Abstract
The bolometric and infrared luminosities of spheroidal systems are dominated by the light of cool stars. These stars are predominantly late type giants which are quite rare in the solar neighborhood. It is argued that the large numbers of M giants being found in the Galactic bulge are the best candidates for inclusion in stellar synthesis models for spheroidal systems. These M giants differ systematically in luminosity, color, and CO index from the old disk giants that are generally used in the models. The differences are in the direction expected for a super metal rich population. A dependence of some of the colors on galactic latitude has been detected. This could be due to a metallicity gradient. The very steep decline in numbers of the very reddest of the M giants may be connected with the metallicity gradient. When these M giants are added on to some models, the resulting integrated infrared colors reproduce the observed colors of spheroidal systems quite well.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
