Structure of the coma cluster of galaxies

Thesis/Dissertation · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:6931774

Schipper, L J

This study is based primarily upon a sample of 1722 galaxies in the Coma cluster observed by Abell. Abell's observations of the inner part of the Coma cluster (within 75 arc-min) are compared with those of several other observers, and a catalog of observations from several observers was prepared. The distribution of galaxies is tested for irregularities, finding marginal evidence that there are some clumps of galaxies in certain regions and magnitude ranges. However, it is found that axially symmetric bumps in the radial density distribution of galaxies are not significant. The projected spatial distribution of galaxies is then fitted in order to determine the core radius. The value of the core radius is found to be larger than that found by most previous authors, and it increases with increasing galaxy magnitude. This finding implies that a degree of mass segregation exists in the cluster. Finally, the spatial luminosity density at the center of the cluster is determined. The impact of the inclusion of non-members on the analysis is discussed along with different methods of determining membership in the cluster and correcting for the effects of nonmembers upon the observations.

• Research Organization: California Univ., Berkeley (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6931774
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
DISTRIBUTION
GALAXIES
GALAXY CLUSTERS
LUMINOSITY
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIAL VELOCITY
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
VELOCITY