Dynamics of blue compact galaxies, as revealed by their H alpha velocity fields - II. Mass models and the starburst triggering mechanism

DOI: 
10.1051/0004-6361:20010832
Publication date: 
01/08/2001
Main author: 
Ostlin, G
IAA authors: 
Authors: 
Ostlin, G; Amram, P; Bergvall, N; Masegosa, J; Boulesteix, J; Marquez, I
Journal: 
ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS
Publication type: 
Article
Volume: 
374
Pages: 
800-823
Number: 
Abstract: 
The H alpha velocity fields of a sample of six luminous blue compact galaxies (BCGs) and two companions have been obtained by observations with a scanning Fabry-Perot interferometer. The Fabry-Perot images, velocity fields and rotations curves have been presented in a previous paper (Paper I). In general, the velocity fields are irregular and often contain secondary dynamical components, but display overall rotation. The two companions have more regular velocity fields and rotation curves. In this article we analyse the velocity fields and dynamics together with the morphology of the studied BCGs, and present detailed mass models. In addition, we model the stellar mass content by means of multicolour surface photometry and spectral evolutionary synthesis analysis. By comparison of the masses of stars and those derived from the rotation curve, we show that about half of the galaxies cannot be supported by rotation alone. The morphology and dynamics of the BCGs suggest that the starburst activity in these galaxies are most likely triggered by mergers involving gas-rich dwarf galaxies and/or massive gas clouds.
Database: 
WOK
ADS
URL: 
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/#abs/2001A&A...374..800O/abstract
ADS Bibcode: 
2001A&A...374..800O
Keywords: 
galaxies : compact; galaxies : starburst; galaxies : kinematics and dynamics; galaxies : evolution; galaxies : formation; galaxies : interactions