Probing the kinematic morphology-density relation of early-type galaxies with MaNGA

TL;DR

This study investigates whether the environment influences the rotational support of early-type galaxies, finding no significant correlation between angular momentum and local density or position within galaxy groups.

Contribution

It provides evidence that the kinematic morphology-density relation may not be driven by environmental factors at fixed stellar mass.

Findings

No significant correlation between angular momentum and local overdensity.

Angular momentum content is independent of radial position within groups.

Results challenge the environmental influence on galaxy kinematics.

Abstract

The "kinematic" morphology-density relation for early-type galaxies posits that those galaxies with low angular momentum are preferentially found in the highest-density regions of the universe. We use a large sample of galaxy groups with halo masses 10^12.5 < M_halo < 10^14.5 M_sun/h observed with the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at APO (MaNGA) survey to examine whether there is a correlation between local environment and rotational support that is independent of stellar mass. We find no compelling evidence for a relationship between the angular momentum content of early-type galaxies and either local overdensity or radial position within the group at fixed stellar mass.