The UM/CTIO Magellanic Cloud Emission-line Survey

Abstract

The Magellanic Clouds are unique in providing us with sites to study the interstellar medium (ISM) and its components at all scales. To promote the pursuit of such studies, we have begun the Magellanic Cloud Emission-line Survey (MCELS), a deep imaging survey of both of these nearby galaxies in the emission of Halpha, [SII], and [O III]. The emission-line images will be used in detailed optical and multiwavelength studies of HII regions, supernova remnants, planetary nebulae, superbubbles, and supergiant shells. Together with parallel surveys at other wavelengths, this survey will provide the foundation upon which to build a deeper understanding of the ISM in the Clouds and other galaxies, from small scales (~1 pc) all the way up to global scales.