Substructure: Clues to the Formation of Clusters of Galaxies
arXiv:astro-ph/9507107 · doi:10.1086/309673
Abstract
We have examined the spatial distribution of substructure in clusters of galaxies using Einstein X-ray observations. Subclusters are found to have a markedly anisotropic distribution that reflects the surrounding matter distribution on supercluster scales. Our results suggest a picture in which cluster formation proceeds by mergers of subclusters along large-scale filaments. The implications of such an anisotropic formation process for the shapes, orientations and kinematics of clusters are discussed briefly.
7 pages, uuencoded compressed postscript. To appear in ApJ Letters (September 20, 1995 issue)