Other
Scientific paper
Jul 2000
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000hst..prop.8725z&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #8725
Other
Hst Proposal Id #8725 Galaxies
Scientific paper
We propose to study the formation history of elliptical galaxies by obtaining far-UV photometry of their globular clusters. The far-UV photometry will be used in conjunction with existing optical data to constrain the ages of these clusters, and thus the formation epochs of their host galaxies. Optical data show that globular cluster systems of ellipticals often have bimodal metallicity distributions, indicating an episodic formation history. However, the ages of these formation epochs are uncertain. The age distribution is critical because it directly tests models of the formation of elliptical galaxies and their globular clusters. Specifically, merger models predict that the metal-rich clusters are formed in the merger that made the elliptical and are therefore younger than the metal-poor clusters that come from the halos of the progenitor spirals. Alternatively, if the observed bimodality comes from accreting metal-poor clusters onto an already formed elliptical, then the metal-rich clusters will generally be older. Moreover, age-dating the major formation epochs of elliptical galaxies provides a critical link between the local fossil record and the formation history of ellipticals inferred from deep data. The far-UV to optical color provides this important age information because the stars that make up the horizontal branch are hotter in older stellar populations, with significant evolution for otherwise difficult ages of t > 8 Gyr.
No associations
LandOfFree
The Formation Epoch{s} of Globular Clusters Around Ellipticals from Ultraviolet Photometry 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 The Formation Epoch{s} of Globular Clusters Around Ellipticals from Ultraviolet Photometry, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Formation Epoch{s} of Globular Clusters Around Ellipticals from Ultraviolet Photometry will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1720432