Exoplanets and Stellar Physics

Abstract:

We present results from sub-arcsecond near infrared integral field spectroscopy and millimeter IRAM-interferometry of the interacting galaxy NGC 6240. Using stellar absorption features in the NIR we determined the stellar velocity field and dispersion in NGC 6240. The two NIR emission peaks show rapid rotation and indicate a prograde encounter of the two progenitor galaxies. From the velocity dispersion an excess mass between the two nuclei is detected. This mass can be attributed to a massive rotating disk of cold CO gas located between the nuclei.

Abstract:

Knowledge of the pattern speed in a barred galaxy is an important prerequisite for determining the radii of its dynamical resonances. Once identified, these can in turn be used to constrain models for nuclear fueling and secular evolution. Here, we present measurements of the pattern speeds in two barred galaxies-one direct (in NGC 1068, using the Tremaine-Weinberg method in the near infrared) and one indirect (in NGC 7479, using a fit to three-dimensional molecular emission-line data). We find good evidence that a configuration of dynamically decoupled "bars within bars" is present in each system.

Abstract:

We present results from integral field spectroscopy of the narrow line region of NGC 1068, carried out with the MPE 3D near infrared imaging spectrometer. A map and velocity field of the [Fe II] fine structure line at 1.64mum is presented. The kinematics of the [Fe II] emission, which arises in partially ionized zones, shows red shifted emission in the north eastern cone of the NLR, and blue shifted emission in the south west, reversed relative to high ionization species such as [Si VI] or [0 111]. We propose a model geometry of the narrow line region which is consistent with existing data and explains the observed [Fe II] kinematics.