Fundamental Plane of Elliptical Galaxies

The Fundamental Plane of elliptical galaxies is an observed relationship linking three key properties: their size (radius), the average speed of stars within them (velocity dispersion), and their brightness (luminosity). This correlation suggests that elliptical galaxies are governed by underlying physical principles, especially gravity and their mass-to-light ratios. By studying this relationship, astronomers gain insight into how these galaxies form and evolve, and it provides a way to estimate their distances in the universe. Essentially, the Fundamental Plane acts as a cosmic fingerprint, revealing consistent patterns in the structure and dynamics of elliptical galaxies.