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Journal article

Is the Large Magellanic Cloud Microlensing Due to an Intervening Dwarf Galaxy?

Abstract

The recent suggestion that the microlensing events observed toward the Large Magellanic Cloud are due to an intervening Sgr-like dwarf galaxy is examined. A search for foreground RR Lyrae in the MACHO photometry database yields 20 stars whose distance distribution follow the expected halo density profile. Cepheid and red giant branch clump stars in the MACHO database are consistent with membership in the LMC. There is also no evidence in the literature for a distinct kinematic population, for intervening gas, or for the turnoff of such a hypothetical galaxy. We conclude that if the lenses are in a foreground galaxy, it must be a particularly dark galaxy.

Authors

Alcock C; Allsman RA; Alves DR; Axelrod TS; Becker AC; Bennett DP; Cook KH; Freeman KC; Griest K; Lehner MJ

Journal

The Astrophysical Journal, Vol. 490, No. 1, pp. l59–l63

Publisher

American Astronomical Society

Publication Date

November 20, 1997

DOI

10.1086/311016

ISSN

0004-637X

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