Faint Fuzzies and the Formation of Lenticular Galaxies

Details Faint Fuzzies and the Formation of Lenticular Galaxies Faint Fuzzies and the Formation of Lenticular Galaxies

2005-04-04

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0504064v1

Astrophys.J. 628 (2005) 231-235

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

11 pages, 4 figures, ApJ, in press

Scientific paper

10.1086/430698

We investigate the dynamical state of a new class of extended star clusters, known as "Faint Fuzzies", that were discovered in two nearby S0 galaxies, NGC 1023 and NGC 3384. It is shown that the Faint Fuzzies of NGC 1023 lie in a fast rotating ring-like structure within the galactic disk with mean radius of 5 kpc, rotational velocity of 200 km/s and velocity dispersion of 115 km/s. We propose a scenario for the origin of Faint Fuzzies that is connected to the origin of S0 galaxies as a result of galaxy-galaxy interactions in dense environments. As is apparent in the Cartwheel galaxy, and is confirmed by numerical simulations, the passage of a small galaxy through, or close to, the center of a disk galaxy can form a ring of clumpy star formation with a radius comparable to the Faint Fuzzy ring radius in NGC 1023. In this case, the Faint Fuzzies are signposts for the transformation of spiral galaxies into lenticulars via such interactions.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Faint Fuzzies and the Formation of Lenticular Galaxies 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 Faint Fuzzies and the Formation of Lenticular Galaxies, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Faint Fuzzies and the Formation of Lenticular Galaxies will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-280231