A Study of the Local Group by Use of the Virial Theorem

Physical conditions in the intergalactic space in the Local Group have been derived by the use of the virial theorem with the assumption of the equipartition of energy. The temperature has been estimated X , the density of the intergalactic ionized x 10-29 g!cm3, the mean velocity of the turbulent motion of the x 106 cm/sec, the intensity of the magnetic -7 gauss, and the energy density of cosmic x 10- eViem3. These values agree with those evaluated so far separately by other methods. This result not only confirms the values obtained up to now, but suggests also the validity of the model which takes into account both the intergalactic turbulent ionized gas and equipartition among five modes of energy; the kinetic energy of the member galaxies, the kinetic energy of the intergalactic gas, the thermal energy of the intergalactic gas, the magnetic energy, and the cosmic ray energy.