Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Dec 2005
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005aas...207.8006w&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society Meeting 207, #80.06; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 37, p.1298
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Scientific paper
Deep HST ACS images of Virgo from the VICS project (Ciardullo et al.) contain 4 resolved objects that appear to be intergalactic globular clusters (IGCs). Evidence for this interpretation comes from the objects' integrated colors and magnitudes, which are consistent with those of Virgo globulars, their radial surface brightness profiles, which are well-fit by King models, and from the overdensity of resolved stars that surround each object. These stars, which have the colors and magnitudes expected from objects on the red giant branch, show that at least 2 of the clusters are metal-poor, with [Fe/H] ≲ -1. Taking the effects of the ACS PSF into account, the best-fit core radii are ≳ 2 pc, possibly larger than those of typical Galactic clusters, hinting that the objects could be less dynamically evolved than their Galactic counterparts. The tidal radii of the brightest 2 clusters are ˜ 100 pc; when used in conjunction with models, these radii place constraints on the objects' origins. The properties of these globular clusters provide additional information for numerical simulations of the production of intracluster stars.
Support for this work was provided by NASA through grant number GO-10131 from the Space Telescope Science Institute.
Aguerri A.
Arnaboldi Magda
Ciardullo Robin
Durrell Patrick R.
Feldmeier John . J.
No associations
LandOfFree
VICS: Intergalactic Globular Clusters in Virgo 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 VICS: Intergalactic Globular Clusters in Virgo, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and VICS: Intergalactic Globular Clusters in Virgo will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1282070