Astrophysical Distance Scale II. Application of the JAGB Method: A Nearby Galaxy Sample

Understand

We apply the near-infrared J-region Asymptotic Giant Branch (JAGB) method, recently introduced by Madore \& Freedman (2020), to measure the distances to 14 nearby galaxies out to 4 Mpc.

• We use the geometric detached eclipsing binary (DEB) distances to the LMC and SMC as independent zero-point calibrators.
• We find excellent agreement with previously published distances based on the Tip of the Red Giant Branch (TRGB): the JAGB distance determinations (including the LMC and SMC) agree in the mean to within Delta(JAGB-TRGB) = +0.025 +/- 0.013 mag, just over 1%, where the TRGB I-band zero point is M_I = ~-4.05 mag.
• With further development and testing, the JAGB method has the potential to provide an independent calibration of Type Ia supernovae, especially with JWST.