An analysis of Turner's sample of binary galaxies.
Abstract
The sample of binary galaxies obtained by Turner by applying a quantitative pair criterion to the apparent distribution of galaxies is analyzed. Two independent methods are used to investigate the number of random optical pairs in Turner's sample, and also the number of nonisolated 'pairs' formed by the visible tips of remote systems of galaxies. The number of optical pairs is more than twice the number estimated by Turner. It is shown that only a small fraction of physical pairs have been included with both components in Turner's catalog. Selection effects for binary galaxies based on the distance between the components and the orientation relative to the observer, which influence the mean mass of the galaxies, are considered. A critical review of Turner's data makes it possible to obtain for pairs of galaxies a mass-to-luminosity ratio in agreement with estimates deduced from the rotation curves of the galaxies without assuming the existence of massive invisible halos.
- Publication:
-
Astrofizika
- Pub Date:
- April 1979
- Bibcode:
- 1979Afz....15..217K
- Keywords:
-
- Galactic Clusters;
- Galactic Structure;
- Astronomical Catalogs;
- Galactic Rotation;
- Luminosity;
- Mass;
- Quantitative Analysis;
- Star Distribution;
- Astrophysics;
- Mass-Luminosity Relation:Pairs of Galaxies;
- Pairs of Galaxies:Distribution