No CrossRef data available.
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 May 2016
As the nearest large elliptical galaxy, NGC 5128 is ideal for planetary nebula studies. Its size, favourable aspect, small distance and reddening allow low mass stellar evolution in a whole galaxy to be surveyed. The surface density and properties of the PN can be compared with stars of various ages, metallicities and components (bulge, halo). The PN provide the α-element abundances whilst stellar photometry is calibrated against Fe/H; applied to the same stellar population, the PN abundances can be related to those of the stars. Gradients and non-radial trends in the abundance can be mapped using spectral observations of a large number of PN, allowing star formation history to be studied.