Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2002-09-19
Astron.Astrophys. 394 (2002) L35-L38
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
4 pages, 2 figures, Astronomy and Astrophysics Letters (accepted)
Scientific paper
10.1051/0004-6361:20021379
The distribution of gravitational torques and bar strengths in the local Universe is derived from a detailed study of 163 galaxies observed in the near-infrared. The results are compared with numerical models for spiral galaxy evolution. It is found that the observed distribution of torques can be accounted for only with external accretion of gas onto spiral disks. Accretion is responsible for bar renewal - after the dissolution of primordial bars - as well as the maintenance of spiral structures. Models of isolated, non-accreting galaxies are ruled out. Moderate accretion rates do not explain the observational results: it is shown that galactic disks should double their mass in less than the Hubble time. The best fit is obtained if spiral galaxies are open systems, still forming today by continuous gas accretion, doubling their mass every 10 billion years.
Block David L.
Bournaud Frederic
Buta Ron
Combes Francoise
Puerari Ivanio
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