Full text
| |
| Author(s): |
Sergio Patricio Torres Flores
Total Authors: 1
|
| Document type: | Doctoral Thesis |
| Press: | São Paulo. |
| Institution: | Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto Astronômico e Geofísico (IAG/SBD) |
| Defense date: | 2010-06-28 |
| Examining board members: |
Claudia Lucia Mendes de Oliveira;
Philippe Amram;
Samuel Boissier;
Henri Michel Pierre Plana;
André Luís Batista Ribeiro;
Laerte Sodre Junior
|
| Advisor: | Claudia Lucia Mendes de Oliveira |
| Abstract | |
This thesis presents results on the kinematics, scaling relations and structures of 48 galaxies in 22 compact groups. For 35 galaxies in 12 compact groups, velocity fields, monochromatic maps (derived from H alpha observations) and velocity dispersion maps are presented for the first time. By using these data, it was possible to determine the kinematic and morphological parameters, the rotation curves and to derive the Tully-Fisher relation for the galaxies in dense environments. By using the maximum rotational velocity for each galaxy (derived from its rotation curve) and its optical and near-infrared luminosity and mass, the different Tully-Fisher relations for galaxies in compact groups were derived. Comparing these results with the results displayed by galaxies in less dense environments, it was found that galaxies in compact groups agrees with the Tully-Fisher relation defined by non-interacting galaxies. However, some of the low-mass galaxies are off the Tully-Fisher relation, having too high luminosities for their maximum rotational velocities. This scenario can be explained by a burst of star formation and/or by nuclear activity. We conclude that the maximum rotational velocities of compact groups galaxies are not affected during galaxy-galaxy interactions which implies that there is no significant mass stripping in galaxies of compact groups inside their optical radius. The mass distribution of galaxies in compact groups indicates that the rotation curves of these galaxies are highly asymmetric. The asymmetry could be produced by interactions between galaxies. These interactions, besides affecting the shape of the rotation curve, can eject some neutral gas from the disk of the interacting galaxies into the intragroup medium. By using ultraviolet data, we find several young star-forming regions in the intragroup medium of compact groups. It is still an open question wether these young stellar systems can survive and become new members of the group or if they will fall back onto their parent galaxies. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 07/07973-3 - The internal kinematics of galaxies in Hickson compact groups |
| Grantee: | Sergio Patricio Torres Flores |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct) |