1998A&A...334L..33J -
Astronomy and Astrophysics, volume 334, L33-36 (1998/6-2)
Lensing galaxies: light or dark?
JACKSON N., HELBIG P., BROWNE I., FASSNACHT C.D., KOOPMANS L., MARLOW D. and WILKINSON P.N.
Abstract (from CDS):
In a recent paper, Hawkins (
1997A&A...328L..25H) argues on the basis of statistical studies of double-image gravitational lenses and lens candidates that a large population of dark lenses exists and that these outnumber galaxies with more normal mass-to-light ratios by a factor of 3:1. If correct, this is a very important result for many areas of astronomy including galaxy formation and cosmology. In this paper we discuss our new radio-selected gravitational lens sample, JVAS/CLASS, in order to test and constrain this proposition. We have obtained ground-based and HST images of all multiple-image lens systems in our sample and in 12 cases out of 12 we find the lensing galaxies in the optical and/or near infrared. Our success in finding lensing galaxies creates problems for the dark lens hypothesis. If it is to survive, ad hoc modifications seem to be necessary: only very massive galaxies (M>9x10
11M
☉) can be dark, and the cutoff in mass must be sharp. Our finding of lens galaxies in all the JVAS/CLASS systems is complementary evidence which supports the conclusion of Kochanek et al. (1998,
astro-ph/9710165) that many of the wide-separation optically-selected pairs are physically distinct quasars rather than gravitational lens systems.
Abstract Copyright:
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Journal keyword(s):
galaxies: fundamental parameters - cosmology: dark matter - gravitational lensing
Simbad objects:
24
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