Statistics
Scientific paper
Jan 1993
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1993phdt........11s&link_type=abstract
Ph.D. Thesis Michigan State Univ., East Lansing, MI.
Statistics
Diffuse Radiation, Elliptical Galaxies, Galactic Clusters, Galactic Radiation, Galactic Structure, Gravitational Fields, Autocorrelation, Friction, Galactic Evolution, Galactic Halos, Luminosity
Scientific paper
Conventionally, the gravitational potential of galaxy clusters has been mapped using the galaxies themselves or x-rays as test particles. Using the intra-cluster medium or diffuse light instead has the obvious advantage in sheer number of particles, i.e. better counting statistics. Analysis of diffuse light in two cD clusters (A2670 and A2029) is described. Deep R-band CCD images of these clusters were procured at the KPNO 36 in. and 2.1 m telescopes. On large scales, the diffuse light is well fit by a de Vaucouleurs' profile. This 'smoothness' is surprising in light of current cluster evolution theory which relies on violent interactions among cluster members. Thus we are motivated to study the diffuse light on small scales, expecting a priori to see clumpiness in the medium due to collisional or tidal stripping mechanisms or the affects of dynamical friction. Using a statistical approach, we have determined the source of the diffuse light to be numerous low luminosity objects. The clumpiness of the diffuse light in both clusters is described by auto correlations of the residual images (after diffuse light has been removed). From this analysis, we can determine a spatial scale of the clumps and attempt to place some constraints on the faint end of the cluster luminosity function. For A2670, we compute a differential luminosity function in the cluster center that suggests real differences in the luminosity function within the cluster center from a universal cluster luminosity function. We measure the V-R color of the cD and cluster galaxies and the color gradient across the halo of A2670. In A2029, we find structures associated with five galaxies suggestive of wakes, i.e. the gravitational response of the medium to galactic passage. The apparent lack of significant small-scale structure poses a curious problem for cluster evolution models.
No associations
LandOfFree
Study of diffuse light in cD 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 Study of diffuse light in cD galaxy clusters, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Study of diffuse light in cD galaxy clusters will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1264167