The NGC 5128 globular-cluster system - Star counts in U, V, and R

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (49) References (30) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS The NGC 5128 globular cluster system : star counts in U, V, and R. Harris, G. L. H. ; Hesser, J. E. ; Harris, H. C. ; Curry, P. J. Abstract Star counts in U, V, and R within about 23 arcmin of the nearby peculiar elliptical galaxy NGC 5128 show 800-900 counted objects in excess of background in the region studied. The cluster system inferred from these data seems to follow an r1/4 law distribution for r greater than or equal to 4 arcmin. Inside this radius it is possible that the clusters are deficient relative to the halo light. Using data from other studies, a cluster-luminosity function over a range of 5 mag has been constructed. It agrees with the Local Group globular-cluster luminosity function over the full range if the distance to NGC 5128 is less than or equal to 4 Mpc. The analysis of the counts suggests total cluster population N t = 1200-1900, specific frequency, S = 3.0-3.2, and distance about 3-4 Mpc. Larger distances are permitted only if the luminosity function is nonstandard; in such a case, then S is much less than 3 or N is much greater than 2000. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: December 1984 DOI: 10.1086/162675 Bibcode: 1984ApJ...287..175H Keywords: Astronomical Photography; Galactic Structure; Globular Clusters; Star Distribution; Density Distribution; Elliptical Galaxies; Luminosity; Peculiar Galaxies; Radial Distribution; Astronomy full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (1) NED (1)