Ages of Globular Cluster Systems and the Relation to Galaxy Morphology

Abstract

AbstractWe investigate the age distributions of GC systems in 14 E/S0 galaxies by carrying out a differential comparison of the (g–z) vs. (g–K) two-colour diagrams for different GC systems. No significant distinction is detected in the mean ages of GCs among elliptical galaxies. S0 galaxies on the other hand, show evidence for younger GCs. Surprisingly, this appears to be driven by the more metal-poor clusters. This is suggestive of E type galaxies having assembled most of their GCs in a shorter and earlier period than lenticular galaxies. The latter galaxy type, seems to have a more extended period of GC formation/assembly.