Modified Virial Formulae and the Theory of Mass Estimators

Details Modified Virial Formulae and the Theory of Mass Estimators Modified Virial Formulae and the Theory of Mass Estimators

2010-12-23

arxiv.org/abs/1012.5180v1

Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc., 413, 1744-1752 (2011)

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics

9 pages, MNRAS, in press

Scientific paper

10.1111/j.1365-2966.2011.18251.x

We show how to estimate the enclosed mass from the observed motions of an ensemble of test particles. Traditionally, this problem has been attacked through virial or projected mass estimators. Here, we examine and extend these systematically, and show how to construct an optimal estimator for any given assumption as to the potential. The estimators do not explicitly depend on any properties of the density of the test objects, which is desirable as in practice such information is dominated by selection effects. As particular examples, we also develop estimators tailored for the problem of estimating the mass of the Hernquist or NFW dark matter haloes from the projected positions and velocities of stars.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Modified Virial Formulae and the Theory of Mass Estimators 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 Modified Virial Formulae and the Theory of Mass Estimators, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Modified Virial Formulae and the Theory of Mass Estimators will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-296573