Shapes and Probabilities of Galaxy Clusters

Details Shapes and Probabilities of Galaxy Clusters Shapes and Probabilities of Galaxy Clusters

2011-07-20

arxiv.org/abs/1107.4084v2

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics

18 pages, 6 figures. Corrected typos and incorporated referee suggestions. Accepted for publication in the ApJ

Scientific paper

10.1088/0004-637X/745/1/87

We develop a general theory for estimating the probability that a galaxy cluster of a given shape exists. The theory is based on the observed result that the distribution of galaxies is very close to quasi-equilibrium, in both its linear and nonlinear regimes. This places constraints on the spatial configuration of a cluster of galaxies in quasi-equilibrium. In particular, we show that that a cluster of galaxies may be described as a collection of nearly virialized subclusters of approximately the same mass. Clusters that contain more than 10 subclusters are very likely to be completely virialized. Using our theory, we develop a method for comparing probabilities of different spatial configurations of subclusters. As an illustrative example, we show that a cluster of galaxies arranged in a line is more likely to occur than a cluster of galaxies arranged in a ring.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Shapes and Probabilities of Galaxy Clusters 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 Shapes and Probabilities of Galaxy Clusters, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Shapes and Probabilities of Galaxy Clusters will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-36501