Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
1994-08-30
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
13 pages + 3 figures, uuencoded postscript, to appear in ApJ Letters, UC-BERK-94
Scientific paper
10.1086/187608
We present new data on the globular cluster system of the elliptical galaxy NGC 3923 which show that it has the most globular clusters per unit luminosity of any non-cluster elliptical yet observed, with $S_N=6.4 \pm1.4$. NGC 3923 is also among the brightest ellipticals outside of a galaxy cluster for which the number of globular clusters has been determined. Our observation of a large number of clusters per unit luminosity (high $S_N$ value) for a bright elliptical in a sparse environment is consistent with the suggestion of Djorgovski \& Santiago that the number of globular clusters is a power law function of the luminosity with an exponent greater than one. We relate this higher specific frequency of globular clusters in more luminous galaxies to other observations which indicate that the physical conditions within elliptical galaxies at the time of their formation were dependent on galaxy mass.
Ashman Keith M.
Geisler Doug
Zepf Stephen E.
No associations
LandOfFree
The Richness of the Globular Cluster System of NGC 3923: Clues to Elliptical Galaxy Formation 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 Richness of the Globular Cluster System of NGC 3923: Clues to Elliptical Galaxy Formation, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Richness of the Globular Cluster System of NGC 3923: Clues to Elliptical Galaxy Formation will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-523292