Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2005-01-28
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
8 pages, 5 figures. Accepted for publication in A&A
Scientific paper
10.1051/0004-6361:20042569
We present the integrated mass profiles for a sample of ten nearby (z<=0.15), relaxed galaxy clusters, covering a temperature range of [2-9]keV, observed with XMM-Newton. The mass profiles were derived from the observed gas density and temperature profiles under the hypothesis of spherical symmetry and hydrostatic equilibrium. All ten mass profiles are well described by an NFW-type profile over the radial range from 0.01 to 0.5 R_200, where R_200 is the radius corresponding to a density contrast of 200 with respect to the critical density at the cluster redshift. A King model is inconsistent with these data. The derived concentration parameters and total masses are in the range c_200=4-6 and M_200=1.2 10^14-1.2 10^15 Msol, respectively. Our qualitative and quantitative study of the mass profile shape shows, for the first time, direct and clear observational evidence for the universality of the total mass distribution in clusters. The mass profiles scaled in units of R_200 and M_200 nearly coincide, with a dispersion of less than 15% at 0.1 R_200. The c_200--M_200 relation is consistent with the predictions of numerical simulations for a LCDM cosmology, taking into account the measurement errors and expected intrinsic scatter. Our results provide further strong evidence in favour of the Cold Dark Matter cosmological scenario and show that the dark matter collapse is well understood at least down to the cluster scale.
Arnaud Monique
Pointecouteau Etienne
Pratt Gabriel W.
No associations
LandOfFree
The structural and scaling properties of nearby galaxy clusters: I - The universal mass profile 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 The structural and scaling properties of nearby galaxy clusters: I - The universal mass profile, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The structural and scaling properties of nearby galaxy clusters: I - The universal mass profile will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-286876