Abstract
We present deep optical long-slit spectra of 17 edge-on spiral galaxies of intermediate to late morphological type, mostly parallel to their major axes and in a few cases parallel to the minor axes. The line-of-sight stellar kinematics are obtained from the stellar absorption lines using the improved cross-correlation technique. In general, the stellar kinematics are regular and can be traced well into the disc-dominated region. The mean stellar velocity curves are far from solid-body, indicating that the effect of dust extinction is not large. The line-of- sight stellar disc velocity dispersion correlates with the galaxy maximum rotational velocity, but detailed modelling is necessary to establish whether this represents a physical relation. In four spirals with a boxy- or peanut-shaped bulge we are able to detect asymmetric velocity distributions, having a common signature with projected radius in the mean line-of- sight velocity and the h(3) and h(4) curves. In two cases this kinematic asymmetry probably represents the 'figure-of-eight' pattern synonymous with a barred potential. We emphasize, however, that the signatures seen in the h(3) and h(4) curves may also be due to the disc seen in projection.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1247-1265 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society |
Volume | 351 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 11-Jul-2004 |
Keywords
- galaxies : fundamental parameters
- galaxies : kinematics and dynamics
- galaxies : spiral
- galaxies : structure
- ABSORPTION-LINE SPECTRA
- SPIRAL GALAXIES
- SURFACE PHOTOMETRY
- GALACTIC DISKS
- 3-DIMENSIONAL DISTRIBUTION
- VELOCITY DISTRIBUTIONS
- ELLIPTIC GALAXIES
- STAR-FORMATION
- SHAPED BULGES
- NGC-891