Bibcode
Marquart, T.; Fathi, K.; Östlin, G.; Bergvall, N.; Cumming, R. J.; Amram, P.
Bibliographical reference
Astronomy and Astrophysics, Volume 474, Issue 1, October IV 2007, pp.L9-L12
Advertised on:
10
2007
Journal
Citations
18
Refereed citations
15
Description
Aims:We study the two-dimensional distribution and kinematics of the
stellar and gaseous components in the centre of the blue compact dwarf
galaxy He 2-10. The aim is to compare the kinematics of gas and stars in
order to determine whether they are consistent with one another, or if
stars and gas can be decoupled due to gravitational perturbations and
feedback from star formation. Methods: We have used the integral
field unit ARGUS, part of FLAMES on the European Southern Observatory's
Very Large Telescope, to target the Ca ii λλ8498,8542,8662
Å triplet in the central 300 × 480 parsecs of He 2-10. The
selected wavelength regime includes several prominent spectral features,
including the Paschen series and the [S iii] emission-line, which we
have used to derive the kinematics of the ionised interstellar medium.
Results: We find no systematic trend in the velocities of the
stars over the observed field of view and conclude that the stellar
kinematics is governed by random motions. This is in contrast to the
motions the ionised interstellar medium, where we find spatial velocity
variations up to 60 km s-1. Our gas velocity field is
consistent with previous studies of both the molecular gas and the
feedback-driven outflow in He 2-10. We interpret the kinematic
decoupling between the stars and the gas as He 2-10 being in the process
of transformation to a dwarf elliptical galaxy.
Based on observations collected at the European Southern Observatory,
Paranal, Chile, under observing programme 74.B-0771.