Shells around galaxies : testing the mass distribution and the 3-D shape of ellipticals.
Abstract
The effect of the potential of the E-galaxy on the formation and morphology of shells is investigated using a simulation of a merger between a massive elliptical galaxy and a small companion of both spiral and elliptical types. It is observed that the concentrated distribution of mass is not compatible with several of the shell systems observed around galaxies; the three-dimensional shape of the E-galaxy determines the shell geometry; and shells form more frequently and with more contrast around prolate than oblate galaxies. It is noted that the merger between a massive E-galaxy and a small elliptical or spiral companion does form shells, and both the radial distribution and the geometry of the shells are independent of the companion type.
- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- September 1986
- Bibcode:
- 1986A&A...166...53D
- Keywords:
-
- Elliptical Galaxies;
- Galactic Structure;
- Mass Distribution;
- Color;
- Halos;
- Interstellar Gas;
- Spheroids;
- Spiral Galaxies;
- Astrophysics