The formation of compact massive relic galaxies in MOND

Abstract

Compact massive relic galaxies are a class of galaxies that exhibit characteristics suggesting they have remained largely unchanged since their initial formation, making them 'relics' of the early universe. These galaxies represent a distinct class characterized by strongly peaked high-velocity dispersion profiles with large rotational velocities. This study investigates the formation of such galaxies within the framework of Milgromian Dynamics (MOND), offering a unique perspective on their origin without invoking the presence of cold or warm dark matter. Our analysis focuses on the collapse dynamics of isolated non-rotating post-Big-Bang gas clouds, revealing kinematic and density profiles comparable to observed compact massive relic galaxies like NGC 1277, Mrk 1216, and PGC 032873. The findings underscore the natural emergence of compact massive relic galaxies within a MOND-based Universe, providing valuable insights into the interplay between gravitational dynamics and galaxy formation.