Rotation curve bifurcations as indicators of close recent galaxy encounters

S. Pedrosa, P. B. Tissera, I. Fuentes-Carrera, C. Mendes De Oliveira

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Context: Rotation curves of interacting galaxies often show that velocities are either rising or falling in the direction of the companion galaxy. Aims: We seek to reproduce and analyse these features in the rotation curves of simulated equal-mass galaxies suffering a one-to-one encounter as possible indicators of close encounters. Methods: Using simulations of major mergers in 3D, we study the time evolution of these asymmetries in a pair of galaxies during the first passage. Results: Our main results are: (a) the rotation curve asymmetries appear right at pericentre of the first passage, (b) the significant disturbed rotation velocities occur within a small time interval, of , and, therefore, the presence of bifurcation in the velocity curve could be used as an indicator of the pericentre occurrence. These results are in qualitative agreement with previous findings for minor mergers and flybys.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)299-302
Number of pages4
JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics
Volume484
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Galaxies: interactions
  • Galaxies: spiral
  • Galaxy: kinematics and dynamics

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