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Preferred term

Dwarf elliptical galaxies  

Definition

  • A galaxy that is much smaller than other members of the elliptical class; it is designated as dE. A subtype of dwarf ellipticals is called a dwarf spheroidal galaxy (dSph). The basic characteristics of the class are low surface brightness and smooth light distribution. They range in luminosity from that of the faintest dSph galaxies M_V ~ -9 to about -17. In the Local Group there are 19 known dEs. They are very common in galaxy clusters. (en)

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Entry terms

  • dE (en)
  • dEs (en)
  • Dwarf ellipticals (en)

Editorial note

URI

http://astrothesaurus.org/uat/415

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