mass discrepancy In the study of clusters of galaxies, the difference between the mass of a cluster obtained by using the virial theorem, MVT, and the mass inferred from the total luminosities of the member galaxies, ML. Typically MVT/ML > 10, implying the existence of large amounts of dark matter. Related category ASTRONOMICAL QUANTITIES Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |