Structures of Dwarf Elliptical and S0 Galaxies in the Virgo Cluster

Session 6 - Evolution, Survey and Clusters of Galaxies.
Display session, Monday, June 10
Tripp Commons,

[6.07] Structures of Dwarf Elliptical and S0 Galaxies in the Virgo Cluster

P. M. Carey, J. S. Gallagher III (University of Wisconsin---Madison), S. E. Levine, L. A. Aguilar (Obs. Ast. Nacional Mexico)

Dwarf early-type galaxies present a puzzle in that they appear to be fragile due to their low stellar densities, but are most commonly found in rich clusters of galaxies. The structures of dwarf galaxies therefore are interesting as a possible means to explore the effects of tidal interactions in clusters. For this purpose we obtained deep R-band CCD images with the 2.1-m telescope at the San Pedro Martir Observatory for several Virgo Cluster early-type dwarfs. In this poster we present our images, an analysis of the brightness profiles of these objects, and a discussion in terms of models for tidal distortions of dwarf galaxies in dense clusters.

Program listing for Monday