Discovery of VVV CL001. A Low-Mass Globular Cluster Next to UKS~1 in the Direction of the Galactic Bulge

Details Discovery of VVV CL001. A Low-Mass Globular Cluster Next to UKS~1 in the Direction of the Galactic Bulge Discovery of VVV CL001. A Low-Mass Globular Cluster Next to UKS~1 in the Direction of the Galactic Bulge

2010-12-11

arxiv.org/abs/1012.2450v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Galaxy Astrophysics

5 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in A\&A

Scientific paper

Context: It is not known how many globular clusters may have been left undetected towards the Galactic bulge. Aims: One of the aims of the VISTA Variables in the Via Lactea (VVV) Survey is to accurately measure the physical parameters of the known globular clusters in the inner regions of the Milky Way and to search for new ones, hidden in regions of large extinction. Methods: Deep near infrared images give deep JHKs-band photometry of a region surrounding the known globular cluster UKS 1 and reveal a new low-mass globular cluster candidate that we name VVV CL001. Results: We use the horizontal branch red clump in order to measure E(B-V)~2.2 mag, $(m-M)_0$=16.01 mag, and D=15.9 kpc for the globular cluster UKS 1. Based on the near-infrared colour magnitude diagrams, we also measure that VVV CL001 has E(B-V)~2.0, and that it is at least as metal-poor as UKS 1, however, its distance remains uncertain. Conclusions: Our finding confirms the previous projection that the central region of the Milky Way harbors more globular clusters. VVV CL001 and UKS 1 are good candidates for a physical cluster binary, but follow-up observations are needed to decide if they are located at the same distance and have similar radial velocities.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Discovery of VVV CL001. A Low-Mass Globular Cluster Next to UKS~1 in the Direction of the Galactic Bulge 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 Discovery of VVV CL001. A Low-Mass Globular Cluster Next to UKS~1 in the Direction of the Galactic Bulge, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Discovery of VVV CL001. A Low-Mass Globular Cluster Next to UKS~1 in the Direction of the Galactic Bulge will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-105623