Orbits of galaxies in the Coma Cluster

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the orbital dynamics of galaxies within the Coma Cluster, referencing the foundational work of Fritz Zwicky in 1933 regarding rotational curves. Participants clarify that Zwicky's findings, which utilized the virial theorem, differ from Vera Rubin's observations based on redshift. The conversation highlights a lack of detailed information on the actual trajectories of galaxies in the Coma Cluster, with inquiries about existing animations or simulations that depict these movements. The complexity of interactions within galaxy clusters, particularly due to varying gravitational influences, is also noted.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the virial theorem in astrophysics
  • Familiarity with redshift and its implications in galaxy movement
  • Knowledge of galaxy cluster dynamics and structures
  • Experience with computer simulations in astrophysics
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  • Research existing simulations of galaxy movements in the Coma Cluster
  • Explore the implications of the virial theorem on galaxy cluster dynamics
  • Investigate Vera Rubin's contributions to understanding galaxy rotation curves
  • Learn about the methods used to visualize and animate galaxy trajectories
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Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students interested in galaxy dynamics, particularly those focusing on the Coma Cluster and similar structures.

Buckethead
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Because of Zwicky'f findings back in 1933 on the Coma Cluster rotational curves there is something I was wondering about with regard to this cluster. Are the galaxies orbiting in generally the same direction? (like a spiral galaxy) or in completely random directions like an Elliptical, or something in between the two (a spiral where some galaxies orbit at an angle above or below the disk plane?). Has anyone done an animation of the movements of the galaxies in the Coma or similar cluster? I read of a computer simulation of mass points similar to the Coma and I guess the interactions were quite complex because of the lack of a very strong central gravity but could not find out much more. Galaxy clusters similar to the Coma are fine too. Just curious about the general dynamics of any "typical" cluster (if there is such a thing). Thanks.
 
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Buckethead said:
Because of Zwicky'f findings back in 1933 on the Coma Cluster rotational curves
You are confusing the findings of Zwicky with those of Vera Rubin. Zwicky's conclusions were based on the virial theorem.
 
Ah, perhaps. I thought Zwicky was using redshift to observe speeds of galaxies in the Coma Custer and found them to be too fast. Similar to Rubin, but on a cluster scale instead of a galactic scale. What I couldn't find out was the actual trajectories of the galaxies in the Coma which is what I'm particularly interested in.
 

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