Central Rotation Curves of Spiral Galaxies

Abstract

We present high-resolution central-to-outer rotation curves for Sb, SBb, Sc, and SBc galaxies. We discuss their general characteristics, particularly their central behavior, as well as dependencies on morphological types, activity, and peculiarity. The rotation curves generally show a steep nuclear rise, and high-velocity central rotation, followed by a broad maximum in the disk and then by a flat rotation due to the massive halo. Since the central high velocity and steep rise are common to all massive galaxies, it cannot be due to non-circular motions. Disk rotation curves of barred galaxies show larger dispersion than those of normal galaxies which is probably due to non-circular motions. Interacting galaxies show often perturbed outer rotation curves, while their central rotation shows no particular peculiarity. Also, central activities, such as starbursts and AGN, appear to show no particular correlation with the property of rotation curves. This would suggest that the central activities are triggered by a more local effect than the global dynamical property.