Surface brightness distributions of elliptical galaxies in the cD clusters A401 and A2670

Journal Article · Wed Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · Astron. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/112517· OSTI ID:6249615

Strom, S E; Strom, K M

R-band surface photometry is reported for E galaxies located in the cD clusters Abell 401 and Abell 2670. In both aggregates the isophotal radii r/sub 26/ corresponding to ..mu../sub R/=26.0 mag arcsec/sup -2/ are smaller for galaxies located within 1 Mpc of the cluster center. Tidal stripping of galaxies located in the dense central regions of these clusters is suggested as the cause for the apparent differences in galaxy size as a function of cluster position. Study of the frequency distribution of ellipticities among the E galaxies in our sample shows that in A401 the number of flattened (E> or =3) galaxies is abnormally high. In view of the results of our previous surveys which suggest that flattened galaxies are found with higher frequency in flattened clusters, it is noteworthy that for A401 the galaxy distribution on the plane of the sky also exhibits a significant flattening. It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that whatever factors influence the present-epoch shape of a cluster also influence the shape of the member galaxies.

• Research Organization: Kitt Peak National Observatory, Tucson, Arizona 85726
• OSTI ID: 6249615
• Journal Information: Astron. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astron. J.; (United States) Vol. 84:8; ISSN ANJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BRIGHTNESS
DISTURBANCES
GALAXY CLUSTERS
GRAVITATIONAL FIELDS
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHOTOMETRY
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
TIDE