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Multiple Core GalaxiesNuclei of galaxies often show complicated density structures and perplexing kinematic signatures. In the past we have reported numerical experiments indicating a natural tendency for galaxies to show nuclei offset with respect to nearby isophotes and for the nucleus to have a radial velocity different from the galaxy's systemic velocity. Other experiments show normal mode oscillations in galaxies with large amplitudes. These oscillations do not damp appreciably over a Hubble time. The common thread running through all these is that galaxies often show evidence of ringing, bouncing, or sloshing around in unexpected ways, even though they have not been disturbed by any external event. Recent observational evidence shows yet another phenomenon indicating the dynamical complexity of central regions of galaxies: multiple cores (M31, Markarian 315 and 463 for example). These systems can hardly be static. We noted long-lived multiple core systems in galaxies in numerical experiments some years ago, and we have more recently followed up with a series of experiments on multiple core galaxies, starting with two cores. The relevant parameters are the energy in the orbiting clumps, their relative.masses, the (local) strength of the potential well representing the parent galaxy, and the number of cores. We have studied the dependence of the merger rates and the nature of the final merger product on these parameters. Individual cores survive much longer in stronger background potentials. Cores can survive for a substantial fraction of a Hubble time if they travel on reasonable orbits.
Document ID
20010117738
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Miller, R.H.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Morrison, David
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
April 4, 1994
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Meeting Information
Meeting: Dynamical Astronomy/DDA Committee
Location: Kingsville, TX
Country: United States
Start Date: March 27, 1994
End Date: March 29, 1994
Sponsors: Texas A&M Univ.
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 188-44-53-02
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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