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Chapter 24: Problem 13

What is the Tully-Fisher relation? How is it used for measuring distances? Can it be used for galaxies of all kinds? Why or why not?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The Tully-Fisher relation is an empirical relationship between a spiral galaxy's luminosity and its maximum rotation velocity, which is used to determine astronomical distances. However, this relation is not applicable to all types of galaxies, particularly elliptical galaxies due to their varying stellar populations and non-flat rotation curves.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Tully-Fisher Relation

The Tully-Fisher relation is an empirical correlation between the mass or intrinsic luminosity of a spiral galaxy and its maximum rotation velocity. It was first described by astronomers R. Brent Tully and J. Richard Fisher in 1977. Essentially, this relation indicates that galaxies with higher luminosity have faster rotational speeds.
02

Using the Tully-Fisher Relation to Measure Distances

The Tully-Fisher relation can be utilized to measure astronomical distances to spiral galaxies. The intrinsic brightness of a galaxy (which can be determined by careful observation of its spectrum) is compared to its observed brightness. Because light diminishes in accordance with the inverse square law, this comparison can yield the distance to the galaxy.
03

Application of the Tully-Fisher Relation on Different Galaxies

Unfortunately, it's not applicable to all types of galaxies. The Tully-Fisher relation primarily applies to spiral and lenticular galaxies; it's not as effective when used on elliptical galaxies. This is mainly because elliptical galaxies do not have flat rotation curves like spiral galaxies, and their stellar populations can vary significantly, leading to a wide range of luminosities at a given mass.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

. Imagine your company, Astronomical Artistry, has been contracted by the local marching band to create a football halftime show about spiral galaxies. How exactly would you design the positions of the band members on the field to represent the different spiral galaxies of classes \(\mathrm{Sa}, \mathrm{Sb}\), and \(\mathrm{Sc}\) ? Create two columns on your paper by drawing a line from top to bottom, drawing sketches in the left-hand column and writing a description of each sketch in the right-hand column. Also include what the band's opening formation and final formation should be.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using the various standard candle distance indicators to obtain extragalactic distances.

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On what grounds do astronomers think that in the past, spiral galaxies were more numerous in rich clusters than they are today? What could account for this excess of spiral galaxies in the past?

What are masers? How can they be used to measure the distance to a galaxy?
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