Are stellar over-densities in dwarf galaxies the "smoking gun" of triaxial dark matter haloes?

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Galaxy Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

4 pages, 2 figures, to be published in the proceedings of "Hunting for the Dark: The Hidden Side of Galaxy Formation", Malta,

Scientific paper

We use N-body simulations to study the tidal evolution of globular clusters (GCs) in dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxies. Our models adopt a cosmologically motivated scenario in which the dSph is approximated by a static NFW halo with a triaxial shape. For a large set of orbits and projection angles we examine the spatial and velocity distribution of stellar debris deposited during the complete disruption of stellar clusters. Our simulations show that such debris appears as shells, isolated clumps and elongated over-densities at low surface brightness (>26 mag/arcsec^2), reminiscent of substructure observed in several MW dSphs. Such features arise from the triaxiality of the galaxy potential and do not dissolve in time. Stellar over-densities reported in several MW dSphs may thus be the telltale evidence of dark matter haloes being triaxial in shape. We explore a number of kinematic signatures that would help to validate (or falsify) this scenario. The mean angular momentum of the cluster debris associated with box and resonant orbits, which are absent in spherical potentials, is null. As a result, we show that the line-of-sight velocity distribution may exhibit a characteristic "double-peak" depending on the oriention of the viewing angle with respect to the progenitor's orbital plane. Kinematic surveys of dSphs may help to detect and identify substructures associated with the disruption of stellar clusters, as well as to address the shape of the dark matter haloes in which dSphs are embedded.

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

Are stellar over-densities in dwarf galaxies the "smoking gun" of triaxial dark matter haloes? 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 Are stellar over-densities in dwarf galaxies the "smoking gun" of triaxial dark matter haloes?, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Are stellar over-densities in dwarf galaxies the "smoking gun" of triaxial dark matter haloes? will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-131492

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