A violent interaction between the dwarf galaxy UGC 7636 and the giant elliptical galaxy NGC 4472

• DOI: 10.1086/117116
• Publication Date: 2002-07-26T17:39:14Z
• Authors: Brian R. McNamara; Renzo Sancisi; Patricia A. Henning; William Junor
• Keywords: Irregular galaxy; Dwarf spheroidal galaxy; Ram pressure; Virgo Cluster; Fornax Cluster

view Abstract Citations (40) References (19) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS A Violent Interaction Between the Dwarf Galaxy UGC 7636 and Giant Elliptical NGC 4472 McNamara, Brian R. ; Sancisi, Renzo Henning, Patricia A. Junor, William We present new U, B, R, H I imagery of Virgo Cluster giant elliptical galaxy its interacting dwarf companion 7636. Using a composite image reconstruction technique, we show that trail debris ~5 arcmin in length ~1 width (30 X 6 kpc for cluster distance 20 Mpc) is projected northward from galaxy. cloud along northwest edge between gE. The dwarf's nuclear morphology irregular bow-shaped on what appears to be leading edge. Apart number isolated blue regions, most trailing similar color nucleus. Only modest enhancement star formation have been induced by interaction. Although separated 15 kpc, stellar morphologies are remarkably similar. stars appear tidally distorted situ, prior cloud's removal ram pressure. If has maintained shape magnetic support, field strength an order magnitude larger than galaxy's required. Ram pressure deceleration due motion through 4472's x-ray-emitting interstellar medium should sufficient become gravitationally bound 4472. HI not self-gravitating may fragment destroyed will probably disrupted strong tidal forces; disperse into or halo eccentric orbits. captured collision negligible impact gaseous content. On other hand, if interactions common galaxies, they could alter deplete surrounding populations, fuel bursts activity, perhaps provide source energy their media. Publication: Astronomical Journal Pub Date: September 1994 DOI: 10.1086/117116 Bibcode: 1994AJ....108..844M Keywords: Galaxies; Galactic Nuclei; Structure; Regions; Interacting Radio Astronomy; Color; Data Processing; Image Reconstruction; Imaging Techniques; Interstellar Matter; Star Formation; Tables (Data); Rays; GALAXIES: INDIVIDUAL: 7636; 4472; INTERACTIONS full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (3) NED (2)