Chaotic orbits in a 3D galactic dynamical model with a double nucleus

TL;DR

This study models the complex motion of stars in the central region of a disk galaxy with two nuclei, revealing most stars follow chaotic paths that approach the nuclei, while regular orbits stay near stable periodic paths.

Contribution

It introduces a 3D dynamical model for a double nucleus galaxy and analyzes the transition between regular and chaotic stellar orbits based on initial conditions.

Findings

Most stars are on chaotic orbits.

Chaotic orbits approach one or both nuclei.

Regular orbits are near stable periodic paths.

Abstract

A 3D-dynamical model is constructed for the study of motion in the central regions of a disk galaxy with a double nucleus. Using the results of the 2D-model, we find the regions of initial conditions in the (x,px,z,py)=EJ, (y=pz=0) phase space producing regular or chaotic orbits. The majority of stars are on chaotic orbits. All chaotic orbits come arbitrary close to one or to both nuclei. Regular orbits are those starting near the stable periodic orbits of the 2D-system with small values of z0. All regular orbits circulate around only one of the two nuclei.