Kinematics of Antlia 2 and Crater 2 from the Southern Stellar Stream Spectroscopic Survey (S 5)

We present new spectroscopic observations of the diffuse Milky Way satellite galaxies Antlia 2 and Crater 2, taken as part of the Southern Stellar Stream Spectroscopic Survey (S (5)). The new observations approximately double the number of confirmed member stars in each galaxy and more than double the spatial extent of spectroscopic observations in Antlia 2. A full kinematic analysis, including Gaia EDR3 proper motions, detects a clear velocity gradient in Antlia 2 and a tentative velocity gradient in Crater 2. The velocity gradient magnitudes and directions are consistent with particle stream simulations of tidal disruption. Furthermore, the orbit and kinematics of Antlia 2 require a model that includes the reflex motion of the Milky Way induced by the Large Magellanic Cloud. We also find that Antlia 2's metallicity was previously overestimated, so it lies on the empirical luminosity-metallicity relation and is likely only now experiencing substantial stellar mass loss. Current dynamical models of Antlia 2 require it to have lost over 90% of its stars to tides, in tension with the low stellar mass loss implied by the updated metallicity. Overall, the new kinematic measurements support a tidal disruption scenario for the origin of these large and extended dwarf spheroidal galaxies.

Automated summary

New spectroscopic observations of Antlia 2 and Crater 2, part of the Southern Stellar Stream Spectroscopic Survey, reveal an increase in confirmed member stars and velocity gradients consistent with tidal disruption simulations. A revised metallicity estimation for Antlia 2 suggests ongoing substantial stellar mass loss despite previous overestimation. Current dynamical models, requiring Antlia 2 to have lost over 90% of its stars, are in tension with the updated metallicity. Overall, the kinematic measurements support a tidal disruption scenario for the origin of these dwarf spheroidal galaxies.