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On the Holmberg asymmetry of the satellites of disk galaxiesA tidal explanation for the observation by Holmberg that the satellites of edge-on disk galaxies tend to avoid the sector within + or - 30 deg of the major axes of the disk galaxies is considered. It is shown that satellites with small orbit-to-disk inclinations are likely to become compact and consequently be left out in Holmberg's survey due to the resemblance to stars. The explanation is supported by the observation of an excess of compact galaxies near the major-axis direction of edge-on disk galaxies. The disk tidal explanation also predicts that the asymmetry should be weaker with larger satellites. It is found that the Karachentsev (1972, 1980) binary galaxy sample, where the typical companion is comparable to the primary galaxy, shows no Holmberg effect. The case of M32 as a compact satellite of the Andromeda galaxy is discussed as a nearby observationally supported example of the above processes.
Document ID
19870050706
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Byrd, Gene G.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville; Alabama, University, Tuscaloosa, United States)
Valtonen, Mauri J.
(Turku, University Finland)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1987
Publication Information
Publication: Astronomical Journal
Volume: 93
ISSN: 0004-6256
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
87A37980
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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