Uncovering dwarf elliptical evolution through spatially resolved spectroscopy
Abstract
Using spatially resolved spectroscopy from the SDSS-IV Mapping Nearby Galaxies at APO (MaNGA) survey, we identify 69 dwarf elliptical (dE) galaxies in the nearby Universe fainter than Mr = -19 (MB = -18), selected independently of morphology and environment. The majority exhibit coherent rotation in their stellar kinematics, consistent with an origin as morphologically transformed disk galaxies. Six galaxies in this dE sample appear to host Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) that are likely preventing current star formation through maintenance mode feedback. The ionised gas component of these dEs is typically kinematically offset from the stellar component, suggesting the gas is either recently accreted or outflowing. We therefore demonstrate the potential of IFU spectroscopy for understanding the physical properties of dwarf galaxies in detail.
- Publication:
-
Dwarf Galaxies: From the Deep Universe to the Present
- Pub Date:
- October 2019
- DOI:
- 10.1017/S1743921318006725
- Bibcode:
- 2019IAUS..344..345P
- Keywords:
-
- galaxies: dwarf;
- galaxies: evolution;
- galaxies: active;
- galaxies: kinematics and dynamics