Infall in elliptical galaxies

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics

Scientific paper

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Elliptical Galaxies, Galactic Structure, Stellar Mass Ejection, Astronomical Models, Density Distribution, Gas Density, Gas Dynamics, Interstellar Gas

Scientific paper

During the evolution of an elliptical galaxy, gas is released through stellar mass loss. Steady state infall solutions are calculated for the gas for a variety of model galaxies which span most of the observed range in elliptical galaxy masses. Even though up to about 10 to the 9th solar masses of gas is associated with the infall solutions, it is found that the smooth flows would be undetectable at 21 cm and at best marginally detectable in the optical. However, the flows in galaxies with masses equal to 10 to the 10th solar masses would be detectable in X-rays by the Einstein Observatory. If thermal instability occurs, the more massive galaxies should be readily detectable in H I. Since ellipticals are generally not detected in X-rays or in H I, it is concluded that the infall models are inappropriate for most elliptical galaxies. However, some ellipticals in rich clusters exhibit X-ray properties consistent with pressure-driven accretion flows, which are similar to the models presented here.

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