Non-equilibrium Kinematics in Merging Galaxies

Abstract

Measurements of the kinematics of merging galaxies are often used to derive dynamical masses, study evolution onto the fundamental plane, or probe relaxation processes. These measurements are often compromised to some degree by strong non-equilibrium motions in the merging galaxies. This talk focuses on the evolution of the kinematics of merging galaxies, and highlights some pitfalls which occur when studying non-equilibrium systems.