Dynamics in the Centres of Triaxial Elliptical Galaxies

Abstract

Three kinds of deviations from a homogeneous core which occur in triaxial elliptical galaxies are discussed: (1) a central point mass with a typical mass of 100 million solar masses, (2) a dense but extended central star cluster such as that inferred for M31, and (3) central cusps. A box orbit scattering model used to describe the first two of these deviations is discussed. The effect of box orbit scattering on the galaxy is addressed, and the orbit structure of central density cusps is examined. The observable consequences of black holes or dense star clusters are considered.