Orientation of the galaxy groups in the Local Supercluster

Abstract

The paper discusses the problem of the orientation of galaxies in groups in the Local Supercluster (LSC). The existence of the preferred orientation of galaxy group is shown. We found that the orientation of galaxy groups in the Local Supercluster in the scale till about 20 Mpc is strongly correlated with the distribution of neighbouring groups. The line joining the two brightest galaxies is in alignment with both the group major axes and the direction toward the centre of the LSC, i.e. Virgo cluster. These correlations suggest that two brightest galaxies were formed in filaments of matter directed towards the protosupercluster centre. Afterwards, the hierarchical clustering leads to aggregation of galaxies around these two galaxies. Our results are in agreement with the predictions of numerical simulations.

Contribution in: XXXIemes Rencontres de Blois, Windows on the Universe 21 June 2009 - Monday, 27 July 2009, Chateau de Blois, Blois, France