Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jul 1978
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1978apj...223..426g&link_type=abstract
Astrophysical Journal, Part 1, vol. 223, July 15, 1978, p. 426-436. Research supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and Re
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
32
Andromeda Galaxy, Angular Momentum, Galactic Clusters, Local Group (Astronomy), Milky Way Galaxy, Big Bang Cosmology, Gravitational Effects, Tides, Torque
Scientific paper
The hypothesis that the Galaxy and M31 received their spin angular momenta by mutual tidal interactions is investigated. The orbits of M31 and the Galaxy are calculated, their masses are deduced, and limits are set on the collapse times from binding-energy considerations. The tidal torques are analyzed by treating the Galaxy and M31 as an isolated system, and two possible solutions are obtained: one where the orbits are predominantly radial and another with a large motion of the line of sight between the two galaxies. These two solutions are discussed in the context of the orbital angular momentum of the Large Magellanic Cloud about the Galaxy and the observed motion of the local standard of rest relative to the center of mass of the Local Group. The observed velocity of the sun relative to the center of mass of the Local Group is found to favor slightly the first solution over the second. Effects of external galaxies in nearby groups are examined, and it is shown that these galaxies may have played a nonnegligible role in producing the angular momentum of the Galaxy. It is concluded that the most likely solution is probably one in which M31 produced a significant fraction of the Galaxy's angular momentum and the more distant galaxies produced the remaining small fraction.
Gott Richard J. III
Thuan Trinh Xuan
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