GBT20A-542

Deep Mapping observations of the Extended M31 CGM

Abstract

In 2004, Braun & Thilker reported the discovery of a large, diffuse HI stream between M31 and M33 that they associated with the cosmic web. Wolfe et al. (2013, 2016) used the GBT to make high spatial and spectral resolution observations of a small area to determine that this stream was actually comprised of high N(HI) clumps, log N(HI)~18, instead of being diffuse, log N(HI)~17. Further, shallower observations along the stream have failed to discover similar clumps. We are proposing to extend the Wolfe et al. maps to the same depth over a large area of the BT04 HI stream. These observations will allow us to map the morphology of the stream and conclusively determine how its properties vary with position and will yield a more complete picture of the structure of the CGM of M31 and serve as a constraint on the origins of this stream.

Investigators

Name	Institution
GBT Operator	Green Bank Observatory
D.J. Pisano *	Cape Town, University of
Jay Lockman	Green Bank Observatory

* indicates the PI