Evidence for Dynamical Subsystems in Elliptical Galaxies
Abstract
We report observations of the absorption-line kinematics of three elliptical galaxies whose photometric properties show no indication of any peculiarities. In each case, we find that the major-axis rotation curves in the inner parts are very different in character from those outside. We suggest that the anomalous dynamical properties are due to the ingestion of smaller, more compact companions, leaving a kinematic signature even when no photometric evidence might be present.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- July 1988
- DOI:
- 10.1086/185211
- Bibcode:
- 1988ApJ...330L..87J
- Keywords:
-
- Absorption Spectra;
- Dynamical Systems;
- Elliptical Galaxies;
- Galactic Rotation;
- Angular Velocity;
- Astronomical Photometry;
- Charge Coupled Devices;
- Dynamic Characteristics;
- Line Spectra;
- Astronomy;
- GALAXIES: INTERACTIONS;
- GALAXIES: INTERNAL MOTIONS