Some New Observed Properties of Elliptical Galaxies

Details Some New Observed Properties of Elliptical Galaxies Some New Observed Properties of Elliptical Galaxies

Mar 2001

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2001ap%26ss.276..861g&link_type=abstract

Astrophysics and Space Science, v. 276, Issue 2/4, p. 861-868 (2001).

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Scientific paper

We suggest that elliptical galaxies, as stellar systems in a stage of quasi-equilibrium, may have a specific entropy. We use the Sérsic law to describe the light profile. The specific entropy (the Boltzmann-Gibbs definition) is then calculated assuming that the galaxy behaves as a spherical, isotropic, one-component system. We predict a relation between the three parameters of the Sérsic law linked to the specific entropy, defining a surface in the parameter space, an `entropic plane'. We have analysed a sample of simulated merging elliptical galaxies (virtual) and a sample of galaxies belonging to the Coma Cluster (real). Both virtual and real galaxies are: 1) located in their own `entropic plane' and 2) in this plane, they are located on a straight line, indicating constant entropy: another physical property. A careful examination of the value of the specific entropy indicates a very small increase in the specific entropy with the generation after merging (virtual sample). Although one cannot distinguish between various generations for real galaxies, the distribution of specific entropy in this sample is very similar to that in the virtual sample.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Some New Observed Properties of Elliptical Galaxies does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Some New Observed Properties of Elliptical Galaxies, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Some New Observed Properties of Elliptical Galaxies will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1005490