Mass to Light Ratio for Dwarf Galaxies

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the mass-to-light ratio for dwarf spheroidal galaxies using parameters such as distance, size, absolute magnitude, and velocity dispersion. While some participants express skepticism about the reliability of mass-to-light ratios, others reference research that suggests these ratios can be accurately measured through careful analysis of mass profiles and direct light output. The general consensus is that mass-to-luminosity ratios are derived from galactic surveys and can provide approximate values, though they may not be entirely reliable. The conversation highlights the ongoing debate regarding the accuracy of these measurements in astrophysics. Ultimately, understanding the mass of dwarf galaxies remains a complex challenge in the field.
nik6
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi,

I'm working on a project on dwarf spheroidal galaxies. Is there a way to get a mass-to-light ratio knowing the distance to the galaxy, its size, and maybe some other parameters like the absolute magnitude or velocity dispersion?

In the end, I'm trying to figure out their masses using this information.

Thanks!
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Mass to light ratio is more conjecture than theory. I would not trust any conclusions.
 
Alright I'll keep that in mind, thank you. Any advice on how to get mass from luminosity?
 
It is a generalization based on mass - luminosity ratios derived from galactic surveys. It is approximately accurate.
 
Chronos,

When i read papers like this one:
http://arxiv.org/abs/0708.0010
It seems like a fairly careful measurement of the mass profiles of several dwarf galaxies, and of course the light output can be measured directly, so the conclusion that dwarf galaxies have mass/light ratios of 10's to 100's seems sound. Why do you think it is just conjecture?
 

Thread 'Our Beautiful Universe - Photos and Videos'

This thread is dedicated to the beauty and awesomeness of our Universe. If you feel like it, please share video clips and photos (or nice animations) of space and objects in space in this thread. Your posts, clips and photos may by all means include scientific information; that does not make it less beautiful to me (n.b. the posts must of course comply with the PF guidelines, i.e. regarding science, only mainstream science is allowed, fringe/pseudoscience is not allowed). n.b. I start this...
View full post »

Thread 'Asteroid 2024 YR4 has a 1% risk of a multi-megaton impact in 2032 (now ruled out)'

Asteroid, Data - 1.2% risk of an impact on December 22, 2032. The estimated diameter is 55 m and an impact would likely release an energy of 8 megatons of TNT equivalent, although these numbers have a large uncertainty - it could also be 1 or 100 megatons. Currently the object has level 3 on the Torino scale, the second-highest ever (after Apophis) and only the third object to exceed level 1. Most likely it will miss, and if it hits then most likely it'll hit an ocean and be harmless, but...
View full post »

Similar threads

B What is the mass distribution and rotation curve of galaxy IC1101?
Replies
4
Views
2K
I Why use velocity dispersion in Faber Jackson relation
Replies
1
Views
2K
B Are There Any Kardeshev 2.0 Civilizations in the Milky Way?
Replies
19
Views
3K
I Phase Contrast Telescope - Part II
Replies
25
Views
3K
I Compute the total stellar mass from a galaxy with Red Giants
Replies
1
Views
2K
I Too Much Dark Matter In CEG Mrk 1216
Replies
2
Views
3K
Can light pressure affect the motion of galaxies?
Replies
3
Views
2K
B How to use the Binary Mass Function for exoplanets?
Replies
4
Views
2K
B Why most stars seem to rotate the same direction in a galaxy?
Replies
6
Views
2K
I New Developments In The Search For Planet X
Replies
2
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top