Ultra-Compact Dwarf Galaxies in Galaxy Clusters

We review the evidence that the ultra-compact dwarf (UCD) galaxies we recently discovered in the Fornax Cluster form a new, previously unknown class of galaxies and we discuss possible scenarios for their formation. We then present recent results that UCDs are also present in the Virgo Cluster, and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia 2004, Vol.21 (4), p.375-378
Main Authors: Drinkwater, Michael J., Gregg, Michael D., Couch, Warrick J., Ferguson, Henry C., Hilker, Michael, Jones, J. Bryn, Karick, Arna, Phillipps, Steven
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:We review the evidence that the ultra-compact dwarf (UCD) galaxies we recently discovered in the Fornax Cluster form a new, previously unknown class of galaxies and we discuss possible scenarios for their formation. We then present recent results that UCDs are also present in the Virgo Cluster, and that there is a much larger than expected population of fainter UCDs in the Fornax Cluster. The size and properties of this population may lead us to revise our original ‘galaxy threshing’ hypothesis for the formation of UCDs.
ISSN:1323-3580
1448-6083
DOI:10.1071/AS04048