Report on the dynamical evolution of an axially symmetric quasar model

The role of the angular momentum in the regular or chaotic character of motion in an axially symmetric quasar model is examined. It is found that, for a given value of the critical angular momentumL _zc , there are two values of the mass of the nucleusM _n for which transition from regular to chaotic motion occurs. The [L _zc – M _n ] relationship shows a linear dependence for the time independent model and an exponential dependence for the evolving model. Both cases are explained using theoretical arguments together with some numerical evidence. The evolution of the orbits is studied, as mass is transported from the disk to the nucleus. The results are compared with the outcomes derived for galactic models with massive nuclei.     

The structure of motion in a 4-component galaxy mass model

We use a composite galaxy model consisting of a disk-halo, bulge, nucleus and dark-halo components in order to investigate the motion of stars in ther-z plane. It is observed that high angular momentum stars move in regular orbits. The majority of orbits are box orbits. There are also banana-like orbits. For a given value of energy, only a fraction of the low angular momentum stars — those going near the nucleus — show chaotic motion while the rest move in regular orbits. Again one observes the above two kinds of orbits. In addition to the above one can also see orbits with the characteristics of the 2/3 and 3/4 resonance. It is also shown that, in the absence of the bulge component, the area of chaotic motion in the surface of section increases, significantly. This suggests that a larger number of low angular momentum stars are in chaotic orbits in galaxies with massive nuclei and no bulge components.     

Determining the character of motion in quiet and active galaxies with a satellite companion

A galaxy model with a satellite companion is used to study the character of motion for stars moving in the x ‐y plane. It is observed that a large part of the phase plane is covered by chaotic orbits. The percentage of chaotic orbits increases when the galaxy has a dense nucleus of massM_n. The presence of the dense nucleus also increases the stellar velocities near the center of the galaxy. For small values of the distance R between the two bodies, low energy stars display a chaotic region near the centre of the galaxy, when the dense nucleus is present, while for larger values of R the motion in active galaxies is regular for low energy stars. Our results suggest that in galaxies with a satellite companion, the chaotic character of motion is not only a result of galactic interaction but also a result caused by the dense nucleus. Theoretical arguments are used to support the numerical outcomes. We follow the evolution of the galaxy, as mass is transported adiabatically from the disk to the nucleus. Our numerical results are in satisfactory agreement with observational data from M51‐type binary galaxies (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A new dynamical model for the study of galactic structure

In the present article, we present a new gravitational galactic model, describing motion in elliptical as well as in disk galaxies, by suitably choosing the dynamical parameters. Moreover, a new dynamical parameter, the S(g) spectrum, is introduced and used, in order to detect islandic motion of resonant orbits and the evolution of the sticky regions. We investigate the regular or chaotic character of motion, with emphasis in the different dynamical models and make an extensive study of the sticky regions of the system. We use the classical method of the Poincaré r ? p_r phase plane and the new dynamical parameter of the S(g) spectrum. The L.C.E is used, in order to make an estimation of the degree of chaos in our galactic model. In both cases, the numerical calculations, suggest that our new model, displays a wide variety of families of regular orbits, compared to other galactic models. In addition to the regular motion, this new model displays also chaotic regions. Furthermore, the extent of the chaotic regions increases, as the value of the flatness parameter b of the model increases. Moreover, our simulations indicate, that the degree of chaos in elliptical galaxies, is much smaller than that in dense disk galaxies. In both cases numerical calculations show, that the degree of chaos increases linearly, as the flatness parameter b increases. In addition, a linear relationship between the critical value of angular momentum and the b parameter if found, in both cases (elliptical and disk galaxies). Some theoretical arguments to support the numerical outcomes are presented. Comparison with earlier work is also made.     

The nature of orbits in a prolate elliptical galaxy model with a bulge and a dense nucleus

We study the transition from regular to chaotic motion in a prolate elliptical galaxy dynamical model with a bulge and a dense nucleus.Our numerical investigation shows that stars with angular momentum Lz less than or equal to a critical value Lzc,moving near the galactic plane,are scattered to higher z,when reaching the central region of the galaxy,thus displaying chaotic motion.An inverse square law relationship was found to exist between the radius of the bulge and the critical value Lzc of the angular m...     

Motion in a double nucleus galactic dynamical model

We construct a 2D-dynamical model in order to study the motion in a galaxy with a double nucleus. Numerical calculations show that the majority of high energy stars, near the double nuclear region, are on chaotic orbits. On the contrary, low energy stars are on chaotic orbits only near massive nuclei while, for less massive nuclei, the motion is regular. Using a semi-numerical approach we explain the chaotic scattering of orbits near each nucleus. The high values of the velocities near the dense nuclei are also explained. Computation of the LCEs indicates a very high degree of chaos. The results derived from our double nucleus dynamical model are compared with models with single ones. Our outcomes are in satisfactory agreement with observational data for the double nucleus system $\mathit{NGC}6240$.     

Orbit classification in the meridional plane of a disk galaxy model with a spherical nucleus

We investigate the regular or chaotic nature of star orbits moving in the meridional plane of an axially symmetric galactic model with a disk and a spherical nucleus. We study the influence of some important parameters of the dynamical system, such as the mass and the scale length of the nucleus, the angular momentum or the energy, by computing in each case the percentage of chaotic orbits, as well as the percentages of orbits of the main regular resonant families. Some heuristic arguments to explain and justify the numerically derived outcomes are also given. Furthermore, we present a new method to find the threshold between chaos and regularity for both Lyapunov Characteristic Numbers and SALI, by using them simultaneously.     

Preliminary results of the multisite time-series campaign on the sdB pulsator PG 1325+101

I present a model for the formation and evolution of a massive disk galaxy, within a growing dark halo whose mass evolves according to cosmological simulations of structure formation. The galactic evolution is simulated with a new 3D chemo-dynamical code, including dark matter, stars and a multi-phase ISM. We follow the evolution from redshift z = 4.85 until the present epoch. The energy release by massive stars and supernovae prevents a rapid collapse of the baryonic matter and delays the maximum star formation until redshift z ≈ 1. The galaxy forms radially from inside-out and vertically from top-to-bottom. The feedback of stars leads to turbulent motions and large-scale flows in the ISM. As one result the galactic disk is significantly enriched by chemical elements synthesized in bulge stars.     

Gravitational loss-cone instability: Monotonic and nonmonotonic angular momentum distributions of stars

Small perturbations of spherical star clusters around massive black holes are studied. The presence of a black hole gives rise to peculiar distributions that have no stars with low angular momenta (falling into the so-called “loss cone”). The stability of such a distribution has been found to depend significantly on whether it monotonically increases with angular momentum L (from the loss cone up to L = L _circ in circular orbits) or has a maximum at some intermediate L = L _*. In the case of spherical systems under consideration, the loss-cone instability is shown to be possible only for nonmonotonic distributions.     

Galactic chaos driven by an oscillating massive particle

The effect of an oscillating massive particle on the motion of stars in a spherical Plummer gravitational system is examined for chaotic behaviour for ratios of satellite to parent galaxy masses ranging from .001 to .15. Thee-folding times for chaos are calculated for non-zero angular momentum orbits and discussed in relation to the time-scales for dynamical friction.     

Retrograde precession of stellar orbits and gravitational loss-cone instability in galactic centers

We consider disk and spherical subsystems of stars with nearly radial orbits under conditions when the well-known radial orbit instability is not possible. This requires that the precession of stellar orbits be retrograde, i.e., in the direction opposite to the orbital rotation of stars. We show that an instability that is an analogue of the loss-cone instability known in plasma physics can then develop in the presence of a “loss cone” in the angular momentum distribution of stars, which ensures a deficit or even absence of stars with low angular momenta. Examples of systems with a loss cone are the centers of galaxies or star clusters with massive black holes. The instability can produce a flux of stars onto the galactic center, i.e., it can serve as a mechanism of fueling the nuclear activity of galaxies. Mathematically, the problem is reduced to analyzing simple characteristic equations that describe small perturbations in a disk and a sphere of radially highly elongated stellar orbits. In turn, these characteristics equations are derived through a number of successive simplifications of the general linearized Vlasov equations (i.e., the system that includes the collisionless Boltzmann kinetic equation and the Poisson equation) in action—angle variables.     

Massive black holes in nuclei of galaxies and quasars

In the first part of the paper the known results on the gravitational interaction of a massive black hole with the surrounding stars in a galactic nucleus are discussed. The tidal disruption of stars in close encounters with a black hole is reviewed. Expressions for the flux of stars on a black hole are given, taking into account energy and angular momentum diffusion of stellar orbits. The scenario of star disruption and accretion of the released stellar matter is depicted. The growth of a black hole in a typical galactic nucleus on account of gas accretion from disrupted stars is discussed. A comparison with the upper limit to the luminosity of the nucleus of our Galaxy puts rather severe constraints on the mass of a hypothetical black hole at the galactic centre. Possible mechanisms preventing the formation and growth of black holes in normal galactic nuclei are discussed.The second part of the paper (Section 8) deals with the hypothesis that massive black holes are the primary energy sources in active galaxies and quasars. The luminosity requirements of bright quasars and weak Seyferts can probably be accounted for in such a model, but there are difficulties in explaining the intermediate range. Mass ejection from Seyferts and quasars is not a severe problem. The same applies to the spectrum. A much more serious objection is the observed periodic and quasi-periodic variability. Another unsatisfactory feature of this hypothesis is that one needs two different evolutionary tracks for quasars and active galaxies, and for normal galaxies.     

Can a globular cluster formed in the galactic disk be raised into the halo?

The classical assumption that most globular clusters (hereafter GC) formed in situ in galactic halos is examined in an approximate, empirical way. Although this viewpoint is not rejected per se, an alternative possibility is investigated: the presence of multiple resonances in the galactic disk, together with the concurrent action of a resonant internal bar or distortion, may stir these resonances. This may lead to chaotic motion which breaks the action of the third integral for moderately eccentric orbits. These circumstances may consequently allow the formation of some GC’s in the disk with moderate to highly eccentric orbits, with the action of the resonant bar subsequently gradually driving them (as well as other stars with similar orbits) to spend most of their time in the Galaxy’s halo. The size of the resonant region and the probable effectiveness of the various agents in the associated phase space in the axisymmetric model are listed. An n-body simulation would be required to establish this proposal in a fully self-consistent way. Paper presented at the Division of Dynamical Astronomy Meetings in Halifax, N.S., Canada, June 2006.     

The role of tidal interactions in star formation

Nearly all of the initial angular momentum of the matter that goes into each forming star must somehow be removed or redistributed during the formation process. The possible transport mechanisms and the possible fates of the excess angular momentum are discussed, and it is argued that transport processes in discs are probably not sufficient by themselves to solve the angular momentum problem, while tidal interactions with other stars in forming binary or multiple systems are likely to be of very general importance in redistributing angular momentum during the star formation process. Most, if not all, stars probably form in binary or multiple systems, and tidal torques in these systems can transfer much of the angular momentum from the gas around each forming star to the orbital motions of the companion stars. Tidally generated waves in circumstellar discs may contribute to the overall redistribution of angular momentum. Stars may gain much of their mass by tidally triggered bursts of rapid accretion, and these bursts could account for some of the most energetic phenomena of the earliest stages of stellar evolution, such as jet-like outflows. If tidal interactions are indeed of general importance, planet-forming discs may often have a more chaotic and violent early evolution than in standard models, and shock heating events may be common. Interactions in a hierarchy of subgroups may play a role in building up massive stars in clusters and in determining the form of the upper initial mass function (IMF) . Many of the processes discussed here have analogues on galactic scales, and there may be similarities between the formation of massive stars by interaction-driven accretion processes in clusters and the buildup of massive black holes in galactic nuclei.     

Relativistic Precession of Elliptical Orbits of a Circumbinary Planet can be Cancelled

In publications presenting analytical results on the non-coplanar motion of a circumbinary planet it was shown that the unperturbed elliptical orbit of the planet undergoes simultaneously two kinds of the precession: the precession of the orbital plane and the precession of the orbit in its own plane. It is also well-known that there is also the relativistic precession of the planetary orbit in its own plane. In the present paper we study a combined effect of the all of the above precessions. For the general case, where the planetary orbit is not coplanar with the stars orbits, we analyzed the dependence of the critical inclination angle i_c, at which the precession of the planetary orbit in its own plane vanishes, on the angular momentum L of the planet. We showed that the larger the angular momentum, the smaller the critical inclination angle becomes. We presented the analytical result for i_c(L) and calculated the value of L, for which the critical inclination value becomes zero. For the particular case, where the planetary orbit is not coplanar with the stars orbits, we demonstrated analytically that at a certain value of the angular momentum of the planet, the elliptical orbit of the planet would become stationary: no precession. In other words, at this value of the angular momentum, the relativistic precession of the planetary orbit and its precession, caused by the fact that the planet revolves around a binary (rather than single) star, cancel each other out. This is a counterintuitive result.     

The chemo-dynamical evolution of a disk galaxy

I present a model for the formation and evolution of a massive disk galaxy, within a growing dark halo whose mass evolves according to cosmological simulations of structure formation. The galactic evolution is simulated with a new three-dimensional chemo-dynamical code, including dark matter, stars and a multi-phase ISM. We follow the evolution from redshift z= 4.85 until the present epoch. The energy release by massive stars and supernovae prevents a rapid collapse of the baryonic matter and delays the maximum star formation until redshift z ≈ 1. The galaxy forms radially from inside-out and vertically from top-to-bottom. Correspondingly, the inner halo is the oldest component, followed by the outer halo, the bar/bulge, the thick and the thin disk. The bulge in the model consists of at least two stellar subpopulations, an early collapse population and a population that formed later in the bar. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.