Evidence of a distinct stellar population in the counter-rotating core of NGC 1700

Details Evidence of a distinct stellar population in the counter-rotating core of NGC 1700 Evidence of a distinct stellar population in the counter-rotating core of NGC 1700

2011-03-19

arxiv.org/abs/1103.3797v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics

13 pages, 5 figures, accepted for publication in ApJL

Scientific paper

We find a distinct stellar population in the counter-rotating and kinematically decoupled core of the isolated massive elliptical galaxy NGC 1700. Coinciding with the edge of this core we find a significant change in the slope of the gradient of various representative absorption line indices. Our age estimate for this core is markedly younger than the main body of the galaxy. We find lower values for the age, metallicity and Mg/Fe abundance ratio in the center of this galaxy when we compare them with other isolated elliptical galaxies with similar velocity dispersion. We discuss the different possible scenarios that might have lead to the formation of this younger kinematically decoupled structure and conclude that, in light of our findings, the ingestion of a small stellar companion on a retrograde orbit is the most favoured.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Evidence of a distinct stellar population in the counter-rotating core of NGC 1700 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Evidence of a distinct stellar population in the counter-rotating core of NGC 1700, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Evidence of a distinct stellar population in the counter-rotating core of NGC 1700 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-198842