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The Disruption of a Small Disc Galaxy by a Massive Elliptical

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Abstract

N-body simulations of the capture of a small disc galaxy by a massive elliptical primary show that tidal forces destroy the inner part of the disc in a brief episode at some critical distance from the centre of the primary. We suggest that this phase may be characterised by chaotic motions in the disc material causing a burst of star formation. Such an event would offer a natural explanation of the colour differences between stars in shells around an elliptical galaxy and those in the galaxy itself. We report a study of orbits in the disc prior to and during its disruption, designed to test this hypothesis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Astronomy Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, U.K.

    R.A. James

  2. NRAL, University of Manchester, Manchester, U.K.

    A. Wilkinson

Authors
  1. R.A. James
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  2. A. Wilkinson
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James, R., Wilkinson, A. The Disruption of a Small Disc Galaxy by a Massive Elliptical. Astrophysics and Space Science 272, 73–77 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1002681204140

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1002681204140

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