Abstract
ABSTRACT It is found that the mean number of dwarf companions within a projected distance of 75 kpc from each of a sample of 34 isolated giant elliptical galaxies is, in a statistical sense, + 0.12 :::: 0.42 (95% confidence interval). Comparison is made with the results of Holmberg (1969) for a similar survey of 115 spiral galaxies in which the mean number of dwarf companions was found to be + 1.08 :::: 0.37. We argue that these values differ by a significant amount and that differences in sample selection and other procedures would be likely, if anything, to increase the difference. Finally, we speculate on the possible reasons why elliptical galaxies have fewer, smaller, or intrinsically less luminous dwarf companions than spirals. Key words: companions to galaxies - dwarf galaxies - galaxy formation - giant elliptical galaxies
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