Year: 2012
Type: article
Abstract: Observations show that the underlying rotation curves at intermediate radii in spiral and low-surface-brightness galaxies are nearly universal. Further, in these same galaxies, the product of the central density and the core radius (ρ 0 r 0 ) is constant. An empirically motivated model for dark matter halos that incorporates these observational constraints is presented and shown to be in accord with the observations. A model fit to the observations of the galaxy cluster A611 shows that ρ 0 r 0 for the dark matter halo in this more massive structure is larger by a factor of ∼20 over that assumed for the galaxies. The model maintains the successful Navarro–Frenk–White form in the outer regions, although the well-defined differences in the inner regions suggest that modifications to the standard cold dark matter picture are required.
Source: The Astronomical Journal
Author: F. D. A. Hartwick
Institution: University of Victoria
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2014523684