The ages and metallicities of the globular clusters in the Fornax dwarf spheroidal galaxy

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

39

Astronomical Spectroscopy, Galactic Evolution, Galactic Structure, Globular Clusters, Infrared Astronomy, Metallic Stars, Astronomical Photometry, Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram, Infrared Photometry, Magellanic Clouds, Near Infrared Radiation, Red Giant Stars

Scientific paper

The ages and metallicities of the four brightest clusters (2, 3, 4, and 5) in the Fornax dwarf spherical galaxy are estimated from new optical and near-infrared photometry and optical spectroscopy of their integrated light. The Fornax clusters are shown to have ages not less than 10 to the 10th years, and are ranked 3, 5, 2, and 4 in order of increasing metal abundance. Cluster 3 appears to be more metal poor than the galactic globular cluster M15, while cluster 4 appears to be slightly more metal rich than the galactic globulars NGC 1261 and NGC 1851; clusters 3 and 4 differ in metallicity by a factor of ten. Near-infrared data confirm that the J-K, H-K, and V-K colors of cluster 2 are too red for its visual colors, because it contains carbon stars. Excess light in the near-infrared is explained by the presence of only one carbon star, similar to those in the general field of Fornax, within 15 sec of its center; this carbon star is believed to be a superposed member of the field carbon star population. The metallicity range and ages of the Fornax clusters are similar to those of the oldest star clusters in the Magellanic Clouds and the globular clusters in the outer halo of the Galaxy.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

The ages and metallicities of the globular clusters in the Fornax dwarf spheroidal galaxy 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 ages and metallicities of the globular clusters in the Fornax dwarf spheroidal galaxy, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The ages and metallicities of the globular clusters in the Fornax dwarf spheroidal galaxy will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1744438

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.