Model rotation curves of disk galaxies oriented at an arbitrary angle to the plane of the sky

Abstract

We consider the effects of projection, absorption, and velocity dispersion on the shape of the rotation curve for a galaxy as a function of its disk inclination to the plane of the sky. We conclude that for galaxies with a fairly massive compact bulge these effects lead to a marked discrepancy between the rotation curve and the circular velocity curve even if their disks are viewed far from edge-on, especially for the rotation curves constructed from observations of the stellar component.