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Paper: Are the Formation and Evolution of Elliptical Galaxies Constrained by Gravo-thermodynamics?
Volume: 197, XVth IAP Meeting Dynamics of Galaxies: From the Early Universe to the Present
Page: 213
Authors: Gerbal, D.; Capelato, H.; Durret, F.; Lima Neto, G. B.; Márquez, I.
Abstract: Elliptical galaxies are believed to be in a quasi-equilibrium state. Using Sersic profiles to describe the surface brightness we can calculate the specific entropy (s) of these galaxies. This defines a plane in the Sersic parameter space. Analyzing various samples of galaxies belonging to clusters as well as coming from simulations, we show that s is the same for all galaxies. Moreover in this plane the galaxies are located in a very thin line, indicating another property. A more accurate analysis shows the influence of merging processes.
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