The Metallicity Distribution and Kinematics of Globular Clusters in M81

Details The Metallicity Distribution and Kinematics of Globular Clusters in M81 The Metallicity Distribution and Kinematics of Globular Clusters in M81

Aug 2001

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2001noao.prop..209c&link_type=abstract

NOAO Proposal ID #2001B-0209

Mathematics

Logic

Scientific paper

To date, the ages, metallicities, and kinematics of globular cluster systems (GCS) have only been well studied in two spiral galaxies, the Milky Way and M31. Because GCS provide information on the conditions present during the formation and early epochs of their parent galaxies, understanding their properties is crucial for a complete theory of the galaxy formation process. To extend the study of old stellar populations to another spiral galaxy, we have compiled a catalog of 114 star clusters in the nearby Sab galaxy M81, from HST WFPC2 multiband imaging. This galaxy is of an earlier-type than M31 and the Milky Way, thus extending the range of correlations between morphological type and GCS. We propose to obtain multislit, optical spectroscopy of ~90 of our brightest GC candidates in M81. For the brighter half of our sample we will be able to measure individual ages, metallicities and velocities, and for the fainter half of the sample we will obtain individual velocities. This information will be used to explore the following: 1) is there evidence for a bimodal metallicity distribution in the M81 GCS, as found in M31 and the Milky Way? 2) is there a correlation between metallicity and kinematics? 3) is there an obvious age spread among halo cluster candidates, or a detectable metallicity gradient? The proposed observations will provide direct constraints for the formation and evolution of M81, and will allow us to start making global conclusions concerning spheroid formation in spiral galaxies.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The Metallicity Distribution and Kinematics of Globular Clusters in M81 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 Metallicity Distribution and Kinematics of Globular Clusters in M81, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Metallicity Distribution and Kinematics of Globular Clusters in M81 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-818820