Further evidence for M87's massive, dark halo.
Abstract
Attempts to account for the X-ray emission from M87 observed prior to the launch of the Einstein Observatory led to the suggestion that M87 is considerably more massive than indicated by conventional optical estimates. An analysis of X-ray data acquired with the imaging proportional counter (IPC) on board the Einstein Observatory gave this conclusion strong observational support. The present investigation has the objective to provide further X-ray observations and a careful analysis of the experimental errors to further refine the measurements of the mass distribution surrounding M87. The deconvolution of the surface brightness profile is discussed, and the density profile is considered. The radially resolved IPC spectral data and the integrated spectrum of M87 as observed by previous instruments are used to constrain the temperature distribution in the gas. The question remains whether the formation of the massive dark halo which surrounds M87 is a result of its position near the center of the Virgo Cluster.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- April 1983
- DOI:
- 10.1086/160890
- Bibcode:
- 1983ApJ...267..535F
- Keywords:
-
- Elliptical Galaxies;
- Galactic Structure;
- Halos;
- X Ray Sources;
- Abundance;
- Heao 2;
- Heavy Elements;
- Mass To Light Ratios;
- Temperature Gradients;
- Virgo Galactic Cluster;
- Astrophysics