paper

The 3D Structure of the Virgo Cluster Region from Tully-Fisher and HI Data

arXiv:astro-ph/0208147 · doi:10.1086/344074

Abstract

(Abridged) The distances and HI contents of 161 spiral galaxies in the region of Virgo cluster are used to gain insight into the complicated structure of this galaxy system. The 3D galaxy distribution has been inferred from quality distance estimates obtained by averaging distance moduli based upon the TF relationship taken from eight published datasets previously homogenized. Previous findings that the spiral distribution is substantially more elongated along the line-of-sight than in the plane of the sky are confirmed by the current data. In addition, an important east-west disparity in this effect has been detected. The overall width-to-depth ratio of the Virgo cluster region is about 1:4, with the most distant objects concentrated in the western half. The filamentary structure of the spiral population and its orientation are also reflected by the HI-deficient objects alone. The HI deficiency pattern shows a central enhancement arising from galaxies that belong to the Virgo cluster proper. However, significant gas deficiencies are also detected outside the main body of the cluster in a probable group of galaxies at line-of-sight distances 25-30 Mpc, as well as in various foreground galaxies. In the Virgo region, the HI content of the galaxies then is not a straightforward indicator of cluster membership.

35 pages, 7 figures. Accepted for publication by the Astronomical Journal

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