The Globular Cluster Luminosity Function

Mathematics – Logic

Scientific paper

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Hst Proposal Id #7542 Galaxies

Scientific paper

We propose to study the globular cluster luminosity function {GCLF} in order to test models for the formation and evolution of globular cluster systems and to determine the utility and accuracy of the peak of the GCLF as a cosmological distance indicator. Observational evidence suggests that the GCLF may be fairly universal, particularly once small color differences are accounted for. However, there are few theoretical reasons why the GCLF and its underlying mass function should be independent of metallicity, position within a galaxy, or host galaxy type and environment. We will use data in the HST archive to test for three specific effects. First, within individual elliptical galaxy globular cluster systems, we will compare the GCLFs of red and blue populations to test the hypothesis that the inferred mass function of globular clusters is independent of metallicity. Secondly, we will utilize cases of multiple pointings in elliptical galaxies to compare the GCLF as a function of position within early-type galaxies. Finally, we will look for trends between the GCLF peak and other variables such as galactic environment. HST archival data are ideal for addressing these questions because a comprehensive data set can be composed by combining a number of completed programs, many of them aimed primarily at studying the properties of elliptical galaxies rather than globular cluster systems.

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