A new resonance-like feature in the outer disc of the Milky Way

Description

Modern astrometric and spectroscopic surveys have revealed a wealth of structure in the phase space of stars in the Milky Way, with evidence of resonance features and non-equilibrium processes. Using the third Gaia data release, we present evidence of a new resonance-like feature in the outer disc of the Milky Way. The feature is most evident in the angular momentum distribution of the young classical Cepheids, a population for which we can derive accurate distances over much of the Galactic disc. We then searched for similar features in the outer disc using a much larger sample of red giant stars, as well as a compiled list of over 31 million stars with spectroscopic line-of-sight velocity measurements. While much less evident in these two older samples, the distribution of stars in action-configuration space suggests that resonance features are present here as well. The position of the feature in action-configuration space suggests that the new feature may be related to the Galactic bar, but other possibilities are discussed.

Abstract

International audience

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