Parameter estimates for the orbits of M 32 and NGC 205 about the centre of mass of the M 31 system

Cepa, J.; Beckman, J. E.
Bibliographical reference

Astronomy and Astrophysics (ISSN 0004-6361), vol. 200, no. 1-2, July 1988, p. 21-25.

Advertised on:
7
1988
Number of authors
2
IAC number of authors
2
Citations
30
Refereed citations
24
Description
The authors used simple kinematic, dynamic and geometrical assumptions to infer the orbital parameters of M32 and NGC 205 about M31. They find that both galaxies rotate in a retrograde sense compared to M31 indicating a possible common origin independent of the mother galaxy. Their periods, each ≅108yr, and their orbital radii, ≅12 kpc, are comparable, while the inclinations of their orbital planes are -95° for M32 and 122° for NGC 205, with respect to the plane of M31.