Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2007-11-08
MNRAS 384, 323-330 (2008)
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
final version; minor changes only
Scientific paper
10.1111/j.1365-2966.2007.12699.x
We have developed a new method for post-Newtonian, high-precision integration of stellar systems containing a super-massive black hole (SMBH), splitting the forces on a particle between a dominant central force and perturbations. We used this method to perform fully collisional N-body simulations of inspiralling intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs) in the centre of the Milky Way. We considered stellar cusps of different power-law indices and analysed the effects of IMBHs of different masses, all starting from circular orbits at an initial distance of 0.1 pc. Our simulations show how IMBHs deplete the central cusp of stars, leaving behind a flatter cusp with slope consistent with what has recently been observed. If an additional IMBH spirals into such a flat cusp, it can take 50 Myr or longer to merge with the central SMBH, thus allowing for direct observation in the near future. The final merger of the two black holes involves gravitational wave radiation which may be observable with planned gravitational wave detectors. Furthermore, our simulations reveal detailed properties of the hypervelocity stars (HVSs) created, and how generations of HVSs can be used to trace IMBHs in the Galactic Centre. We find that significant rotation of HVSs (which would be evidence for an IMBH) can only be expected among very fast stars (v > 1000 km/s). Also, the probability of creating a hypervelocity binary star is found to be very small.
Baumgardt Holger
Löckmann Ulf
No associations
LandOfFree
Tracing intermediate-mass black holes in the Galactic Centre 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 Tracing intermediate-mass black holes in the Galactic Centre, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Tracing intermediate-mass black holes in the Galactic Centre will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-377962