Kinematics and dynamics of the luminous infrared galaxy pair NGC 5257/58 (Arp 240)

Abstract

Context. Encounters between galaxies modify their morphology, kinematics, and star formation history. The relation between these changes and external perturbations is not straightforward. The great number of parameters involved requires both the study of large samples and individual encounters where particular features, motions, and perturbations can be traced and analysed in detail. Aims. We analysed the morphology, kinematics, and dynamics of two luminous infrared spiral galaxies of almost equal mass, NGC 5257 and NGC 5258, in which star formation is mostly confined to the spiral arms, in order to understand interactions between galaxies of equivalent masses and star-forming processes during the encounter. Methods. Using scanning Fabry–Perot interferometry, we studied the contribution of circular and non-circular motions and the response of the ionized gas to external perturbations. We compared the kinematics with direct images and traced the star-forming processes and gravitational effects due to the presence of the other galaxy. The spectral energy distribution of each member of the pair was fitted. A mass model was fitted to the rotation curve of each galaxy. Results. Large, non-circular motions detected in both galaxies are associated with a bar, spiral arms, and HII regions for the inner parts of the galaxies, and with the tidal interaction for the outer parts of the discs. Bifurcations in the rotation curves indicate that the galaxies have recently undergone pericentric passage. The pattern speed of a perturbation of one of the galaxies is computed. Location of a possible corotation seems to indicate that the gravitational response of the ionized gas in the outer parts of the disc is related to the regions where ongoing star formation is confined. The spectral energy distribution fit indicates slightly different star formation history for each member of the pair. For both galaxies, a pseudo-isothermal halo better fits the global mass distribution.