Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Mar 1985
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1985apj...290..140w&link_type=abstract
Astrophysical Journal, Part 1 (ISSN 0004-637X), vol. 290, March 1, 1985, p. 140-153.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
38
Andromeda Galaxy, Astronomical Photometry, Globular Clusters, Spiral Galaxies, Star Distribution, Astronomical Coordinates, Galactic Nuclei, Image Processing, Stellar Evolution, Stellar Luminosity
Scientific paper
A new method to attack the question of the 'missing' globular clusters in the bulge of M31 is used. Image-processing techniques were used on 13 video camera fields to obtain an accurate photometric census of stellar objects in M31's bulge down to a limiting B magnitude of 21. This luminosity distribution is compared with the Bahcall-Soneira model of galactic foreground stars. A statistically significant excess of bright images in the luminosity range of globular clusters at M31's distance is found. If the optical candidates considered prove to be globular clusters, they would double the number of known globular clusters in the surveyed region. The colors of a subsample of the candidates are the same as those of the known globular clusters. It is concluded that the previously observed flattening away from a de Vaucouleurs law in the radial distribution of M31 may be an observational selection effect. As an offshoot of this analysis, no evidence is found for very luminous stars in the inner bulge of M31. The lack of such stars indicates that there has not been active star formation (with a normal IMF) in the recent past. Coupled with the existence of many planetary nebulae in the bulge, this may strengthen the case for a galactic wind in M31's bulge.
Bruno Theresa L.
Smarr Larry
Wirth Achim
No associations
LandOfFree
The missing bulge globular clusters in M31 - New optical candidates 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 missing bulge globular clusters in M31 - New optical candidates, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The missing bulge globular clusters in M31 - New optical candidates will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-818902