Dynamical models of elliptical galaxies

Abstract

To represent observed features of elliptical galaxies on the basis of a simple dynamical theory, Poisson's equation is solved for the development of self-consistent models provided with rotational symmetry and differential rotation. The density is calculated by integrating over all the velocities a near-Gaussian distribution function dependent on energy and angular momentum with two free parameters. Observable properties are predicted by projecting the models onto the plane of the sky. The models give radial intensity profiles and isophote shapes in good agreement with observations of NGC 3379, predict a rotation curve consistent with the one observed, however they all show the same general trend of isophote flattening with radius while in real galaxies there is an enormous variety.