The multi-gaussian expansion method: a tool for building realistic photometric and kinematical models of stellar systems I. The formalism
Abstract
We introduce a new technique to build photometric and kinematical models of the stellar components of galaxies. This, so-called Multi-Gaussian Expansion method, generalizes the approach of Monnet et al. (1992). It provides accurate deconvolution of the observed surface brigthness for an arbitrary Point Spread Function, an analytical derivation of the spatial luminosity distribution for any assumed triaxial shape and an arbitrary line of view, and a semi-analytical derivation of the rotation and velocity dispersion laws for a large class of models with cylindrical rotation. Other applications (e.g. the virial mass) have been developed.
- Publication:
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Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- May 1994
- Bibcode:
- 1994A&A...285..723E
- Keywords:
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- GALAXIES: STRUCTURE;
- GALAXIES: KINEMATICS AND DYNAMICS;
- TECHNIQUES: IMAGE PROCESSING;
- CELESTIAL MECHANICS;
- STELLAR DYNAMICS