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Kinematics of Star Clusters in M33: Distinct Populations
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 03 August 2017
Abstract
We analyse star cluster properties in the nearby spiral galaxy M33, combining our extensive HST WFPC2 photometry and ground-based follow up spectroscopy. These data show that cluster velocity dispersion increases with age. Simulations comparing synthetic disk and halo populations with observations indicate a composite disk/halo system for the old M33 clusters. The best fit fraction of 85 ± 5% halo plus 15 ± 5% disk differs from that found in the Milky Way, where ∼ 30% of the globular clusters are metal rich objects associated with the bulge and/or thick disk. Spectroscopic line indices for a halo subsample (17 objects) reveal an age spread of ∼ 5 — 7 Gyr, and little progression in metal abundance with age. This is consistent with a chaotic formation for a substantial portion of the M33 halo, and also consistent with an accretion origin for a large number of the halo clusters.
- Type
- Part 1. The Star Clusters of Local Group Galaxies
- Information
- Symposium - International Astronomical Union , Volume 207: Extragalactic Star Clusters , 2002 , pp. 160 - 162
- Copyright
- Copyright © Astronomical Society of the Pacific 2002
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