Related papers: Dynamical models and Galaxy surveys
We extend models of our Galaxy based on distribution functions (DFs) that are analytic functions of the action integrals to extended distribution functions (EDFs), which have an analytic dependence on metallicity as well. We use a simple,…
Deriving circular velocities of galaxies from stellar kinematics can provide an estimate of their total dynamical mass, provided a contribution from the velocity dispersion of the stars is taken into account. Molecular gas (e.g., CO) on the…
Stellar parameters for large samples of stars play a crucial role in constraining the nature of stars and stellar populations in the Galaxy. An increasing number of medium-band photometric surveys are presently used in estimating stellar…
The only way to map the Galaxy's gravitational potential $\Phi({\bf x})$ and the distribution of matter that produces it is by modelling the dynamics of stars and gas. Observations of the kinematics of gas provide key information about…
We provide prescriptions to evaluate the dynamical mass ($M_{\rm dyn}$) of galaxies from kinematic measurements of stars or gas using analytic considerations and the VELA suite of cosmological zoom-in simulations at $z=1-5$. We find that…
We present spatially resolved stellar kinematics for 797 $z=0.6-1$ galaxies selected from the LEGA-C survey and construct axisymmetric Jeans models to quantify their dynamical mass and degree of rotational support. The survey is $K_s$-band…
Using a new algorithm for estimating the actions of orbits a parametrised distribution function is automatically fitted to observational data for the solar neighbourhood. We adopt a gravitational potential that is generated by three discs…
The evolution of masses and sizes of passive (early-type) galaxies with redshift provides ideal constraints to galaxy formation models. These parameters can in principle be obtained for large galaxy samples from multi-band photometry alone.…
The typical methodology for comparing simulated galaxies with observational surveys is usually to apply a spatial selection to the simulation to mimic the region of interest covered by a comparable observational survey sample. In this work…
Dynamical models are used to study dark matter (DM) in galaxies, how galaxies assemble through mergers, and to test galaxy formation models. Despite its widespread use, there has been no systematic study quantifying how much information can…
Estimating stellar masses for billions of galaxies in upcoming surveys requires methods that are both accurate and computationally efficient. We present a new approach using symbolic regression trained on a simulation to derive simple,…
In this empirical work, we aim to quantify the systematic uncertainties in stellar mass $(M_\star)$ estimates made from spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting through stellar population synthesis (SPS), for galaxies in the local…
Galactic Archeology is a powerful tool for investigating the formation and evolution of the Milky Way. We use this technique to study kinematic groups of F- and G-stars in the solar neighbourhood. From correlations between orbital…
I discuss the importance of dynamical models for exploiting survey data, focusing on the advantages of "torus" models. I summarize a number of applications of these models to the study of the Milky Way, including the determination of the…
We study the dynamical properties of halo stars located in the Solar Neighbourhood. Our goal is to explore how the properties of the halo depend on the selection criteria used for defining a sample of halo stars. Once this is understood we…
A new class of models of stellar discs is introduced and used to build a self-consistent model of our Galaxy. The model is defined by the parameters that specify the action-based distribution functions (DFs) f(J) of four stellar discs…
Our knowledge of the Galaxy is being revolutionised by a series of photometric, spectroscopic and astrometric surveys. Already an enormous body of data is available from completed surveys, and data of ever increasing quality and richness…
We use HST/STIS optical spectroscopy of ten M dwarfs in five closely separated binary systems to test models of M dwarf structure and evolution. Individual dynamical masses ranging from 0.083 to 0.405 Mo for all stars are known from…
Galaxy models are fundamental to exploiting surveys of our Galaxy. There is now a significant body of work on axisymmetric models. A model can be defined by giving the DF of each major class of stars and of dark matter. Then the…
We simultaneously model the gravitational potential and phase space distribution function (DF) of giant stars near the Sun using the {\it Gaia} DR2 radial velocity catalog. We assume that the Galaxy is in equilibrium and is symmetric about…