On Asymmetric Distributions of Satellite Galaxies

Understand

We demonstrate that the asymmetric distribution of M31 satellites cannot be produced by tides from the Milky Way as such effects are too weak.

• However, loosely bound associations and groups of satellites can fall into larger haloes and give rise to asymmetries.
• We compute the survival times for such associations.
• We prove that the survival time is always shortest in Keplerian potentials, and can be ~ 3 times longer in logarithmic potentials.