The diversity of spiral galaxies explained

Understand

An extensive catalog of spatially-resolved galaxy rotation curves and multi-band optical light profiles for 1752 observed spiral galaxies is assembled to explore the drivers of diversity in galaxy structural parameters, rotation curve shapes, and stellar mass profiles.

• Similar data were extracted from the NIHAO galaxy simulations to identify any differences between observations and simulations.
• Several parameters, including the inner slope "S" of a rotation curve (RC), were tested for diversity.
• Two distinct populations are found in observed and simulated galaxies; (i) blue, low mass spirals with stellar mass M* < 10^9.3 Msol and roughly constant &#34;S&#34;, and (ii) redder, more massive and more diverse spirals with rapidly increasing &#34;S&#34;.