Diffuse light in the Virgo Cluster

被引:292
作者
Mihos, JC [1 ]
Harding, P [1 ]
Feldmeier, J [1 ]
Morrison, H [1 ]
机构
[1] Case Western Reserve Univ, Dept Astron, Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
基金
美国国家科学基金会;
关键词
galaxies : clusters : individual (Virgo); galaxies : interactions;
D O I
10.1086/497030
中图分类号
P1 [天文学];
学科分类号
0704 ;
摘要
We present deep optical imaging of the inner similar to 1.5 degrees x 1.5 degrees of the Virgo Cluster to search for diffuse intracluster light (ICL). Our image reaches a 1 sigma depth of mu(V) = 28.5 mag arcsec(-2), which is 1.5 mag arcsec(-2) deeper than previous surveys, and reveals an intricate web of diffuse ICL. We see several long (> 100 kpc) tidal streamers, as well as a myriad of smaller scale tidal tails and bridges between galaxies. The diffuse halo of M87 is traced out to nearly 200 kpc, appearing very irregular on these scales, while significant diffuse light is also detected around the M84/M86 pair. Several galaxies in the core are embedded in common envelopes, suggesting they are true physical subgroups. The complex substructure of Virgo's diffuse ICL reflects the hierarchical nature of cluster assembly, rather than being the product of smooth accretion around a central galaxy.
引用
收藏
页码:L41 / L44
页数:4
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