The projection of galaxy models with a Staeckel potential
Abstract
The projected density of a galaxy is shown to be simply related to the projected potential. The properties of the projections of Stackel potentials are explored. Projected Stackel potentials have two symmetry axes, and satisfy a simple general equation, comparable to the general equation for a Stackel potential. Deprojection of these potentials is generally non-unique, even if we have set the axis orientation. Similar results are obtained for the projected density distributions of mass models with a Stackel potential. One of the consequences is that these triaxial mass models show no twist when projected. Models with a Stackel potential are a subset of an extensive class of triaxial models which project to symmetrical distributions. Implications for the interpretation of surface photometry of elliptical galaxies are discussed.
- Publication:
-
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
- Pub Date:
- March 1988
- DOI:
- 10.1093/mnras/231.2.285
- Bibcode:
- 1988MNRAS.231..285F
- Keywords:
-
- Astronomical Models;
- Density (Mass/Volume);
- Galactic Structure;
- Mass Distribution;
- Elliptical Galaxies;
- Potential Theory;
- Stellar Mass;
- Symmetry;
- Astrophysics