2012MNRAS.424.1790K

On the basis of data in our Merged Catalogue of Galaxies (MERCG), for which an online version is now available, we have analysed some properties of spiral galaxies that are members of pairs or small groups of galaxies. Our sample consists of a total of approximately 300 pairs and groups, distributed over the entire sky. In this context, low-luminosity spirals (LLS), here defined as those with an absolute magnitude of M_B ≥ -20.6, are of particular interest, since they are thought to harbour dark matter. We find that the mean distance between the two components in LLS/LLS pairs of galaxies is significantly smaller than in LLS/elliptical (E), LLS/high-luminosity spiral (HLS) and HLS/HLS pairs, as well as in groups with at least one LLS. Moreover, LLS from this sample in the mean have larger central surface densities µ_o and smaller values of the full angular momentum K than HLS. In the second part, we investigate the relative frequencies of LLS galaxies, single as well as in pairs/groups. We find that they are 4–5 times more frequent inside and around three major clusters of galaxies (Virgo, Pegasus I and Perseus) than in the general field. Our findings all support the assumption that LLS galaxies are indeed carriers of dark matter.