Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
1999-10-05
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
13 pages, 12 figures, to appear in MNRAS
Scientific paper
The group of galaxies RXJ1340.6+4018 has approximately the same bolometric X-ray luminosity as other bright galaxy groups and poor clusters such as the Virgo cluster. However, 70% of the optical luminosity of the group comes from a dominant giant elliptical galaxy, compared to 5% from M87 in Virgo. The second brightest galaxy in RXJ1340.6+4018 is a factor of 10 fainter (2.5 mag) than the dominant elliptical, and the galaxy luminosity function has a gap at about L*. We interpret the properties of the system as a result of galaxy merging within a galaxy group. We find that the central galaxy lies on the fundamental plane of ellipticals, has an undisturbed, non-cD morphology, and has no spectral features indicative of recent star formation, suggesting that the last major merger occurred >4 Gyr ago. The deviation of the system from the cluster Lx-T relation in the opposite sense to most groups may be due to an early epoch of formation of the group or due to a strong cooling flow. The unusual elongation of the X-ray isophotes and the similarity between the X-ray and optical ellipticities at large radii (~230 kpc) suggest that both the X-ray gas and the outermost stars of the dominant galaxy are responding to an elongated dark matter distribution. RXJ1340.6+4018 may be part of a filamentary structure related to infall in the outskirts of the cluster A1774.
Forbes Duncan A.
Jones Robert L.
Ponman Trevor J.
No associations
LandOfFree
Multi-wavelength observations of an evolved galaxy group: An endpoint of galaxy merging? 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 Multi-wavelength observations of an evolved galaxy group: An endpoint of galaxy merging?, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Multi-wavelength observations of an evolved galaxy group: An endpoint of galaxy merging? will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-291724