Arm classification and velocity gradients in spiral galaxies

Journal Article · Thu Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1991 · Astrophysical Journal; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/170294· OSTI ID:5257833

Biviano, A; Girardi, M; Giuricin, G; Mardirossian, F; Mezzetti, M ^[1]

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1. Trieste Univ. (Italy) Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (Italy) Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati, Trieste (Italy) Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (Italy) Centro Interuniversitario Regionale di Astrofisica e Cosmologia (Italy)

On the basis of published rotation curves, velocity gradients are compiled for 94 galaxies. A significant correlation is found in this sample of galaxies between their gradients and arm classes (as given by Elmegreen and Elmegreen, 1982); galaxies with steeper curves tend to have a flocculent arm structure, and galaxies with flatter curves tend to have a grand design morphology. The correlation is true, since it is not induced by other correlations. The present result is in agreement with previous suggestions by Whitmore (1984) and with the recent result by Elmegreen and Elmegreen; it is also consistent with the predictions of density wave theory for the formation of the spiral structure. 89 refs.

• OSTI ID: 5257833
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal; (United States), Vol. 376; ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
GALAXIES
MORPHOLOGY
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
CORRELATIONS
GALACTIC EVOLUTION
ROTATION
SPIRAL CONFIGURATION
STARS
VELOCITY
CONFIGURATION
EVALUATION
MOTION
640105* - Astrophysics & Cosmology- Galaxies