Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Dec 1993
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1993aas...183.2401g&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, 183rd AAS Meeting, #24.01D; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 25, p.1329
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Scientific paper
We have obtained 100--600 stellar velocities in each of the central regions of the globular clusters M15, 47 Tuc, N6397, and M30. These clusters are known to have either a centrally-concentrated surface brightness profile or an inner cusp. To alleviate the severe crowding problems in these clusters, we have used an imaging Fabry-Perot Interferometer which is the most efficient instrument for measuring velocities in these dense regions (see Gebhardt et al. 1994, AJ, submitted). Combining our data with published velocities for stars in the outer parts of the cluster allows us to determine the projected velocity dispersion profile with an accuracy of a few \kms\ for most of the radial extent of the clusters. Using a previously measured surface brightness profile and our velocity dispersion profile, we estimate the mass distribution of the cluster by inverting the Jeans equation under the assumption of isotropy. This determines the mass density profile non-parametrically and provides strong constraints for the modelling of globular clusters. For M15, we find that the density profile between radii of 0.2' and 2.0' has a power law exponent of --2.4, which is close to the theoretical prediction for core-collapse clusters. In the clusters analysed so far, 47 Tuc and M15, we find a significant increase of the M/LV in the central regions, indicating mass segregation. In M15, we measure an increase in the M/LV from 2 at 0.8' to 6 at 0.5\arcmin.
Gebhardt Karl
Hesser James Edward
Pryor Craig
Williams Ted B.
No associations
LandOfFree
Non-Parametric Mass Modelling of Globular 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 Non-Parametric Mass Modelling of Globular Clusters, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Non-Parametric Mass Modelling of Globular Clusters will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-778311