The velocity dispersion as a function of radius in the globular cluster M15 is derived from measurements of 120 individual stars between 0.1 and 4.6 arcmin of the cluster center, and from the integrated light of the central cusp. The stellar measurements, with an individual accuracy of 1 km/s, indicate a mean cluster velocity of -107.1 + or - 0.9 km/s and a mean velocity dispersion of 9.0 + or - 0.6 km/s. The velocity dispersion inside 12 arcmin varies with radius. Except for its greater velocity gradient, the spectrum of the integrated light of the cusp is indistinguishable from that formed by superposition of the individual M15 giant spectra, demonstrating that the excess light at the center is due primarily to a normal M15 population. The findings indicate a nonthermal energy distribution with substantial heating in the central regions.
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Peterson et al. (1989) studied this question.