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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Morphological Transformation From Galaxy Harassment, B Moore, G Lake, N Katz
Morphological Transformation From Galaxy Harassment, B Moore, G Lake, N Katz
Astronomy Department Faculty Publication Series
Galaxy morphologies in clusters have undergone a remarkable transition over the past several billion yr. Distant clusters at z ~ 0.4 are filled with small spiral galaxies, many of which are disturbed and show evidence of multiple bursts of star formation. This population is absent from nearby clusters, where spheroidals comprise the faint end of the luminosity function. Our numerical simulations follow the evolution of disk galaxies in a rich cluster resulting from encounters with brighter galaxies and the cluster's tidal field, or "galaxy harassment." After a bursting transient phase, they undergo a complete morphological transformation from "disks" to "spheroidals." …
The Formation Of Quasars In Low-Luminosity Hosts Via Galaxy Harassment, G Lake, N Katz, B Moore
The Formation Of Quasars In Low-Luminosity Hosts Via Galaxy Harassment, G Lake, N Katz, B Moore
Astronomy Department Faculty Publication Series
We have simulated disk galaxies undergoing continual bombardment by other galaxies in a rich cluster. "Galaxy harassment" leads to dramatic evolution of smaller disk galaxies and provides an extremely effective mechanism for fueling a central quasar. Within a few billion years after a small disk galaxy enters the cluster environment, up to 90% of its gas can be driven into the inner 500 pc. Up to half of the mass can be transferred in a burst lasting just 100-200 Myr. This transport of gas to the center of galaxy is far more efficient than any mechanism proposed before. Galaxy harassment …