Extended optical-rotation curves of spiral galaxies.
Abstract
An observational program has provided spectra of 15 spiral galaxies at high velocity resolution and high spatial scale; the observations are used to study the rotational properties of the galaxies as a function of Hubble type. Among the conclusions derived from the investigation are: the rotation curves are nearly flat; secondary velocity undulations are found at the positions of the spiral features; a high degree of symmetry exists on the two sides of the major axis; star formation is taking place over great distances in the galaxies; the earlier Hubble type is correlated with a markedly higher maximum rotational velocity. Mass distribution within a disk galaxy is also discussed on the basis of the observations.
- Publication:
-
Comments on Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- 1979
- Bibcode:
- 1979ComAp...8...79R
- Keywords:
-
- Angular Velocity;
- Astronomical Spectroscopy;
- Galactic Rotation;
- Optical Emission Spectroscopy;
- Spiral Galaxies;
- Hydrogen Clouds;
- Mass Distribution;
- Velocity Distribution;
- Astronomy;
- Rotation:Spiral Galaxies