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S. Laine (SSC, Caltech), D. Zaritsky (U. Arizona), C. Siopis (U. Michigan), J. C. Mihos (CWRU), K. Holley-Bockelmann (PSU), R. P. van der Marel (STScI)
One of the most important factors affecting disk galaxy evolution is the merger of satellite galaxies with a disk galaxy. Such an interaction may induce heating of the disk, and facilitate the buildup of the bulge, the halo and the globular cluster system. However, whether or not a satellite galaxy actually triggers these processes depends critically on its disruption or survival during the merger. Simulations suggest that dense and compact satellites wreak havoc on the primaries, while fluffy and extended satellites do little damage. We have made B-band, V-band and I-band observations of satellite galaxies which lie around isolated disk galaxies, using the satellite sample of Zaritsky et al. (1997). We present preliminary light and mass profiles of these satellites and describe our study of the survival of satellite galaxies in minor mergers. The research described in this paper was carried out, in part, by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, and was sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 5
© 2004. The American Astronomical Society.