Open AccessUnveiling an Automated Modeling Method for S0 Galaxies
Author(s) -
Kanishka Gavinda Samararathna,
A. G. P. D. Alahakoon,
Sandanuwan Kalawila Vithanage,
W. A. Barkhouse,
W. M. K. De Silva,
H. A. D. S. D. Perera,
G. D. K. Mahanama
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
research notes of the aas
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2515-5172
DOI - 10.3847/2515-5172/ac0dc0
Subject(s) - python (programming language) , galaxy , computer science , sample (material) , astrophysics , artificial intelligence , algorithm , physics , programming language , thermodynamics
The objective of this study is to unveil an optimum and precise automated method to model S0 galaxies. Preliminary results of the study confirm that GALFIT—a two-dimensional image decomposition program—with a Sérsic profile can be used to model S0 galaxies. Since the input parameters affect the accuracy of the model, different combinations of parameters were tested to obtain the best-fit model. An automated GALFIT fitting process was developed using Python and Astropy module to increase the efficiency of the process. A sample of S0 galaxy images observed at the Kitt Peak National Observatory was used to test the precision of the implemented method. The accuracy of the created models was tested both visually and statistically. The new method will allow us to model a large sample of S0 galaxies accurately and determine their structure and properties.