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M. Geha, P. Guhathakurta (UCSC), R. P. va der Marel (STScI)
Knowledge of velocity dispersions as a function of radius has proven a powerful tool in studying the stellar dynamics of classical elliptical galaxies. The study of dwarf elliptical galaxy kinematics is quickly approaching a similar level of maturity. We present Keck spectroscopy for eight Virgo Cluster dwarf elliptical galaxies and five dwarf ellipticals in lower density environments. The line-of-sight velocity and velocity dispersion are resolved as a function of radius along the major axis of each galaxy. In our cluster sample, we find that no galaxy shows evidence for significant rotation; upper limits on Vrot/\sigma, the ratio of the maximum rotational velocity to mean velocity dispersion, are well below those expected for a rotationally flattened object. In four galaxies, we are able to clearly separate the nuclear and surrounding galaxy light, finding that these nuclei are kinematically distinct. Results of dynamical modeling will be presented for each of our kinematic profiles.
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