Widths of Lindblad Resonances in Galaxies: Origin of the Hole in the Gas Disk of the Milky Way

Abstract

AbstractIt is shown that slopes of p(R) = Ω(R) ± κ(R)/m curves at Lindblad resonances determine the widths of resonance regions. The ability of galactic disks to respond to torques exerted at ILRs by perturbers (bar, density wave, galaxy-satellite, etc.) is determined by the widths of inner Lindblad resonances (ILRs). Widths of ILRs vary along the Hubble sequence of normal and barred galaxies. Galaxies having the bulge to disk ratio of masses and radii similar to the Milky Way could have wide ILRs if they are formed at the region of 2-4 kpc from their centers. A wide range of possible perturbers with pattern speeds 4≤ Ωp ≤ 26 km s≤1 kpc−1 could excite an ILR at this region of the Milky Way. Probably, the ILR of Milky Way’s grand design is located in the same region. The hole in the galactic H2 disk is also located in this region. The mechanism responsible for the origin of this hole could be similar to that opening gaps in planetary rings.