The available evidence concerning the luminosity distribution in elliptical nebulae is summarized. A model of a globular galaxy is presented which is in agreement with and accounts for this luminosity distribution and other known properties of the elliptical nebulae. This model is characterized by an average mass/luminosity ratio f = 50 attributed to a great abundance of very faint red dwarfs. It is based also on the assumption of quasi-isothermal equilibrium (bounded gas sphere approximation) with equipartition of energy between stars of various masses, and takes into account the mass-luminosity relation. Density curves are derived for photographic luminosity, colour index, mass and number of stars in the projected image of the model as well as the corresponding space densities in the galaxy. These are supported by available data and suggest further observations. Some other features of the model (velocity dispersion, potential) are outlined and its relations with Belzer, Gamow and Keller's approach are briefly discussed.
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A 1953 study studied this question.
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