Evidence of a large-scale positive rotation–metallicity correlation in the Galactic thick disc

Journal Article · 28 January 2019 · Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/mnrasl/sly198 · OSTI ID:1492488

Re Fiorentin, Paola; Lattanzi, Mario G.; Spagna, Alessandro

ABSTRACT This study is based on high quality astrometric and spectroscopic data from the most recent releases by Gaia and APOGEE. We select $$58\, 882$$ thin and thick disc red giants in the Galactocentric (cylindrical) distance range 5 < R < 13 kpc and within |$$z$$| < 3 kpc, for which full chemo-kinematical information is available. Radial chemical gradients, $$\partial \rm {[M/H]} / \partial \rm {R}$$, and rotational velocity–metallicity correlations, $$\partial V_\phi / \partial \rm {[M/H]}$$, are re-derived firmly uncovering that the thick disc velocity–metallicity correlation maintains its positiveness over the 8 kpc range explored. This observational result is important as it sets experimental constraints on recent theoretical studies on the formation and evolution of the Milky Way disc and on cosmological models of Galaxy formation.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 1492488
• Journal Information: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters, Journal Name: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 484; ISSN 1745-3925
• Publisher: Oxford University PressCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United Kingdom
• Language: English