Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
1996-07-05
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
13 pages, uses mn.tex (included). MNRAS accepted. The 17 PS figures (not enclosed) can be retrieved from ftp://strw.leidenun
Scientific paper
Recently, observations with the Hubble Space Telescope have revealed small stellar discs embedded in the nuclei of a number of ellipticals and S0s. In this paper we construct two-integral axisymmetric models for such systems. We calculate the even part of the phase-space distribution function, and specify the odd part by means of a simple parameterization. We investigate the photometric as well as the kinematic signatures of nuclear discs, including their velocity profiles (VPs), and study the influence of seeing convolution. The rotation curve of a nuclear disc gives an excellent measure of the central mass-to-light ratio whenever the VPs clearly reveal the narrow, rapidly rotating component associated with the nuclear disc. Steep cusps and seeing convolution both result in central VPs that are dominated by the bulge light, and these VPs barely show the presence of the nuclear disc, impeding measurements of the central rotation velocities of the disc stars. However, if a massive BH is present, the disc component of the VP can be seen in the wing of the bulge part, and measurements of its mean rotation provide a clear signature of the presence of the BH. This signature is insensitive to the uncertainties in the velocity anisotropy, which often lead to ambiguity in the interpretation of a central rise in velocity dispersion as due to a central BH.
de Zeeuw Tim P.
van den Bosch Frank C.
No associations
LandOfFree
Self-Consistent, Axisymmetric Two_Integral Models of Elliptical Galaxies with embedded Nuclear Discs 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 Self-Consistent, Axisymmetric Two_Integral Models of Elliptical Galaxies with embedded Nuclear Discs, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Self-Consistent, Axisymmetric Two_Integral Models of Elliptical Galaxies with embedded Nuclear Discs will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-80873