Destruction of a Satellite by the Milky Way

Simulation and Visualization by Kathryn V. Johnston, Wesleyan University

Simulation and Visualization Details

• small satellite galaxy orbiting the Milky Way Galaxy
• color represents density
• 64,000 particle N-body calculation within a static galaxy potential, SCF code
• The Milky Way is orbited by eleven satellite galaxies.
• This simulation illustrates how the gravitational field of the Milky Way might tear stars from these satellites to form long streams of debris.
• Such streams would provide "fossilized" evidence for the destruction of satellites throughout the Milky Way's lifetime.
• There is increasing evidence for the existence of such streams in orbit about the Milky Way.
• Sagittarius dwarf evolution should be similar to that shown here

Image

Movie

Destruction of a Satellite by the Milky Way MPEG movie 901 frames 640 x 480 resolution 8.3 MB download

Copyright & Credits

All usage must be cleared with the respective authors, as listed in the credits. This includes posting on other web sites and any other electronic, print, or media distribution.

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