Abstract
A model with an oblate potential of Staeckel form is used to calculate the result of the decay of a small satellite galaxy into a larger aspherical system. It is found that, neglecting rotation and velocity anisotropy of the main galaxy as well as its back-reaction to the satellite, the orbit of the satellite decays toward a general thin tube. The tendency toward thinness is significantly greater in systems having steeper density profiles. The latitudinal turning point remains nearly constant through most of the decay, so that the initial inclination of the orbit is remembered. The effects of anisotropy and rotation, while nonnegligible, are not likely to alter this result qualitatively for moderately flattened systems. A simple model for tidal stripping is included to show explicitly that the loss of stars from the satellite produces a boxy configuration in the final galaxy. 64 references.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
