On the demise of disk galaxies in rich clusters

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (35) References (23) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS On the demise of disk galaxies in rich clusters Kent, S. M. Abstract Attention is given to the observational results of Dressler (1980) concerning the properties and distributions of spiral, S0 and elliptical galaxies in rich clusters as a function of the local density of galaxies. A hypothesis is proposed in which it is assumed that the only fundamental property of galaxies affected by the cluster environment is the brightness of the galactic disks, which is reduced in regions of high galactic density. It is shown that this phenomenon, together with a few well defined selection effects, is capable of explaining quantitatively the observed changes in population distribution, absolute galactic bulge magnitudes and bulge/disk ratios with local density. Possible causes for a correlation between disk brightness and density are discussed in the context of current theories of galaxy formation, and it is argued that the formation of disks is most likely disrupted by the collapse of a cluster. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: May 1981 DOI: 10.1086/158855 Bibcode: 1981ApJ...245..805K Keywords: Disk Galaxies; Elliptical Galaxies; Galactic Clusters; Galactic Evolution; Spiral Galaxies; Galactic Bulge; Galactic Structure; Gravitational Collapse; Luminosity; Tides; Astrophysics full text sources ADS |