Binary Galaxies and the Problem of Masses of Clusters of Galaxies

The question of whether galaxies' masses and luminosities L may be related by a power law L2.5B rather than a direct proportionality is raised in relation to two problems. First, the effect of B # 0.4 on the problem of galaxy-cluster masses is examined. Second, a preliminary investigation of binary elliptical galaxies suggests B = 0.3 + 0.1 (s.e.). A value of B = 0.3, with a mass-luminosity ratio of 260 for the brightest cluster member as suggested by Jenner's work, indicates a typical cluster mass-luminosity ratio of 380. Subject headings: galaxies - galaxies, clusters of