Abstract
We present the latest published and preliminary results from the SLUGGS Survey discussing the formation of lenticular galaxies through analysis of their kinematics. These include a comparison of the measured stellar spin of low-mass lenticular galaxies to the spin of remnant galaxies formed by binary merger simulations to assess whether a merger is a likely formation mechanism for these galaxies. We determine that while a portion of lenticular galaxies have properties consistent with these remnants, others are not, indicating that they are likely “faded spirals”. We also present a modified version of the spin–ellipticity diagram, which utilises radial tracks to be able to identify galaxies with intermediate-scale discs. Such galaxies often have conflicting morphological classifications, depending on whether photometric or kinematic measurements are used. Finally, we present preliminary results on the total mass density profile slopes of lenticular galaxies to assess trends as lower stellar masses are probed.
Highlights
Lenticular galaxies share similarities with both elliptical galaxies and spiral galaxies
We analyse the kinematics of lenticular galaxies studied within the SLUGGS survey that extend to ∼2–3 effective radii (Re ) with the aim of identifying whether merger or environmental processes are more dominant in shaping lenticular (S0) galaxies
Comparison of extended stellar kinematics of low-mass lenticular galaxies indicates that while a portion of them are consistent with being formed by the merger of two disc galaxies, this is not the case for the full sample
Summary
Lenticular galaxies share similarities with both elliptical galaxies (in that they are quenched systems) and spiral galaxies (in that many lenticular galaxies have large-scale discs). The manner in which these systems form is still not entirely understood, and it is likely that multiple processes contribute to their formation. Simulations have shown that it is possible to form a lenticular galaxy through binary mergers of disc galaxies. Environmental processes such as ram pressure stripping, galaxy harassment, and starvation have been proposed as mechanisms by which to transform spiral galaxies into lenticulars as they fall into galaxy clusters. We analyse the kinematics of lenticular galaxies studied within the SLUGGS survey that extend to ∼2–3 effective radii (Re ) with the aim of identifying whether merger or environmental processes are more dominant in shaping lenticular (S0) galaxies. We focus in particular on low-mass (i.e., M∗ < 1011 M ) lenticular galaxies
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