The nuclear dynamics of M32. I. Data and stellar kinematics

Abstract

We have obtained optical long-slit spectroscopy of the nucleus of M32 using the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph aboard the Hubble Space Telescope. The stellar rotation velocity and velocity dispersion, as well as the full line-of-sight velocity distribution (LOSVD), were determined as a function of position along the slit using two independent spectral deconvolution algorithms. We see three clear kinematical signatures of the nuclear black hole : a sudden upturn, at similar to0."3 from the center, in the stellar velocity dispersions; a flat or rising rotation curve into the center; and strong, non-Gaussian wings on the central LOSVD. The central velocity dispersion is similar to 130 km s(-1) (Gaussian fit) or greater than or similar to 175 km s(-1) (corrected for the wings). The central kinematics are consistent with the presence of a supermassive compact object in M32 with a mass in the range (2-4) x 10(6) M..