The Spin of M87 as measured from the Rotation of its Globular Clusters

Details The Spin of M87 as measured from the Rotation of its Globular Clusters The Spin of M87 as measured from the Rotation of its Globular Clusters

1998-07-22

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9807231v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

20 pages (AAS two column style, including 1 table and 7 figures) accepted in the AJ (November issue), also available at http

Scientific paper

We revisit the kinematical data for 204 globular clusters in the halo of M87. Beyond 3 r_eff along the major axis of the galaxy light, these globular clusters exhibit substantial rotation (~ 300 +/- 70 km/s) that translates into an equally substantial spin (lambda ~ 0.18). The present appearance of M87 is most likely the product of a single major merger, since this event is best able to account for so sizable a spin. A rotation this large makes improbable any significant accretion of material after this merger, since that would have diluted the rotation signature. We see weak evidence for a difference between the kinematics of the metal-poor and metal-rich population, in the sense that the metal-poor globular clusters appear to dominate the rotation. If, as we suspect, the last major merger event of M87 was mainly dissipationless and did not trigger the formation of a large number of globular clusters, the kinematic difference between the two could reflect their orbital properties in the progenitor galaxies; these differences would be compatible with these progenitors having formed in dissipational mergers. However, to put strong kinematic constraints on the origin of the globular clusters themselves is difficult, given the complex history of the galaxy and its last dominant merger event.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The Spin of M87 as measured from the Rotation of its Globular Clusters 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 Spin of M87 as measured from the Rotation of its Globular Clusters, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Spin of M87 as measured from the Rotation of its Globular Clusters will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-451359