Measuring Bar and Spiral Arm Pattern Speeds in MaNGA Barred Spiral Galaxies

Document Type

Journal Article

Role

Author

Journal Title

Research Notes of the AAS

Volume

9

Issue

9

Publication Date

9-2025

Abstract

We measure independent pattern speeds for bar and spiral arms in 98 barred spiral galaxies with Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory data. Some galaxies exhibit statistically different pattern speeds (Ωbar ≠ Ωspiral), while others have statistically equal pattern speeds. We find no trends of ΔΩ with stellar mass or galaxy color. Our results are consistent with a Universe which might have some bar-driven spirals (ΔΩ = 0), but some spirals in barred galaxies must be tidally driven or self-excited (ΔΩ ≠ 0). These results demonstrate the potential for ΔΩ measurements to constrain spiral arm formation mechanisms.

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