A Method for Comparing Discrete Kinematic Data and [ITAL]N[/ITAL]-Body Simulations

This paper describes a method for quantitatively comparing an N-body modelwith a sample of discrete kinematic data. The comparison has two stages: (i)finding the optimum scaling and orientation of the model relative to the data;and (ii) calculating a goodness of fit, and hence assessing the plausibility ofthe model in vew of the data. The method derives from considering the data andmodel both as samples from some underlying binned distribution function, andapplying probability theory arguments. As an example, I consider a publishedN-body model for the Galactic bulge and disc, and fictitious l,b,vmeasurements, and recover (with error estimates) the spatial and velocityscales of the model and the orientation of the bar. The fictitious data areactually derived from the model by assuming the mass scale and the solarposition, but their size and extent mimics a recent survey of OH/IR stars. Theresults indicate that mass of the bulge and our viewing angle of the bar areusefully estimable from current surveys.Comment: To appear in A