Mass distributions in elliptical galaxies at large radiiRecently, X-ray observations have shown that elliptical galaxies generally contain large quantities of hot gas. Central dominant cluster ellipticals have even more gas, which they have accreted from the surrounding clusters. The mass distributions in these galaxies can be derived from the condition of hydrostatic equilibrium. M87, the best studied central dominant galaxy, has a massive, dark halo with a total mass of about 4 x 10 to the 12th solar masses within a radius of 300 kpc. The total mass-to-light ratio within this radius is at least 150 solar mass/solar luminosity. The X-ray observations of normal ellipticals also strongly suggest that they have heavy halos, although the distribution of the mass is much less certain than in M87.
Document ID
19880040839
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Sarazin, Craig L. (Virginia, University Charlottesville, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1987
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Meeting Information
Meeting: Structure and dynamics of elliptical galaxies