The Origin of Hoag's Object

Abstract

In this research we look if we can recreate Hoag's Object from standard galaxy models without other interactions. We run our simulations with 16 million particles for 97.7 Gyr, more than six times the Hubble time. Our initial model has three parts, a S\'ersic bulge, an exponential disk and a NFW halo. We used the Bonsai code, a tree code that uses the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). We conclude that we did not succeed in recreating Hoag's Object. A ring forms, but there is also a strong bar present. The bar strength initially grows and stays equal after 50 Gyr. The bar speed slows down exponentially. The galaxy reaches an equilibrium after 50 Gyr. We propose some initial parameters that could help destroy the bar, with the mention of a Central Mass Density.