2005/08/29 by A. C. Gonzalez-Garcia, A. C. González-García, J. A. L. Aguerri +1 · 4 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #Angular momentum #Astronomy and Astrophysical Research #Dark matter #Decoupling (probability) #Dwarf galaxy #Dwarf spheroidal galaxy #Elliptical galaxy #Galaxies: Formation, Evolution, Phenomena #Galaxy #Kinematics #Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies #astro-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.1051/0004-6361:20052670
10 pages, 7 figures; Accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics
arxiv created 2005/08/29 · openalex publication_date 2005/12/01 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
We have run high resolution N-body models simulating the encounter of a dwarf galaxy with a bright elliptical galaxy. The dwarf absorbs orbital angular momentum and shows counter-rotating features in the external regions of the galaxy. To explain the core-envelope kinematic decoupling observed in some dwarf galaxies in high-density environments requires nearly head-on collisions and very little dark matter bound to the dwarf. These kinematic structures appear under rather restrictive conditions. As a consequence, in a cluster like Virgo ~1% of dwarf galaxies may present counter-rotation formed by harassment.