Abstract
We present kinematics and stellar population properties of 17 dwarf early-type galaxies in the luminosity range −14 ≥ M B ≥ −19. Our sample fills the gap between the intensively studied giant elliptical and Local Group dwarf spheroidal galaxies. The dwarf ellipticals of the present sample have constant velocity dispersion profiles within their effective radii and do not show significant rotation, hence are clearly anisotropic. The dwarf lenticulars, instead, rotate faster and are, at least partially, supported by rotation. From optical Lick absorption indices, we derive metallicities and element abundances. Combining our sample with literature data of the Local Group dwarf spheroidals and giant ellipticals, we find a surprisingly tight linear correlation between metallicity and luminosity over a wide range: −8 ≥ M B ≥ −22. The α/Fe ratios of our dwarf ellipticals are significantly lower than the ones of giant elliptical galaxies, which is in agreement with spectroscopy of individual stars in Local Group dwarf spheroidals. Our results suggest the existence of a clear kinematic and stellar population dichotomy between dwarf and giant elliptical galaxies. This result is important for theories of galaxy formation, because it implies that present-day dwarf ellipticals are not the fossiled building blocks of giant ellipticals.
Based on observations obtained at the Calar Alto Observatory, Spain.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Bender, R.: 1990, A&A 229, 441.
Bender, R., Burstein, D. and Faber, S.M.: 1992, ApJ 399, 462.
Bender, R. and Nieto, J.-L.: 1990, A&A 239, 97.
Bender, R., Paquet, A. and Nieto, J.-L.: 1991, A&A 246, 349.
Beuing, J., Bender, R., Mendes de Oliveira, C., Thomas, D. and Maraston, C.: 2002, A&A, 395, 431.
Binggeli, B. Sandage, A. and Tamman, G.A.: 1985, AJ 90 1681.
Dekel, A. and Silk, J.: 1986, ApJ 303, 39.
Geha, M., Guhathakurta, P. and van der Marel, R.P.: 2002, AJ, 124, 3073.
Gorgas, J., Pedraz, S., Guzman, G., Cardiel, N. and Gonzalez, J.J.: 1997, ApJ 481, L19.
Kormendy, J.: 1982, in: L. Martinet and M. Mayor (eds.), Structure and Dynamics of Galaxies, Geneva Observatory, Geneva, p. 115.
Kormendy, J.: 1985, ApJ 295, 73.
Nieto, J.-L.: 1988, 2da Reunion de Astronomia Extragalactica, Academia Nacional de Ciencias de Cordoba, p. 239.
Mateo, M.L.: 1998, ARA&A 36, 435.
Mehlert, D., Saglia, R.P., Bender, R. and Wegner, G.: 2000, A&AS 141, 449.
Pedraz, S., Gorgas, J., Cardiel, N., Sanchez-Blazquez, P. and Guzmán, R.: 2002, MNRAS 332, L59.
Shetrone, M.D., Côté, P. and Sargent, W.L.W.: 2001, ApJ 548, 592.
Simien, F. and Prugniel, P.: 2002, A&A 384, 371.
Thomas, D Maraston, C. and Bender, R.: 2003, MNRAS,339 897.
Vader, J.P. and Chaboyer, B.: 1994, AJ 108, 1209.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2003 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Thomas, D., Bender, R., Hopp, U., Maraston, C., Greggio, L. (2003). Kinematics and Stellar Populations of 17 Dwarf Early-Type Galaxies. In: Hensler, G., Stasińska, G., Harfst, S., Kroupa, P., Theis, C. (eds) The Evolution of Galaxies. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-3315-1_58
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-3315-1_58
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-90-481-6248-2
Online ISBN: 978-94-017-3315-1
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive