Limits to the extragalactic distance scale from integrated properties of local group galaxies

Integrated properties, magnitudes, and isophotal diameters of the Local Group galaxies M31 and M33 are used to set upper and lower limits to the extragalactic distance scale in the direction of the Virgo cluster and the Ursa Major cluster. The assumption is made that M31 should not be larger or brighter than the largest, brightest cluster members, so a lower limit to the distance modulus of the cluster can be calculated. This gives an upper limit to Hubble's constant. It is also assumed that M33 should not be smaller or fainter than the smallest, faintest cluster members, so an upper limit to the distance modulus can be calculated. This gives a lower limit to Hubble's constant. Data are collected in three systems with several correction schemes, and cluster membership lists are compared to determine the largest, brightest, smallest, and faintest members. The data are used to justify the assumptions necessary for the calculations. The results depend upon the radial velocities of the clusters, which are in dispute. If the velocity of both clusters is 1100 km/s then the upper limit to Hubble's constant for the Virgo cluster is 90 +/- 10 km/(s*Mpc) if NGC 4569 is accepted as the largest, brightest member, or 90 +/- 9 if NGC 4321 is accepted