The metallicity distribution of G and K giants in Baade's window

Metal abundances accurate to 0.25 dex have been obtained for a large (314) and unbiased sample of G and K giants in Baade's Window from Washington CCD photometry. Good agreement is obtained with the results of Rich based on intermediate resolution spectra of 88 K giants, including the derived m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Astronomical journal 1992-07, Vol.104 (1), p.128-143
Main Authors: GEISLER, D, FRIEL, E. D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Astronomy
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
Giant and subgiant stars
Normal stars (by class): general or individual
Stars
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Summary:Metal abundances accurate to 0.25 dex have been obtained for a large (314) and unbiased sample of G and K giants in Baade's Window from Washington CCD photometry. Good agreement is obtained with the results of Rich based on intermediate resolution spectra of 88 K giants, including the derived metallicities for 15 stars in common. The abundance distribution ranges from about 0.1 to 10 times solar, with a mean Fe/H = +0.17 +/- 0.15, a mean linear abundance of 2.3 +/- 0.5 times solar and a large intrinsic dispersion of about 0.35 dex. A quarter of the sample have Fe/H greater than +0.5, two-thirds exceed the sun's metallicity, and only 8 percent are more metal poor than Fe/H = -0.5. The metallicity distribution function is very well fit by the simple closed box model of Galactic chemical evolution with complete gas consumption. (Author)
ISSN:0004-6256
1538-3881
DOI:10.1086/116225