Stellar motions at the centre of NGC 1808

In this chart, the measured velocities (ordinate) of the stars near the centre of NGC 1808 are plotted at different distances from the nucleus (abscissa). The right half shows the corresponding curve after "removal" of the effect from the rotation — the remaining spread is a direct measure of the "velocity dispersion" and the individual stellar motions. As can be clearly seen, the width of the "band" decreases towards the centre, indicating the presence of a "dynamically cool" central stellar system.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso0128f
Type:Chart
Release date:14 August 2001
Related releases:eso0128
Size:800 x 400 px

About the Object

Name:NGC 1808
Type:Local Universe : Galaxy : Type : Barred
Distance:40 million light years
Category:Stars

Image Formats

Large JPEG
62.2 KB
Screensize JPEG
75.7 KB