Large scale diffuse light in the Coma cluster: A multi-scale approach

C. Adami*, E. Slezak, F. Durret, C. J. Conselice, J. C. Cuillandre, J. S. Gallagher, A. Mazure, R. Pelló, J. P. Picat, M. P. Ulmer

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

55 Scopus citations

Abstract

We have obtained wide field images of the Coma cluster in the B, V, R and I bands with the CFH12K camera at CFHT. To search for large scale diffuse emission, we have applied to these images an iterative multiscalc wavelet analysis and reconstruction technique which made it possible to model all the sources (stars and galaxies) and subtract them from the original images. We found various concentrations of diffuse emission present in the central zone around the central galaxies NGC 4874 and NGC 4889. We characterize the positions, sizes and colors of these concentrations. Some sources do not seem to have strong star formation, while one probably exhibits spiral-like colors. One possible origin for the star forming diffuse emission sources is that in the region of the two main galaxies NGC 4874 and NGC 4889 spiral galaxies have recently been disrupted and star formation is still active in the dispersed material. We also use the characteristics of the sources of diffuse emission to trace the cluster dynamics. A scenario in which the group around NGC 4874 is moving north is consistent with our data.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)39-48
Number of pages10
JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics
Volume429
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2005

Keywords

  • Galaxies: clusters: general
  • Galaxies: clusters: individual: Coma cluster: Abell 1656

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Large scale diffuse light in the Coma cluster: A multi-scale approach'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this