Temperature Structure of Apparently Relaxed Galaxy Groups

Most galaxy groups contain recent or impending mergers, and therefore are not indynamical equilibrium. However, galaxy groups with declining velocity dispersionprofiles (VDPs) could be relaxed: theoretical descriptions of equilibriumsystems frequently require VDPs that decrease with distance from the center. Wehave assembled a sample of such galaxy groups; each has a complete set ofoptical spectra as well as extended Xray emission detected by ROSAT. We wouldlike to determine whether the gas temperature in these systems declinessimilarly to the VDP. Our measurements would provide unprecedented constraintson the relationship between gas temperature and velocity dispersion withinindividual poor groups of galaxies. truncated!, Please see actual data for full text [truncated!, Please see actual data for full text]