The Fundamental Plane in RX J0142.0+2131: a galaxy cluster merger at z=0.28

Details The Fundamental Plane in RX J0142.0+2131: a galaxy cluster merger at z=0.28 The Fundamental Plane in RX J0142.0+2131: a galaxy cluster merger at z=0.28

2006-08-07

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0608150v1

Astrophys.J.649:L1-L4,2006

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

4 pages, 2 figures, accepted for publication in ApJ Letters

Scientific paper

10.1086/508257

We present the Fundamental Plane (FP) in the z = 0.28 cluster of galaxies RX J0142.0+2131. There is no evidence for a difference in the slope of the FP when compared with the Coma cluster, although the internal scatter is larger. On average, stellar populations in RX J0142.0+2131 have rest-frame V-band mass-to-light ratios (M/L_V) 0.29+-0.03 dex lower than in Coma. This is significantly lower than expected for a passively-evolving cluster formed at z_f=2. Lenticular galaxies have lower average M/L_V and a distribution of M/L_V with larger scatter than ellipticals. Lower mass-to-light ratios are not due to recent star formation: our previous spectroscopic observations of RX J0142.0+2131 E/S0 galaxies showed no evidence for significant star-formation within the past ~4 Gyr. However, cluster members have enhanced alpha-element abundance ratios, which may act to decrease M/L_V. The increased scatter in the RX J0142.0+2131 FP reflects a large scatter in M/L_V implying that galaxies have undergone bursts of star formation over a range of epochs. The seven easternmost cluster galaxies, including the second brightest member, have M/L_V consistent with passive evolution and z_f = 2. We speculate that RX J0142.0+2131 is a cluster-cluster merger where the galaxies to the east are yet to fall into the main cluster body or have not experienced star formation as a result of the merger.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The Fundamental Plane in RX J0142.0+2131: a galaxy cluster merger at z=0.28 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 The Fundamental Plane in RX J0142.0+2131: a galaxy cluster merger at z=0.28, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Fundamental Plane in RX J0142.0+2131: a galaxy cluster merger at z=0.28 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-601554