On the Low-Mass End of the Globular Cluster Luminosity Function

Abstract

The low-mass globular cluster luminosity function (GCLF) in the Milky Way and in two elliptical galaxies is investigated. We find that the power-law slope of the Milky Way GCLF depends on the cluster concentration c. The origin of this trend is explored within the framework of a GC mass-loss model. It is also found that the low-mass GCLF of the Milky Way is similar in slope to that of the elliptical galaxies M87 and NGC 4472. This seems consistent with a model like that of Fall & Zhang in which mass loss in advanced stages of GC evolution is driven predominantly by internal two-body relaxation effects.