Evidence for Secular Evolution in Late-Type Spirals

Details Evidence for Secular Evolution in Late-Type Spirals Evidence for Secular Evolution in Late-Type Spirals

1995-12-06

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9512026v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal Letters 11 pages LaTeX file, 2 PostScript figures, uses aaspp4.sty, also

Scientific paper

10.1086/309906

We combine deep optical and IR photometry for 326 spiral galaxies from two recent galaxy samples and report that the surface brightness profiles of late-type spirals are best fit by two exponentials. Moreover, the ratio of bulge and disk scale lengths takes on a restricted range of values and is uncorrelated with Hubble type. This suggests a scale-free Hubble sequence for late-type spirals. Careful numerical simulations ensure that our results are not affected by seeing or resolution effects. Many of these galaxies show spiral structure continuing into the central regions with a previously undetected small bar and slowly changing colors between the inner disk and the bulge. We invoke secular dynamical evolution and interpret the nature of disk central regions in the context of gas inflow via angular-momentum transfer and viscous transport. In this scenario, galaxy morphologies in late-type spirals are not imprinted at birth but are the result of evolution.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Evidence for Secular Evolution in Late-Type Spirals 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 for Secular Evolution in Late-Type Spirals, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Evidence for Secular Evolution in Late-Type Spirals will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-667211