Test for Radial Mixing of Stars in M31

TL;DR

This paper proposes a method to measure or constrain the radial mixing of stars in the Andromeda galaxy (M31) by combining existing data and accessible observational facilities, extending the understanding of stellar dynamics beyond the Milky Way.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to assess radial stellar migration in M31, which has not been definitively established in galaxies other than the Milky Way.

Findings

Method to measure radial mixing in M31 using existing data

Constraints on the extent of stellar orbit mixing in M31

Framework applicable to other external galaxies

Abstract

Effective radial migration and mixing of orbits throughout the stellar disk has been definitively established in the Milky Way, but not in any other galaxy. We show how such radial mixing can be measured (or strongly constrained) in M31 using a combination of existing data and readily available facilities.