Abstract
A theory of galactic morphology results from the consideration of isoplethic surfaces in states of geometric equilibrium within the theory of general relativity. In the linearized case, one solves ∇2ψ+ρ2ψ=0 on the surface of an oblate spheroid with unit semimajor axis and eccentricity e. The surface defined by $$x^2 + y^2 + z^2 /(1 - \varepsilon ^2 ) = {\text{exp (}}\psi {\text{)}}$$ are then equilibrium isopleths. The resulting morphological system contains two continuous parameters (e and the norm of ψ) and an integer-valued parametern. The system includes the ellipticals as special cases, and the various available profiles are given for a variety of values of the parameters. The forms are sufficiently varied as to represent NGC 3115, 128, 7332, and IC 3973. These forms cease to be enigmatic for they fit into an orderly sequence progressing out of the ellipticals and have equilibrium interpretations as previously obtained only for the ellipticals.
Published Version
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