Quantifying the (X/Peanut)-Shaped Structure in Edge-on Disc Galaxies: Length, Strength, and Nested Peanuts

Abstract: X-shaped or peanut-shaped (X/P) bulges are observed in more than 40% of (nearly) edge-on disc galaxies, though to date a robust method to quantify them is lacking. Using Fourier harmonics to describe the deviation of galaxy isophotes from ellipses, we demonstrate with a sample of 11 such galaxies (including NGC 128) that the sixth Fourier component ($B_6$) carries physical meaning by tracing this X/P structure. We introduce five quantitative diagnostics based on the radial $B_6$ profile, namely: its peak' amplitude ($\Pi_{\rm max}$); the (projected major-axis)length' where this peak occurs ($R_{\Pi,max}$); its vertical height' above the disc plane ($z_{\Pi,max}$); the $B_6$ profile's integratedstrength' ($S_{\Pi}$); and the $B_6$ peak width' ($W_{\Pi}$). We also introduce differentclasses' of $B_6$ profile shape. Furthermore, we convincingly detect and measure the properties of multiple (nested) X/P structures in individual galaxies which additionally display the signatures of multiple bars in their surface brightness profiles, thus consolidating further the scenario in which peanuts are associated with bars. We reveal that the peanut parameter space (length',strength' and height') for real galaxies is not randomly populated, but the 3 metrics are inter-correlated (both in kpc and disc scale-length $h$). Additionally, the X/Plength' and strength' appear to correlate with $v_{rot}/\sigma_*$, lending further support to the notion that peanutsknow' about the galactic disc in which they reside. Such constraints are important for simulations, as they provide a direct link between peanuts and their host disc. Our diagnostics reveal a spectrum of X/P properties and could provide a means of distinguishing between different peanut formation scenarios. Moreover, nested peanuts, as remnants of bar buckling events, can provide insights into the disc and bar instability history.