Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
1996-10-24
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
14 pages LaTeX, 1 postscript figure. To appear in ApJ (Letters). See also http://www.mpia-hd.mpg.de/MPIA/Projects/THEORY/prepr
Scientific paper
10.1086/310433
The amount of dark matter in the four galactic dwarf spheroidals with large mass-to-light ratios is investigated. Sextans has a cut-off radius which is equal to the expected tidal radius, assuming a high mass-to-light ratio. This satellite very likely is dark matter dominated. Carina, Ursa Minor and Draco, on the other hand, cannot contain a dominating dark matter component if the observed 'extra-tidal' stars are located exterior to the tidal radii of these systems. The evidence for tidal stripping in the absence of dark matter is also supported by the fact that the observed cut-off radii of all three satellites are equal to their tidal radii, assuming a low, globular cluster like mass-to-light ratio. The large velocity dispersions of these galaxies, on the other hand, seem to provide strong evidence for a massive dark matter component. In this case, the 'extra-tidal' stars lie deeply embedded in the dark matter potential wells of the satellites. These stars then would represent a gravitationally bound, extended stellar component with unknown origin.
No associations
LandOfFree
Do dwarf spheroidal galaxies contain dark matter? 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 Do dwarf spheroidal galaxies contain dark matter?, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Do dwarf spheroidal galaxies contain dark matter? will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-129787