Structural Parameters of the M87 Globular Clusters

Details Structural Parameters of the M87 Globular Clusters Structural Parameters of the M87 Globular Clusters

2009-09-01

arxiv.org/abs/0909.0272v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics

ApJ accepted

Scientific paper

We derive structural parameters for ~2000 globular clusters in the giant Virgo elliptical M87 using extremely deep Hubble Space Telescope images in F606W (V) and F814W (I) taken with the ACS/WFC. The cluster scale sizes (half-light radii r_h) and ellipticities are determined from PSF-convolved King-model profile fitting. We find that the r_h distribution closely resembles the inner Milky Way clusters, peaking at r_h~2.5 pc and with virtually no clusters more compact than r_h ~ 1 pc. The metal-poor clusters have on average an r_h 24% larger than the metal-rich ones. The cluster scale size shows a gradual and noticeable increase with galactocentric distance. Clusters are very slightly larger in the bluer waveband V a possible hint that we may be beginning to see the effects of mass segregation within the clusters. We also derived a color magnitude diagram for the M87 globular cluster system which show a striking bimodal distribution.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Structural Parameters of the M87 Globular Clusters does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Structural Parameters of the M87 Globular Clusters, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Structural Parameters of the M87 Globular Clusters will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-11383