Dynamics of the Boxy Elliptical Galaxy NGC 1600

Abstract

We use three--integral models to infer the distribution function (DF) of the boxy E3-E4 galaxy NGC 1600 from surface brightness and line profile data on the minor and major axes. We assume axisymmetry and that the mass-to-light ratio is constant in the central ~1 R_e. Stars in the resulting gravitational potential move mainly on regular orbits. We use an approximate third integral K from perturbation theory, and write the DF as a sum of basis functions in the three integrals E, L_z and K. We then fit the projected moments of these basis functions to the kinematic observables and deprojected density, using a non-parametric algorithm. The deduced dynamical structure is radially anisotropic, with sigma_theta/sigma_r ~ sigma_phi/sigma_r ~ 0.7 on the major axis. Both on the minor axis and near the centre the velocity distribution is more isotropic; thus the model is flattened by equatorial radial orbits. The kinematic data is fit without need for a central black hole; the central mass determined previously from ground-based data therefore overestimates the actual black hole mass. The mass-to-light ratio of the stars is M/L_V = 6 h_50. The anisotropy structure of NGC 1600 with a radially anisotropic main body and more nearly isotropic centre is similar to that found recently in NGC 1399, NGC 2434, NGC 3379 and NGC 6703, suggesting that this pattern may be common amongst massive elliptical galaxies. We discuss a possible merger origin of NGC 1600 in the light of these results.