Uncovering the Origins of Spiral Structure by Measuring Radial Variation in Pattern Speeds

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method to measure how spiral pattern speeds vary with radius in galaxies, providing insights into the complex physics behind spiral structures.

Contribution

The study applies the Radial Tremaine-Weinberg method to measure multiple pattern speeds in several galaxies, revealing complex spiral dynamics and resonant couplings.

Findings

Multiple pattern speeds detected in galaxies.

Evidence of resonant coupling between patterns.

Some galaxies exhibit a single pattern speed.

Abstract

Current theories of spiral and bar structure predict a variety of pattern speed behaviors, calling for detailed, direct measurement of the radial variation of pattern speeds. Our recently developed Radial Tremaine-Weinberg (TWR) method allows this goal to be achieved for the first time. Here we present TWR spiral pattern speed estimates for M101, IC 342, NGC 3938 and NGC 3344 in order to investigate whether spiral structure is steady or winding, whether spirals are described by multiple pattern speeds, and the relation between bar and spiral speeds. Where possible, we interpret our pattern speeds estimates according to the resonance radii associated with each (established with the disk angular rotation), and compare these to previous determinations. By analyzing the high-quality HI and CO data cubes available for these galaxies, we show that it is possible to determine directly multiple pattern speeds within these systems, and hence identify the characteristic signatures of the processes that drive the spiral structure. Even this small sample of galaxies reveals a surprisingly complex taxonomy, with the first direct evidence for the presence of resonant coupling of multiple patterns found in some systems, and the measurement of a simple single pattern speed in others. Overall, this study demonstrates that we are now in a position to uncover more of the apparently complex physics that lies behind spiral structure.