# The GECKOS survey: Jeans anisotropic models of edge-on discs uncover the impact of dust and kinematic structures

**Authors:** T. H. Rutherford, A. Fraser-McKelvie, E. Emsellem, J. van de Sande, S. M. Croom, A. Poci, M. Martig, D. A. Gadotti, F. Pinna, L. M. Valenzuela, G. van de Ven, J. Bland-Hawthorn, P. Das, T. A. Davis, R. Elliott, D. B. Fisher, M. R. Hayden, A. Mailvaganam, S. Sharma, T. Zafar  
**arXiv:** [2509.08371](https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.08371)  
**Date:** 2025-09-10  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/2509.08371v1/

## Key points

- Study titled "The GECKOS survey: Jeans anisotropic models of edge-on discs uncover the impact of dust and kinematic structures" by T. H. Rutherford et al.
- Investigating intricate stellar structures in central regions of disc galaxies, including nuclear discs, bars, bulges, and boxy-peanut (BP) bulges
- Utilizing data from the GECKOS-MUSE survey to evaluate how dust affects axisymmetric Jeans Anisotropic Multi-Gaussian Expansion (JAM) models
- Constructing JAM models for seven edge-on galaxies with varying characteristics to observe non-axisymmetric structure
- Notable findings include consistent dynamical masses across different levels of dust masking, identification of bar orbits in NGC 3957, a bar in IC 1711, and hints at a possible side-on bar in NGC 0522

## Summary

, , , , 

In their study titled "The GECKOS survey: Jeans anisotropic models of edge-on discs uncover the impact of dust and kinematic structures," T. H. Rutherford et al. explore the intricate stellar structures found in the central regions of disc galaxies, including nuclear discs, bars, bulges, and boxy-peanut (BP) bulges. These components present challenges for disentanglement both photometrically and kinematically, particularly in star-forming galaxies where dust obscuration and complex stellar motions complicate interpretation. By utilizing data from the GECKOS-MUSE survey, the team focuses on investigating how dust affects axisymmetric Jeans Anisotropic Multi-Gaussian Expansion (JAM) models and evaluates their effectiveness in recovering kinematic structure in edge-on disc galaxies. Through constructing JAM models for a sample of seven edge-on galaxies with varying star formation rates, dust content, and kinematic complexities (with inclinations greater than or equal to 85 degrees), the researchers make significant observations. By properly masking dust effects, they are able to fit the disc regions of each galaxy to reduced chi-squared values less than or equal to 5. Analysis of two-dimensional residual velocity fields reveals telltale signs of non-axisymmetric structure within these galaxies. Interestingly, dynamical masses remain consistent within a 10% margin across all levels of dust masking for each galaxy. One notable case involves NGC 3957—a barred boxy galaxy in their sample—where persistent velocity residuals are identified even under aggressive dust masking. These residuals align with bar orbits and are supported by photometric bar signatures. Furthermore, extending their analysis reveals a bar in IC 1711 and hints at a possible side-on bar in NGC 0522. Overall, this study sheds light on both the capabilities and limitations of JAM models when applied to dusty edge-on systems. The researchers attempt to establish connections between residual velocities and known non-axisymmetric kinematic structures within these galaxies. This research, accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics journal, consists of 13 pages and 13 figures. , , , , and  are the five keywords that summarize the main focus of this study.