Light from the Darkness: Detecting Ultra-diffuse Galaxies in the Perseus Cluster through Over-densities of Globular Clusters with a Log-Gaussian Cox Process

Abstract We introduce a new method for detecting ultra-diffuse galaxies by searching over-densities in intergalactic globular cluster populations. Our approach is based on an application of the log-Gaussian Cox process, which commonly used model spatial statistics literature but rarely astronomy. This applied to data obtained from PIPER survey, Hubble Space Telescope imaging program targeting Perseus cluster. successfully detect all confirmed with known populations survey. also identify potential galaxy that has no detected diffuse stellar content. Preliminary analysis shows it unlikely be merely accidental clump clusters or other objects. If confirmed, this system would first its kind. Simulations are assess how physical parameters systems within affect their detectability using our method. quantify correlation detection probability total number and anticorrelation increasing half-number radius system. The Sérsic index distribution little impact detectability.