Abstract

We show that current observations support the hypothesis that globular clusters form in galaxy mergers. In a previous paper, we presented a model in which globular cluster formation is a result of interactions and mergers of galaxies. Here, this model is compared with new observations of the globular cluster systems of recent galaxy mergers and normal elliptical galaxies. We find that our model is consistent with the number and luminosity of young globular clusters in currently merging galaxies. If elliptical galaxies form through mergers of spiral galaxies, the model also predicts that the globular cluster systems of normal elliptical galaxies should have at least two peaks in the metallicity distribution

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