more distant than 30 Mpc and therefore, relatively unaffected by Hubble Flow peculiar velocities. Using these data, we derived a Hubble Constant of 74.2 ± 7.2 (stat) ±3.7 (sys) km s−1 Mpc−1, a value that is similar to that found from other quality indicators (e.g., Cepheids, the tip of the red giant branch, and surface brightness fluctuations), but with a larger uncertainty due to the small number of galaxies. We describe how to improve PNLF measurements so that the precision of the technique is comparable to that of other quality distance indicators. We also describe a path forward in the era of ELTs that supersedes current techniques.

Keywords

Galaxies: distancesgalaxies: individualplanetary nebulae

Information

Type
Contributed Paper
Information
Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union , Volume 19 , Symposium S384: Planetary Nebulae: A Universal Toolbox in the Era of Precision Astrophysics , December 2023 , pp. 76 - 82
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of International Astronomical Union

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