scholarly journals A new method to estimate the ages of globular clusters: the case of NGC 3201

2008 ◽  
Vol 4 (S258) ◽  
pp. 189-196
Author(s):  
A. Calamida ◽  
G. Bono ◽  
P. B. Stetson ◽  
M. Dall'Ora ◽  
M. Monelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Globular Cluster ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Color Difference ◽  
New Method ◽  
Color Temperature ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Knee Location ◽  
Different Color ◽  
Cluster Age

AbstractWe devised a new method to estimate globular cluster absolute ages by adopting the knee of the bending of the lower main-sequence (MS) in the Near-Infrared (NIR)J,J-Kscolor-magnitude diagram. The color difference between this feature and the Turn-Off point is strongly correlated to the cluster age. This method is marginally affected by distance and reddening uncertainties, and by the possible occurrence of differential reddening. Furthermore, the knee location does not depend on the cluster age and it is a robust theoretical prediction. We adopted accurateJ,Ks-band photometry collected with both MAD/VLT and SOFI/NTT for the Galactic globular cluster NGC 3201 to identify the location of the knee atJ~19.90 ±0.03 andJ-Ks~0.76±0.02 mag. The comparison with different sets of cluster isochrones, transformed adopting different Color–Temperature–Relations (CTRs), shows that the models are slightly redder than the observations forJ> 19 mag. This difference could be due to the presence of a calibration drift or to a problem of the CTRs in this magnitude range.

scholarly journals X-Ray Binaries in Early Type Galaxies and the Globular Cluster Connection

2004 ◽  
Vol 194 ◽  
pp. 73-74
Author(s):  
T. J. Maccarone ◽  
A Kundu ◽  
S. E. Zepf ◽  
T. H. Puzia
Keyword(s):  
Globular Cluster ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Early Type ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Binaries ◽  
Cluster Age ◽  
Made In

AbstractWe summarize the key observations made in recent observations of X-ray sources in early-type galaxies. Typically about half of the X-ray binaries in early-type galaxies are in globular clusters, they are preferentially found in metal rich globular clusters, and there is no indication that cluster-age is an important parameter. Theoretical challenges are presented by these results.

scholarly journals Hipparcos subdwarfs and globular cluster ages: towards reliable absolute ages

1997 ◽  
Vol 189 ◽  
pp. 433-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Pont ◽  
M. Mayor ◽  
C. Turon
Keyword(s):  
Globular Cluster ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Large Fraction ◽  
Age Determination ◽  
Colour Scale ◽  
Minimum Age ◽  
Age Of The Universe ◽  
Robust Prediction ◽  
The Universe ◽  
Cluster Age

The maximum age of galactic globular clusters provides the best observational constraint on the minimum age of the Universe. One of the main “missing link” in the globular cluster age determination has been the lack of a precise calibration, with local subdwarfs, of the position of the subdwarf sequence at different [Fe/H].Hipparcos data may change this situation. As many precise parallaxes become available for local subdwarfs, the distance to globular clusters can be estimated directly from ZAMS fitting to the subdwarf locus. The ages can then be inferred from the turnoff luminosity (a robust prediction of stellar evolution models), rather than using secondary indicators such as Horizontal-Branch position, or indicators depending on the uncertain colour scale such as turnoff colour.Combining Hipparcos parallaxes with [Fe/H] values determined with the CORAVEL spectrometer, we are studying the position of the subdwarfs in the Colour-Magnitude Diagram from a sample of more than 900 subdwarf candidates. Preliminary results are presented here. It is shown that the distances of many subdwarfs had been underestimated in previous studies, mainly because a large fraction of them is in fact evolved off the main sequence into the turnoff or the subgiant branch.

scholarly journals The Formation and Evolution of Star Clusters and Galaxies

2005 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 347-349
Author(s):  
Stephen E. Zepf
Keyword(s):  
Galaxy Formation ◽  
Globular Cluster ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Cluster Formation ◽  
Star Clusters ◽  
Elliptical Galaxies ◽  
Cluster Systems ◽  
Important Observation ◽  
Formation And Evolution

AbstractThis paper addresses the questions of what we have learned about how and when dense star clusters form, and what studies of star clusters have revealed about galaxy formation and evolution. One important observation is that globular clusters are observed to form in galaxy mergers and starbursts in the local universe, which both provides constraints on models of globular cluster formation, and suggests that similar physical conditions existed when most early-type galaxies and their globular clusters formed in the past. A second important observation is that globular cluster systems typically have bimodal color distributions. This was predicted by merger models, and indicates an episodic formation history for elliptical galaxies. A third and very recent result is the discovery of large populations of intermediate age globular clusters in several elliptical galaxies through the use of optical to near-infrared colors. These provide an important link between young cluster systems observed in starbursts and mergers and old cluster systems. This continuum of ages of the metal-rich globular cluster systems also indicates that there is no special age or epoch for the formation of the metal-rich globular clusters, which comprise about half of the cluster population. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of recent results on the globular cluster – low-mass X-ray binary connection.

scholarly journals The Globular Cluster System of NGC 5128: Ages, Metallicities, Kinematics and Structural Parameters

2010 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 379-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. A. Woodley ◽  
M. Gómez
Keyword(s):  
Globular Cluster ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Structural Parameters ◽  
Cluster System ◽  
High Signal ◽  
Galactocentric Distance ◽  
Noise Spectroscopy ◽  
Formation And Evolution ◽  
Globular Cluster System ◽  
Cluster Age

AbstractWe review our recent studies of the globular cluster system of NGC 5128. First, we have obtained low-resolution, high signal-to-noise spectroscopy of 72 globular clusters using Gemini-S/GMOS to obtain the ages, metallicities, and the level of alpha enrichment of the metal-poor and metal-rich globular cluster subpopulations. Second, we have explored the rotational signature and velocity dispersion of the galaxy's halo using over 560 globular clusters with radial velocity measurements. We have also compared the dependence of these properties on galactocentric distance and globular cluster age and metallicity. Using globular clusters as tracer objects, we have analyzed the mass, and mass-to-light ratio of NGC 5128. Last, we have measured the structural parameters, such as half-light radii, of over 570 globular clusters from a superb 1.2-square-degree Magellan/IMACS image. We will present the findings of these studies and discuss the connection to the formation and evolution of NGC 5128.

scholarly journals Correlations between the age structure in early-type galaxies and their properties

2007 ◽  
Vol 3 (S245) ◽  
pp. 305-306
Author(s):  
Maren Hempel
Keyword(s):  
Age Structure ◽  
Globular Cluster ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Age Difference ◽  
Early Type ◽  
Groups Of Galaxies ◽  
First Results ◽  
Galaxy Environment

AbstractWe present the results on our investigation of the age structure in early-type galaxies, based on optical/near-infrared photometry. First results have shown that the age structure in early-type galaxies is not as uniform as previously thought. The conclusion can only be that the formation of these galaxies is not exclussively based on a single scenario, e.g. monolithic collapse, or hierarchical merging. In our galaxy survey we compare the age structure of galaxies in different galaxy environment, of different mass and with different integral light properties, using the globular cluster systems as stellar probes. Depending on the size of the globular cluster sample we derive a cumulative age distribution and compare it to simulated systems with a known age structure. This allows us to detect globular cluster sub-populations with an age difference of several Gyr. So far we have found two galaxies, members of small groups of galaxies, which contain a significant population of intermediate age globular clusters in the inner region of the galaxy.

scholarly journals Modelling of integrated-light spectra from the optical to the near-infrared: the globular cluster G280 in M31

2018 ◽  
Vol 617 ◽  
pp. A119 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. S. Larsen ◽  
G. Pugliese ◽  
J. P. Brodie
Keyword(s):  
Globular Cluster ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Optical Spectrum ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Band Spectrum ◽  
Chemical Abundances ◽  
Light Spectra ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
Infrared Measurements ◽  
Recent Version

Context. In previous papers, we introduced our method for measuring chemical abundances from integrated-light spectra of globular clusters and applied it to a variety of extragalactic star clusters. Our work so far, however, has concentrated primarily on the optical range 4200 Å –6200 Å. Aims. Here we extend our analysis technique to the infrared and test it on an H-band spectrum of the massive globular cluster G280 in M 31. Methods. We simultaneously analyse an optical spectrum of G280, obtained with the HIRES spectrograph on the Keck I telescope, and an H-band spectrum obtained with NIRSPEC on Keck II. We discuss the sensitivity of our results to various modifications of the input assumptions, such as different line lists and isochrones and the possible presence of a metallicity spread in G280. Results. When using the most recent version of the Kurucz line list, we measure iron abundances of [Fe/H] = −0.68±0.02 from the optical spectrum and [Fe/H] = −0.60±0.07 from the infrared spectrum. These values agree well with previous spectroscopic determinations of the metallicity of G280. While the small difference between the optical and infrared measurements is insignificant given the uncertainties, it is also consistent with a metallicity spread similar to that observed in massive GCs such as ω Cen and G1, and also hinted at by the colour-magnitude diagram of G280. The optical and infrared spectra both indicate an α-enhancement of about 0.3–0.4 dex relative to solar-scaled abundances, as typically also observed in Milky Way GCs. Conclusions. From this analysis, it appears that our integrated-light analysis technique also performs well in the H-band. However, complications due to the presence of molecular bands and telluric contamination are more severe in the infrared, and accurate modelling of the coolest giants is more critical.

scholarly journals On The Metal-poor non-Sagittarius Globular Cluster NGC 5053: Orbit, Mg, Al, and Si

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (S334) ◽  
pp. 370-371
Author(s):  
Baitian Tang
Keyword(s):  
Radial Velocity ◽  
Globular Cluster ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Dwarf Galaxy ◽  
Optical Spectra ◽  
Spectral Lines ◽  
Multiple Populations ◽  
Multiple Population ◽  
Similar Location

AbstractMetal-poor globular clusters (GCs) show intriguing Al-Mg and Si-Al correlations, which are important clues to decipher the multiple population phenomenon. NGC 5053 is one of the most metal-poor GCs, and has been suggested to be associated with the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy (Sgr), due to its similar location and radial velocity with one of the Sgr arms. In this work, we simulate the orbit of NGC 5053, and argue against the connection between Sgr and NGC 5053. Meanwhile, Mg, Al, and Si spectral lines, which are difficult to detect in the optical spectra, have been detected in the near-infrared APOGEE spectra. We use three different sets of stellar parameters and codes to derive the Mg, Al, and Si abundances, and we always see a large Al variation, and a substantial Si enhancement. Comparing with other metal-poor GCs, we suggest metallicity may not be the only parameter that controls the multiple populations.

scholarly journals Near Infrared Photometry of New Galactic Globular Clusters GC 01 and GC 02

2002 ◽  
Vol 207 ◽  
pp. 107-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Borissova ◽  
V. D. Ivanov ◽  
L. Vanzi
Keyword(s):  
Globular Cluster ◽  
Preliminary Report ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Surface Brightness ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Infrared Photometry ◽  
Galactic Globular Clusters ◽  
Red Giant ◽  
Best Fit ◽  
Calculated Distance

We present a preliminary report on the first deep near infrared photometry of 2MASS GC 01 and 2MASS GC 02 - new Galactic globular cluster candidates, discovered by the 2MASS. The red giant branch slopes yielded [Fe/H]=-0.42 ± 0.15 dex and [Fe/H]=-0.66 ± 0.17 dex, respectively for GC 01 and GC 02. We estimated the reddening towards GC 01 and GC 02: E(B - V) = 5.36 ± 0.20, and E(B - V) = 4.55 ± 0.17. The calculated distance moduli to the clusters are: (m - M)0 = 13.53 ± 0.27 and (m - M)0 = 14.53 ± 0.31 for GC 01 and GC 02. Our best fit for the radial surface brightness profile of GC 02 yields: lg(rc) = 1.40, lg(rh) = 1.54, lg(rt) = 1.31, and c=1.60. CC 01 is less concentrated: lg(rc) = 1.63, lg(rh) = 1.7, lg(rt) = 1.25, and c=1.41.

scholarly journals M31 Globular Clusters in the Near-Infrared

2002 ◽  
Vol 207 ◽  
pp. 152-153
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Brandner ◽  
R. Brent Tully ◽  
James N. Heasley
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Adaptive Optics ◽  
Globular Cluster ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Red Giant ◽  
The University ◽  
First Time ◽  
Adaptive Optics System

We have observed the M31 globular clusters with the University of Hawaii Adaptive Optics System Hokupa'a at the Gemini North 8m telescope on Mauna Kea. This is part of a project which aims at spatially resolving intermediate-age and old-age stellar populations in the Local Volume and beyond - possibly out to distances of the Virgo and Fornax clusters. The sparse M31 globular cluster G27 (Hubble 6) is for the first time resolved into individual stars. The tip of the red giant branch (TRGB) at K≈18.8mag yields a metallicity of Z around 0.001 solar for G27.

scholarly journals The SLUGGS survey: measuring globular cluster ages using both photometry and spectroscopy

2019 ◽  
Vol 490 (1) ◽  
pp. 491-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Usher ◽  
Jean P Brodie ◽  
Duncan A Forbes ◽  
Aaron J Romanowsky ◽  
Jay Strader ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Galaxy Formation ◽  
Globular Cluster ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Milky Way ◽  
Cluster Formation ◽  
Optical Photometry ◽  
History Of ◽  
Natural Outcome ◽  
Using Data

ABSTRACT Globular cluster ages provide both an important test of models of globular cluster formation and a powerful method to constrain the assembly history of galaxies. Unfortunately, measuring the ages of unresolved old stellar populations has proven challenging. Here, we present a novel technique that combines optical photometry with metallicity constraints from near-infrared spectroscopy in order to measure ages. After testing the method on globular clusters in the Milky Way and its satellite galaxies, we apply our technique to three massive early-type galaxies using data from the SAGES Legacy Unifying Globulars and GalaxieS (SLUGGS) survey. The three SLUGGS galaxies and the Milky Way show dramatically different globular cluster age and metallicity distributions, with NGC 1407 and the Milky Way showing mostly old globular clusters, while NGC 3115 and NGC 3377 show a range of globular ages. This diversity implies different galaxy formation histories and that the globular cluster optical colour–metallicity relation is not universal as is commonly assumed in globular cluster studies. We find a correlation between the median age of the metal-rich globular cluster populations and the age of the field star populations, in line with models where globular cluster formation is a natural outcome of high-intensity star formation.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document