2008/03/26 by M. Lyubenova, H. Kuntschner, D. R. Silva · 3 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #Astronomy and Astrophysical Research #Astrophysics and Star Formation Studies #Dispersion (optics) #Drop (telecommunication) #Galaxies: Formation, Evolution, Phenomena #Galaxy #Hubble sequence #Kinematics #Line (geometry) #Measure (data warehouse) #Velocity dispersion #astro-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.1051/0004-6361:20079314
9 pages, 5 figures, accepted for publication in A&A
arxiv created 2008/03/26 · openalex publication_date 2008/04/22 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
In this paper we present for the first time high spatial resolution K-band maps of the central kinematical and near-infrared spectral properties of the giant cD galaxy in the Fornax cluster, NGC 1399. We confirm the presence of a central velocity dispersion dip within seen in previous long-slit studies. Our velocity dispersion maps give evidence of a non-symmetric structure in this central area by showing three σ peaks to the north-east, south-east and west of the galaxy centre. Additionally we measure near-IR line strength indices at unprecedented spatial resolution in NGC 1399. The most important features we observe in our 2-dimensional line strength maps are drops in Na I and CO (2–0) line strength in the nuclear region of the galaxy, coinciding spatially with the drop in σ. The observed line strength and velocity dispersion changes suggest a scenario where the centre of NGC 1399 harbours a dynamically cold subsystem with a distinct stellar population.