The disruption of nearby galaxies by the Milky Way

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

17 pages with 5 figures in gif format, scheduled for publication in the August 20th, 1998 issue of Nature

Scientific paper

Interactions between galaxies are common and are an important factor in determining their physical properties such as position along the Hubble sequence and star-formation rate. There are many possible galaxy interaction mechanisms, including merging, ram-pressure stripping, gas compression, gravitational interaction and cluster tides. The relative importance of these mechanisms is often not clear, as their strength depends on poorly known parameters such as the density, extent and nature of the massive dark halos that surround galaxies. A nearby example of a galaxy interaction where the mechanism is controversial is that between our own Galaxy and two of its neighbours -- the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. Here we present the first results of a new HI survey which provides a spectacular view of this interaction. In addition to the previously known Magellanic Stream, which trails 100 degrees behind the Clouds, the new data reveal a counter-stream which lies in the opposite direction and leads the motion of the Clouds. This result supports the gravitational model in which leading and trailing streams are tidally torn from the body of the Magellanic Clouds.

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

The disruption of nearby galaxies by 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 The disruption of nearby galaxies by the Milky Way, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The disruption of nearby galaxies by the Milky Way will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-393749

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