Virial Theorem in Astrophysics

This lecture delves into the application of the Virial Theorem in astrophysics, focusing on the analysis of nebulae masses within the Coma cluster. The instructor discusses the limitations of traditional mass estimation methods based on luminosities and internal rotations, proposing a new approach using the Virial Theorem. By applying this theorem, a minimum average mass of nebulae in the Coma cluster is calculated. The lecture explores the implications of this calculation, highlighting the unexpected results and the conversion factor from luminosity to mass. Additionally, the lecture covers topics such as the origin of instability in systems, the Plummer model, and the principle of maximum entropy in relation to thermodynamics.

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