13
Galaxy Masses
•For the specific case of a sphere of total mass M, size R, and constant density, the potential energy U = -3/5 (GM2/R).  Thus the virial theorem says T = ½ U, so
–(3/2) M <vr2> = (3/5) GM2/R
–Mvirial = 5σr2R/G, where σr is the radial velocity dispersion
•
•
•Works for elliptical galaxies and yields mass to light ratios of 10-20 in solar units.
•
•