Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2009-01-24
Astrophysical Journal Letters 693 (2009) L19-L22
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics
4 pages, 2 figures, published in ApJ Letters (uses emulateapj.cls); added 1 reference and corrected Fig 2
Scientific paper
10.1088/0004-637X/693/1/L19
We present the results of a kinematic study of planetary nebulae in the extreme outskirts of two spiral galaxies, M83 (NGC 5236) and M94 (NGC 4736). We find that in the inner regions of the galaxies, the vertical velocity dispersion (sigma_z) falls off exponentially with the light, as expected for a constant mass-to-light ratio, constant thickness disk. However, starting at four optical scale lengths, sigma_z asymptotes out at roughly 20 km/s. Our analysis finds evidence for significant flaring in the outer regions as well, especially in M94. These observations are in excellent agreement with predictions derived from models of disk heating by halo substructure, and demonstrate how kinematic surveys in the outer disks of spirals can be used to test hierarchical models of galaxy formation.
Ciardullo Robin
Herrmann Kimberly A.
Sigurdsson Steinn
No associations
LandOfFree
Kinematic Evidence for Halo Substructure in Spiral Galaxies 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 Kinematic Evidence for Halo Substructure in Spiral Galaxies, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Kinematic Evidence for Halo Substructure in Spiral Galaxies will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-454294