Bibcode
Battaglia, G.; Fraternali, F.; Oosterloo, T.; Sancisi, R.
Bibliographical reference
Astronomy and Astrophysics, Volume 447, Issue 1, February III 2006, pp.49-62
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2
2006
Journal
Citations
77
Refereed citations
64
Description
We present a study of the ion{H}{i} distribution and dynamics of the
nearby spiral galaxy NGC 5055 based on observations with the Westerbork
Synthesis Radio Telescope. The gaseous disk of NGC 5055 extends out to
about 40 kpc, equal to 3.5 R25, and shows a pronounced warp
that starts at the end of the bright optical disk (R25= 11.6
kpc). This very extended warp has large-scale symmetry, which along with
the rotation period of its outer parts (≃1.5 Gyr at 40 kpc),
suggests a long-lived phenomenon. The rotation curve rises steeply in
the central parts up to the maximum velocity (vmax≃ 206
km s-1). Beyond the bright stellar disk (R25), it
shows a decline of about 25 km s-1 and then remains flat out
to the last measured point. The standard analysis with luminous and dark
matter components shows the dynamical importance of the disk. The best
fit to the rotation curve is obtained with a "maximum disk". Less
satisfactory fits with lighter disks help to set a firm lower limit of
1.4 to the mass-to-light ratio in F band of the disk. Such a "minimum
disk" contributes about 60% of the observed maximum rotational velocity.
NGC 5055 shows remarkable overall regularity and symmetry. A mild
lopsidedness is noticeable, however, both in the distribution and
kinematics of the gas. The tilted ring analysis of the velocity field
led us to adopt different values for the kinematical centre and for the
systemic velocity for the inner and the outer parts of the system. This
has produced a remarkable result: the kinematical and geometrical
asymmetries disappear, both at the same time. These results point at two
different dynamical regimes: an inner region dominated by the stellar
disk and an outer one, dominated by a dark matter halo offset with
respect to the disk.