Determination of the distribution of galaxies in groups and clusters by correlation analysis

Journal Article · Sat Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1989 · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/167572· OSTI ID:5509320

Sanroma, M; Salvador-Sole, E ^[1]

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1. Institut d'Estudis Catalans (Spain)

A new method for determining the two-dimensional number density profile in groups and clusters of galaxies is presented and tested. It is based on the use of the distribution of intergalactic projected separations, which can be calculated in a straightforward manner from the positions of galaxies in a plate. After establishing the mathematical foundation and practical implementation of the method, we show its potential by applying it to Monte Carlo clusters with a small number of galaxies. Several questions of interest to the general user are discussed and illustrated with real data. With this new method, reliable number density profiles can be determined for groups and clusters with a small number of galaxies. 21 refs.

• OSTI ID: 5509320
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Vol. 342; ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
GALAXIES
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
GALAXY CLUSTERS
DENSITY
ASTROPHYSICS
ERRORS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MONTE CARLO METHOD
DISTRIBUTION
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
640105* - Astrophysics & Cosmology- Galaxies