•Luminosities, surface
brightness, central velocity distribution, (and others),
are correlated, hence the term “fundamental plane.” Ellipticals populate a plane in parameter
space. BIG area of research
– very useful tool and helps us understand
galaxies.
•Faber & Jackson
(1976) is a classic in this area (you might want to look up
and read this one):
•L ~ σx where x
≈4
•So, get dispersion from spectrum, get luminosity, and with
magnitude get distance!