Bautz-Morgan classification

Bautz–Morgan classification

(b'owts mor -găn) A classification system for clusters of galaxies that is based on the degree to which the cluster is dominated by its brightest galaxies. Type I clusters have a single central cD galaxy, type II have a normal giant elliptical galaxy at the center, and type III have no dominant cluster galaxy.

Bautz-Morgan classification

[′bau̇ts ′mȯr·gən ‚klas·ə·fə‚kā·shən] (astronomy) A classification of clusters of galaxies into three categories, ranging from type I in which the cluster contains a supergiant elliptical galaxy, to type II in which the cluster contains no member that is significantly brighter than the general bright population.