Not too big, not too small: the dark halos of the dwarf spheroidals in the Milky Way

Details Not too big, not too small: the dark halos of the dwarf spheroidals in the Milky Way Not too big, not too small: the dark halos of the dwarf spheroidals in the Milky Way

2012-02-27

arxiv.org/abs/1202.6061v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics

8 pages, 5 figures, submitted to MNRAS

Scientific paper

We present a new analysis of the Aquarius simulations done in combination with a semi-analytic galaxy formation model. Our goal is to establish whether the subhalos present in LCDM simulations of Milky Way-like systems could host the dwarf spheroidal (dSph) satellites of our Galaxy. Our analysis shows that, contrary to what has been assumed in most previous work, the mass profiles of subhalos are generally not well fit by NFW models but that Einasto profiles are preferred. We find that for shape parameters alpha = 0.2 - 0.5 and Vmax = 10 - 30 km/s there is very good correspondance with the observational constraints obtained for the nine brightest dSph of the Milky Way. Furthermore, the internal dynamics of these systems, as well as the number of objects of a given circular velocity are also matched if the total mass of the Milky Way is ~8x10^11 Msun, a value that is in agreement with many recent determinations. Our simulations show important scatter in the number of bright satellites, even when the Aquarius Milky Way-like hosts are scaled to a common mass, and we find no evidence for a missing population of massive subhalos in the Galaxy. This conclusion is also supported when we examine the dynamics of the satellites of M31.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Not too big, not too small: the dark halos of the dwarf spheroidals in the Milky Way 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 Not too big, not too small: the dark halos of the dwarf spheroidals in the Milky Way, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Not too big, not too small: the dark halos of the dwarf spheroidals in the Milky Way will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-605155