The influence of the satellite galaxies on the disk of M31
by
Daniel Timarac
University of Auckland
Coauthors: Philip W. Sharp (University of Auckland)

Like our galaxy, M31 has its own group of satellite galaxies. The number of galaxies in the group depends on what criteria are used for membership, but most observers include at least six galaxies. Of these, NGC 205, M32 and M33, either because of their mass or their proximity to M31, appear to have the greatest influence on M31.

The influence include distortions to the disk of M31. We have performed simulations of the gravitational interaction between the disk and NGC 205, M32 and M33, and present a summary of these simulations. We also discuss the assumptions commonly made when doing simulations of this type.

Date received: September 28, 2000

Copyright © 2000 by the author(s). The author(s) of this document and the organizers of the conference have granted their consent to include this abstract in Atlas Conferences Inc. Document # caek-35.