Galaxy structure: core radii and central mass deficits

Details Galaxy structure: core radii and central mass deficits Galaxy structure: core radii and central mass deficits

Dec 2003

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2003aas...20311620g&link_type=abstract

American Astronomical Society Meeting 203, #116.20; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 35, p.1399

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

Scientific paper

We investigate the nuclear and global structure of early-type galaxies, and the apparent disparity between the Nuker and Sersic models for radial light profiles. We show that the so-called "power-law" galaxies in fact have Sersic r1/n profiles over their entire observed radial range. Consequently, only three (Sersic-profile) parameters are required to simultaneously describe both the inner (HST-resolved) and outer profiles of low-luminosity (M > -20.5 B-mag) elliptical galaxies. We also find that "core galaxies" have Sersic profiles with a (partially evacuated) single power-law core. We have developed a modified (5-parameter) Sersic profile with a power-law core to model the complete radial extent of luminous galaxies with cores. In addition to quantifying the global stellar distribution in these systems, we have derived new estimates of their core radii (and central mass deficits) and compare these with values obtained using the (5-parameter) Nuker model.
Support for proposal number HST-AR-09927.01-A was provided by NASA through a grant from the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under NASA contract NAS5-26555.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Galaxy structure: core radii and central mass deficits 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 Galaxy structure: core radii and central mass deficits, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Galaxy structure: core radii and central mass deficits will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1423005