TUNA Lunch Talk:

George Privon

University of Virginia

Dynamical Modeling of Galaxy Mergers with Identikit

November 20

12:10PM, Room 230, NRAO, Edgemont Road

Abstract:

Using the Identikit technique we obtain dynamical models for four interacting systems. The Identikit test-particle simulations and visualization technique enables rapid exploration of the large parameter space involved with galaxy encounters. We verify the test-particle-derived dynamical models using self-consistent N-body simulations, demonstrating the accurate reproduction of the morphology and kinematics of the system. Future work will enable a direct comparison of simulations and observations for samples of galaxy mergers.