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M. Geha (Carnegie Observatories)
NGC 205 is the nearest example of a dwarf elliptical (dE) galaxy and is often considered the prototype of this galaxy class. A satellite of M31, NGC 205 shows clear signs of interaction with its parent galaxy. It therefore offers a unique opportunity to study in detail both the internal dynamics of a nearby dE galaxy while providing a detailed view of a disrupting satellite. Here, we present kinematics of NGC 205 out to very large radius based on Keck/DEIMOS spectroscopic observations of 723 individual red giant branch stars. We show that the tidal extensions of NGC~205 are moving counter to the rotation of the main body of this galaxy, placing tight constraints on the geometry of the orbital encounter. We present results from orbital modeling of this system and discuss the implications of NGC 205 in the context of the accretion of dwarf satellite galaxies and the growth of massive galactic halos.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 5
© 2004. The American Astronomical Society.