SAMI Galaxy Survey: rotators classification

Motivated by recent cosmological simulations, we develop an alternative approach to kinematically classify galaxies from their individual h_3_ versus V/{sigma} signatures. Within the SAMI Galaxy Survey, we identify five classes of high-order stellar kinematic signatures using Gaussian mixture models. Class 1 corresponds to slow rotators, whereas Classes 2-5 correspond to fast rotators.

We find that galaxies with similar {lambda}R_e_-{epsilon}_e_ values can show distinctly different h_3_-V/{sigma} signatures. Class 5 objects are previously unidentified fast rotators that show a weak h_3_ versus V/{sigma} anti-correlation. From simulations, these objects are predicted to be disk-less galaxies formed by gas-poor mergers.

From morphological examination, however, there is evidence for large stellar disks. Instead, Class 5 objects are more likely disturbed galaxies, have counter-rotating bulges, or bars in edge-on galaxies. Finally, we interpret the strong anti-correlation in h_3_ versus V/{sigma} as evidence for disks in most fast rotators, suggesting a dearth of gas-poor mergers among fast rotators.