THE ABELL 85 BCG: A NUCLEATED, CORELESS GALAXY
- Gemini Observatory, Southern Operations Center, Colina El Pino s/n, La Serena (Chile)
- Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental, CONICET-UNC, Laprida 922, Córdoba (Argentina)
New high-resolution r-band imaging of the brightest cluster galaxy (BCG) in Abell 85 (Holm 15A) was obtained using the Gemini Multi Object Spectrograph. These data were taken with the aim of deriving an accurate surface brightness profile of the BCG of Abell 85, in particular, its central region. The new Gemini data show clear evidence of a previously unreported nuclear emission that is evident as a distinct light excess in the central kiloparsec of the surface brightness profile. We find that the light profile is never flat nor does it present a downward trend toward the center of the galaxy. That is, the new Gemini data show a different physical reality from the featureless, “evacuated core” recently claimed for the Abell 85 BCG. After trying different models, we find that the surface brightness profile of the BCG of Abell 85 is best fit by a double Sérsic model.
- OSTI ID:
- 22521481
- Journal Information:
- Astrophysical Journal, Vol. 819, Issue 1; Other Information: Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0004-637X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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