Why do so many galaxies in a cluster have near zero velocity

In summary, the conversation discusses the presence of galaxies with zero velocity in the Coma Cluster and the question of how they can be part of the cluster while still traveling at the same speed as the core. It is explained that this is possible if the motion is perpendicular to the line of sight and that the cluster is like a sphere, with galaxies appearing to move at the same speed as the core due to their different orientations.
  • #1
Earnest Guest
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I'm looking at a velocity chart of the Coma Cluster:

Coma Cluster.png


And the question occurred to me: why are there so many galaxies that have a zero velocity (relative to the core of the Coma Cluster which is roughly 7,000 km s-1)? At a distance of a Mpc or two you would expect to find galaxies at the peak of their red or blue shift if they were in orbit. How can they be traveling at the same speed as the core at these distances and still be part of the cluster? What am I missing?
 
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  • #2
Earnest Guest said:
At a distance of a Mpc or two you would expect to find galaxies at the peak of their red or blue shift if they were in orbit.

Only if the motion is in the direction of the line of sight. If the motion is perpendicular to the line of sight, there is no red or blue shift (apart from that induced by time dilation).
 
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  • #3
Orodruin said:
Only if the motion is in the direction of the line of sight. If the motion is perpendicular to the line of sight, there is no red or blue shift (apart from that induced by time dilation).
Got it. I was thinking about and edge on galaxy, but a cluster is like a sphere: there are galaxies that will be going clockwise (or counter-clockwise) as we see it from Earth and those galaxies will appear to move at the same speed as the core. Thanks!
 

Related to Why do so many galaxies in a cluster have near zero velocity

1. Why do galaxies in a cluster have near zero velocity?

Galaxies in a cluster have near zero velocity because of the gravitational pull from the cluster itself. The gravity of the cluster is strong enough to keep the galaxies in a relatively tight formation and prevent them from drifting away.

2. Is there a specific reason why galaxies in a cluster have near zero velocity?

Yes, the reason for this is due to the concept of gravitational equilibrium. In a cluster, all the galaxies are bound together by the force of gravity, and the velocity of each galaxy is balanced by the combined gravitational pull of all the other galaxies.

3. How does the velocity of galaxies in a cluster compare to those outside of a cluster?

The velocity of galaxies in a cluster is significantly lower than those outside of a cluster. This is because outside of a cluster, galaxies are not as strongly affected by the gravitational pull of other galaxies and can move more freely.

4. Can the near zero velocity of galaxies in a cluster change over time?

Yes, the near zero velocity of galaxies in a cluster can change over time. As galaxies interact and merge with each other, the gravitational equilibrium in the cluster can be disrupted, causing changes in the velocities of the galaxies.

5. How does the near zero velocity of galaxies in a cluster affect the formation and evolution of the cluster?

The near zero velocity of galaxies in a cluster plays a crucial role in its formation and evolution. It allows the cluster to maintain its structure and prevents galaxies from escaping, which can lead to the growth of the cluster over time. Additionally, the low velocity allows for interactions and mergers between galaxies, which can contribute to the evolution of the cluster.

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