Ring Galaxy Evolution as a Function of ``Intruder'' Mass

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Scientific paper

A subclass of interacting galaxies, ring galaxies, provides a unique laboratory for studying unusually large bursts of non-nuclear star formation. The rings in these systems are often large (10s of kiloparsecs) and contain what appear to be associations of giant H{\small II} regions. As a basis for future modeling of star forming regions in observed ring galaxies we present a series of combined n-body/gas numerical experiments on ring formation and evolution. Three different mass ratios between the ``host'' galaxy and ``intruder'' galaxy are considered. It is shown that a collision between equal-mass galaxies produces a qualitatively different response in the ``host'' galaxy when compared to a collision in which the ``intruder'' is one-fourth as massive or less. Large bulk flows of material occur in a collision between equal-mass galaxies and three-dimensional effects are pronounced. A single, massive ring is present, which is composed of material that originates from a large range of radii in the disk. Strong shocks occur in the gaseous component of the disk and these dissipational processes cause the gaseous ring to expand more slowly than does the collisionless stellar ring. When the ``intruder'' is one-fourth or less as massive as the disk galaxy, the ring behaves much more like a true density wave which propagates through the disk. A second ring forms in the inner region of the disk during the lifetime of primary outer ring. Gas in the disk accumulates on the outer edge of the primary ring so that the center of the thin gaseous ring is located ahead of the center of broader stellar ring.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Ring Galaxy Evolution as a Function of ``Intruder'' Mass 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 Ring Galaxy Evolution as a Function of ``Intruder'' Mass, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Ring Galaxy Evolution as a Function of ``Intruder'' Mass will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-882704

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.