Gravitational effects of M32 on the spiral arm pattern of M31

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

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Andromeda Galaxy, Elliptical Galaxies, Galactic Structure, Gravitational Effects, Astronomical Models, Computerized Simulation, Density Wave Model, Disks (Shapes), H Lines, Orbital Mechanics, Radial Velocity, Radio Astronomy

Scientific paper

A simple computer model of a disk of zero-mass test particles is used to show that certain features of the H I disk and spiral-arm pattern of the Andromeda galaxy, M31, can be explained by gravitational action of its companion galaxy M32. The orbit assumed for M32 was the same as that which was previously shown to explain 21-cm velocity asymmetries in M31. This is additional verification of M32's close orbit, which actually cuts through M31's disk, suggesting that M32 is important in determining the spiral pattern of M31. The results of the model are used to obtain the spiral-arm pattern for the disk of M31, clarifying the identity of several arms which are superposed on other arms by M32's gravitational action. These spiral-arm irregularities are strong enough that failure to consider them may lead to misinterpretation in attempts to verify the density-wave theory in observations, particularly those northwest of the major axis.

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