Two-Dimensional Internal Velocity Fields of Dwarf Elliptical Galaxies

Computer Science

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Scientific paper

We propose Gemini North GMOS IFU observations to obtain the first integral field kinematic data for dwarf elliptical galaxies. Dwarf ellipticals (dEs) are the most common, yet least studied, galaxy type in the local Universe. Recent single-slit spectroscopy suggests an unexpected dichotomy in the kinematics of these galaxies: roughly half of observed dEs are rotationally supported, while the remaining galaxies have no detectable major axis rotation. These observations, in particular those for galaxies with no rotation, appear to rule out nearly all of the currently proposed models of dE galaxy formation. However, as demonstrated by recent integral field spectroscopy of brighter, giant elliptical galaxies, single-slit kinematics provide a restricted, and occasionally misleading, view of internal galactic structure. We therefore propose GMOS-IFU observations of two photometrically similar dEs in the Virgo Cluster which have significantly different major axis kinematics. These two objects will serve as case studies in determining whether single-slit observations have missed more complicated kinematic features, and will provide further insight into the formation of dwarf elliptical galaxies.

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