scholarly journals Luminosity functions of globular clusters in five nearby spiral galaxies using HST/ACS images

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Lomelí-Núñez ◽  
Y D Mayya ◽  
L H Rodríguez-Merino ◽  
P A Ovando ◽  
D Rosa-González
Keyword(s):  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Luminosity Function ◽  
Spiral Galaxies ◽  
Hubble Space Telescope ◽  
Luminosity Functions ◽  
Radial Density Distribution ◽  
Specific Frequency ◽  
Exponential Power ◽  
Turn Over ◽  
Poor Population

Abstract We here present the luminosity function (LF) of globular clusters (GCs) in five nearby spiral galaxies using the samples of GC candidates selected in Hubble Space Telescope mosaic images in F435W, F555W and F814W filters. Our search, which surpasses the fractional area covered by all previous searches in these galaxies, has resulted in the detection of 158 GC candidates in M81, 1123 in M101, 226 in NGC 4258, 293 in M51 and 173 in NGC 628. The LFs constructed from this dataset, after correcting for relatively small contamination from reddened young clusters, are lognormal in nature, which was hitherto established only for the Milky Way (MW) and Andromeda among spiral galaxies. The magnitude at the turn-over (TO) corresponds to MV0(TO)=-7.41±0.14 in four of the galaxies with Hubble types Sc or earlier, in excellent agreement with MV(TO) = −7.40 ± 0.10 for the MW. The TO magnitude is equivalent to a mass of ∼3 × 105 M⊙ for an old, metal-poor population. MV0(TO) is fainter by ∼1.16 magnitude for the fifth galaxy, M 101, which is of Hubble type Scd. The TO dependence on Hubble type implies that the GCs in early-type spirals are classical GCs, which have a universal TO, whereas the GC population in late-type galaxies is dominated by old disk clusters, which are in general less massive. The radial density distribution of GCs in our sample galaxies follows the Sérsic function with exponential power-law indices, and effective radii of 4.0–9.5 kpc. GCs in the sample galaxies have a mean specific frequency of 1.10 ± 0.24, after correcting for magnitude and radial incompleteness factors

scholarly journals ON THE PROBLEM OF THE SPECIFIC FREQUENCY OF GLOBULAR CLUSTERS

2021 ◽  
pp. 137-142
Author(s):  
Ikram Uralbaevich Tadjibaev
Keyword(s):  
Observational Data ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Spiral Galaxies ◽  
Empirical Relationship ◽  
Flux Ratio ◽  
Quadratic Function ◽  
Absolute Magnitude ◽  
Host Galaxy ◽  
Specific Frequency ◽  
The Absolute

In the article, on the basis of observational data the problems of the specific frequency of globular clusters are studied. Possible relationships between them and the absolute stellar magnitude of their host galaxy are considered, where the observational data published in the literature were presented. It should be noted that before us the relationship between the specific frequency and the absolute magnitude is shown as exponential functions. An empirical relationship between the specific frequency and the absolute value of the host galaxy were obtained and showed that the dependence of the specific frequency on the absolute magnitude is not linear, but has a quadratic function. It is also shown that the specific frequency determines the number of globular clusters in a given galaxy relative to our Galaxy. Also in the article, based on the results of studies of the specific frequency, some discussions are presented related to the origin and evolution of globular clusters. The results obtained show that the ratios of the specific frequency to the luminosity of the host galaxy are different. Variations in the specific frequency of elliptical galaxies are associated with variations in the mass-to-luminous flux ratio. This may be due to the fact that the number of globular clusters in spiral galaxies per unit of luminosity of the halo and not of the entire galaxy. Analysis of the observational data shows that the values of the specific frequency of spiral galaxies are 5–6 times less than that of giant elliptical ones. As a result of the results of studies of the specific frequency of the globular clusters, unsolved problems are listed and possible solutions are shown. It is noted that the problem posed will be solved even more accurately if it is considered by the types of galaxies

The range of UV upturn strengths in early-type galaxies can be caused by dissolved metal-rich Globular Clusters

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (S351) ◽  
pp. 112-116
Author(s):  
Paul Goudfrooij
Keyword(s):  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Dynamical Evolution ◽  
Virgo Cluster ◽  
Host Galaxy ◽  
Early Type ◽  
Luminosity Functions ◽  
Central Regions ◽  
Specific Frequency ◽  
Uv Upturn

AbstractI summarize the scenario by Goudfrooij (2018) in which the bulk of the ultraviolet (UV) upturn of giant early-type galaxies (ETGs) is due to helium-rich stellar populations that formed in massive metal-rich globular clusters (GCs) and subsequently dissolved in the strong tidal field in the central regions of the massive host galaxy. These massive GCs are assumed to show UV upturns similar to those observed recently in M87, the central galaxy in the Virgo cluster of galaxies. Data taken from the literature reveals a strong correlation between the strength of the UV upturn and the specific frequency of metal-rich GCs in ETGs. Adopting a Schechter function parametrization of GC mass functions, simulations of long-term dynamical evolution of GC systems show that this correlation can be explained by variations in the characteristic truncation mass Mc such that Mc increases with ETG luminosity in a way that is consistent with observed GC luminosity functions in ETGs. These findings suggest that the nature of the UV upturn in ETGs and the variation of its strength among ETGs are causally related to that of helium-rich populations in massive GCs, rather than intrinsic properties of field stars in ETGs.

scholarly journals Measuring the GC luminosity function up to z ~ 0.2

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (S266) ◽  
pp. 351-351
Author(s):  
K. A. Alamo-Martínez ◽  
R. A. González-Lópezlira ◽  
J. Blakeslee
Keyword(s):  
Galaxy Formation ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Surface Brightness ◽  
Luminosity Function ◽  
Elliptical Galaxy ◽  
Angular Size ◽  
Spectroscopic Studies ◽  
Stellar Systems ◽  
Surface Brightness Fluctuations ◽  
Specific Frequency

AbstractGlobular clusters (GCs) are stellar systems (~106 M⊙) with very regular symmetry, single age, and single metallicity. Spectroscopic studies have revealed very old ages, suggesting that GCs were formed in the earliest stages of galaxy formation and assembly. The aim of this work is to find out how far we can measure the GC luminosity function, specific frequency, and radial distribution, applying the surface-brightness-fluctuations (SBF) technique to deep ACS images. To this end, we apply the effects caused by higher redshift to HST/ACS images (in two optical bands, F606W and F814W) of M87, an elliptical galaxy with a very well-studied GC system. The effects involved are: (i) evolution, (ii) inverse k correction, (iii) binning of the image to smaller angular size, (iv) cosmological dimming of surface brightness, and (v) noise addition to account for different exposure times. After processing the images we detect the brightest GCs through direct photometry (e.g., with SExtractor), whereas the unresolved clusters are measured through SBFs. The above treatment is repeated for z=0.05, 0.1, 0.14, and 0.18, and the results are compared to the measurements at z=0 to estimate biases and incompleteness.

scholarly journals Do Lensing Statistics Rule out a Cosmological Constant?

1999 ◽  
Vol 183 ◽  
pp. 65-65
Author(s):  
M. Chiba ◽  
Y. Yoshii
Keyword(s):  
Gravitational Lensing ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Luminosity Function ◽  
Velocity Dispersion ◽  
Hubble Space Telescope ◽  
High Redshift ◽  
Hubble Constant ◽  
S0 Galaxies ◽  
Internal Velocity ◽  
Rule Out

We present new calculations of the gravitational lensing statistics following recent revised knowledge of the luminosity function and internal velocity dispersion of E/S0 galaxies which work as effective lenses for background high-redshift QSOs. We show that the theoretical prediction of the lensing statistics is much smaller than previously expected. In sharp contrast with the earlier statistics supporting an Ω0 = 1 universe, the reported small lensing probability from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) snapshot lens survey is in best agreement with a low-density, flat universe with Ω0 ≃ 0.2 and Ω0 + λ0 = 1. The age of this universe, combined with the HST measurement of a high value of the Hubble constant H0, can be reconciled with the age of the oldest globular clusters in the Milky Way (ApJ, 1997, Vol. 489, in press).

[ITAL]HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE[/ITAL] Imaging of Globular Clusters in the Edge-on Spiral Galaxies NGC 4565 and NGC 5907

1999 ◽  
Vol 118 (1) ◽  
pp. 197-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Kissler-Patig ◽  
Keith M. Ashman ◽  
Stephen E. Zepf ◽  
Kenneth C. Freeman
Keyword(s):  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Spiral Galaxies ◽  
Hubble Space Telescope ◽  
Space Telescope

scholarly journals Metallicity Distributions in Extragalactic Globular Cluster Systems: Constraints on Globular Cluster and Galaxy Formation

1998 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-85
Author(s):  
Jean P. Brodie
Keyword(s):  
Galaxy Formation ◽  
Globular Cluster ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Spiral Galaxies ◽  
Elliptical Galaxy ◽  
Elliptical Galaxies ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Merger Process ◽  
Specific Frequency ◽  
Multi Phase

The merger model for elliptical galaxy formation has received increasing attention since it was first suggested by Toomre & Toomre (1972). Van den Bergh (1984) pointed out a problem with the idea that elliptical galaxies were formed by simply combining two, or more, spiral galaxies. He noted that the specific frequency (SN, number of globular clusters per unit galaxy light) is systematically lower for spirals than for ellipticals. Schweizer (1987) suggested that globular clusters (GCs) might be expected to form in the merger process, thereby alleviating or possibly eliminating the SN problem. Ashman & Zepf (1992) developed this idea into a merger model for GC formation with testable predictions. We recently examined this model in the light of new HST and ground-based imaging data on the blue and red sub-populations of GCs in elliptical galaxies (Forbes, Brodie & Grillmair 1997). We concluded that the merger model for GC formation has serious problems, particularly in explaining the characteristics of GCs in giant elliptical galaxies with high SN. A multi-phase collapse scenario was suggested as more consistent with the available evidence.

scholarly journals The faint-end of galaxy luminosity functions at the Epoch of Reionization

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (S333) ◽  
pp. 52-55
Author(s):  
B. Yue ◽  
M. Castellano ◽  
A. Ferrara ◽  
A. Fontana ◽  
E. Merlin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Formation Process ◽  
Luminosity Function ◽  
Feedback Effects ◽  
Circular Velocity ◽  
Luminosity Functions ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Turn Over ◽  
Number Counts ◽  
Galaxy Luminosity Function

AbstractDuring the Epoch of Reionization (EoR), feedback effects reduce the efficiency of star formation process in small halos or even fully quench it. The galaxy luminosity function (LF) may then turn over at the faint-end. We analyze the number counts of z > 5 galaxies observed in the fields of four Frontier Fields (FFs) clusters and obtain constraints on the LF faint-end: for the turn-over magnitude at z ∼ 6, MUVT ≳-13.3; for the circular velocity threshold of quenching star formation process, vc* ≲ 47 km s−1. We have not yet found significant evidence of the presence of feedback effects suppressing the star formation in small galaxies.

scholarly journals Dwarf Galaxies in the MATLAS Survey: Hubble Space Telescope Observations of the Globular Cluster System in the Ultra-diffuse Galaxy MATLAS-2019

2021 ◽  
Vol 923 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Oliver Müller ◽  
Patrick R. Durrell ◽  
Francine R. Marleau ◽  
Pierre-Alain Duc ◽  
Sungsoon Lim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Hubble Space Telescope ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Dark Matter Halo ◽  
Low Surface Brightness ◽  
Specific Frequency ◽  
Low Surface Brightness Galaxies ◽  
Superior Image Quality

Abstract Ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs) are very-low-surface-brightness galaxies with large effective radii. Spectroscopic measurements of a few UDGs have revealed a low dark-matter content based on the internal motion of stars or globular clusters (GCs). This is in contrast to the large number of GCs found for these systems, from which it would be expected to correspond to a large dark-matter halo mass. Here we present HST+ACS observations for the UDG MATLAS-2019 in the NGC 5846 group. Using the F606W and F814W filters, we trace the GC population two magnitudes below the peak of the GC luminosity function (GCLF). Employing Bayesian considerations, we identify 26 ± 6 GCs associated with the dwarf, yielding a large specific frequency of S N = 58 ± 14. We use the turnover of the GCLF to derive a distance of 21 ± 2 Mpc, which is consistent with the NGC 5846 group of galaxies. Due to the superior image quality of the HST, we are able to resolve the GCs and measure their sizes, which are consistent with the sizes of GCs around Local Group galaxies. Using the linear relation between the total mass of galaxies and of GCs, we derive a halo mass of 0.9 ± 0.2 × 1011 M ⊙ (M ⊙/L ⊙ > 1000). The high abundance of GCs, together with the small uncertainties, make MATLAS-2019 one of the most extreme UDGs, which likely sets an upper limit of the number of GCs for UDGs.

scholarly journals Globular Cluster Systems of Elliptical Galaxies

1999 ◽  
Vol 186 ◽  
pp. 173-180
Author(s):  
Stephen E. Zepf ◽  
Keith M. Ashman
Keyword(s):  
Galaxy Formation ◽  
Globular Cluster ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Spiral Galaxies ◽  
Elliptical Galaxies ◽  
Cluster Systems ◽  
Physical Mechanisms ◽  
Cd Galaxies ◽  
Simplifying Assumptions ◽  
Poor Population

We review the observed properties of globular cluster systems and their implications for models of galaxy formation. Observations show that globular clusters form in gas-rich mergers, and that bimodal metallicity distributions are common in the globular cluster systems of ellipticals, with the metal-poor population more extended than the metal-rich one. These are three of the four predictions of the simple merger model of Ashman & Zepf (1992). The fourth prediction concerns the properties of the globular cluster systems of spirals, and is still to be tested by observation. Adopting Occam's razor, the confirmation of the fundamental predictions of the merger model from both young and old globular cluster systems is strong evidence that typical elliptical galaxies formed from the mergers of spiral galaxies. However, the simplifying assumptions of the Ashman-Zepf merger model limit its applicability to certain complex situations such as the formation of cD galaxies. We conclude this review by introducing new observational and theoretical programs that will further the understanding of the physical mechanisms of globular cluster and galaxy formation.

scholarly journals Luminosity Function of Old Globular Clusters in the SMC

1984 ◽  
Vol 78 ◽  
pp. 359-361
Author(s):  
M. Kontizas ◽  
E. Kontizas
Keyword(s):  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Luminosity Function ◽  
Star Cluster ◽  
Stellar Content ◽  
Luminosity Functions

Luminosity Functions (LFs) provide useful information on the stellar content of a star cluster. One of the problems of studying the colour-magnitude (c-m) diagrams in remote clusters is the contamination of cluster members with field stars. If all the stars of a cluster are measured in concentric rings one can reach the field and compare the c-m diagram of the field with that of the central areas. For the SMC where the field and cluster areas seem to have similar c-m diagrams, this method is not always useful and then the LF becomes an important tool of overcoming this obstacle.

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