The Nucleus of M31.

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (64) References (22) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS The Nucleus of M31. Kinman, T. D. Abstract A luminosity profile is derived from both new and existing photometric observations of the nucleus of M31. This profile is used to construct a model consisting of thirty-three homogeneous spheroids for the luminous density within 1.6 kpc of the center of the galaxy. The potential distribution and the radial and z forces are calculated for < 28 pc. Neither the assumption of circular orbits nor of an isotropic or ellipsoidal velocity dispersion is consistent with this model and the observed rotational velocities. Interstellar gas would not remain in a dynamically steady state in the outer parts of the nucleus in this model. An isotropic velocity dispersion might exist at the very center of the model, and this would lead to a mass-to-light ratio 50. It is suggested that the nucleus of M31 must consist primarily of a population with moderately eccentric orbits and that a similar population is responsible for the nuclear rotation observed in M32 A smaller population of this type in M33 accounts for the absence of nuclear rotation in that galaxy. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: November 1965 DOI: 10.1086/148424 Bibcode: 1965ApJ...142.1376K full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (1) NED (1)