Ages Of Galactic Globular Clusters Research Articles

Relative and absolute ages of Galactic globular clusters

AbstractWe present a review of the latest work concerned with the relative and absolute ages of the Galactic globular clusters (GCs). Relative age-dating techniques generally divide into two types - those that measure a magnitude difference between two features in the color-magnitude diagram (i.e. Vertical Methods) and those that rely on color differences in the color-magnitude diagram (i.e. Horizontal Methods). Both types of diagnostics have been successfully applied and generally reach the same conclusions. Galactic GCs exhibit a mean age range of ~3 Gyr, smaller (or nonexistent) for metal-poor clusters and larger (as much as 6 Gyr) for metal-rich ones. Generally speaking, the inner-halo GCs are older and more uniform in age as compared with those outside of the solar circle. Furthermore, the tendency of GCs with predominantly red horizontal branches (HBs) located in the outer halo to be preferentially younger than those with bluer HBs closer to the Galactic center suggests that age is the second parameter which, in addition to metal abundance, controls the HB morphology. In particular, we present additional compelling evidence supporting this assertion using a detailed examination of new photometry for the classic second-parameter cluster pair NGC 288 and NGC 362. Moving on to the absolute ages, we note that the absolute ages of the most metal-poor Galactic GCs sets a lower limit on the age of the Universe. The preferred age indicator for absolute ages is the luminosity of the main-sequence turnoff because most theoretical models agree on the onset of hydrogen exhaustion in the cores of low-mass stars. Based on the technique of main-sequence fitting to field subdwarfs with Hipparcos parallaxes, we find an age of 11.6+1.4−1.1 Gyr for four metal-poor GCs with deep color-magnitude diagrams on a consistent photometric scale; this age is consistent with the results of a number of previous investigations.

The ages of Galactic globular clusters in the context of self-enrichment

AbstractA significant fraction of stars in globular clusters (about 70%-85%) exhibit peculiar chemical patterns, with strong abundance variations in light elements along with constant abundances in heavy elements. These abundance anomalies can be created in the H-burning core of a first generation of fast-rotating massive stars, and the corresponding elements are conveyed to the stellar surface thanks to rotational induced mixing. If the rotation of the stars is fast enough, this material is ejected at low velocity through a mechanical wind at the equator. It then pollutes the interstellar medium (ISM) from which a second generation of chemically anomalous stars can be formed. The proportion of anomalous stars to normal stars observed today depends on at least two quantities: (1) the number of polluter stars; (2) the dynamical history of the cluster, which may lose different proportions of first- and second-generation stars during its lifetime. Here we estimate these proportions, based on dynamical models for globular clusters. When internal dynamical evolution and dissolution due to tidal forces are accounted for, starting from an initial fraction of anomalous stars of 10% produces a present-day fraction of about 25%, still too small with respect to the observed 70-85%. In the case of gas expulsion by supernovae, a much higher fraction is expected to be produced. In this paper we also address the question of the evolution of the second-generation stars that are He-rich, and deduce consequences for the age determination of globular clusters.

Stellar population of the blue compact dwarf galaxy SBS 1415+437

The stellar population of the blue compact dwarf galaxy SBS 1415+437 is investigated us- ing the archive database of the Hubble space telescope. The color index-magnitude diagram for stars reaches a magnitude of 29 m in the V and I bands. It comprises young main-sequence stars, blue and red supergiants, and the old population of red giant branch and asymptotic giant branch. The tip of the red giant branch (TRGB) was used to calculate the distance modulus, which turned out to be m-M = 30.65 0.08 m . The corresponding distance to the galaxy is D = 13.5 1.0 Mpc. The youngest stars are distributed irregularly near the bright H II region in the southwest part of SBS 1415+437. The old popu- lation occupies a larger area, it is distributed more evenly and forms the galactic halo. The spatial distri- bution of young stars shows that the star formation in the galaxy spread in the direction from northeast to southwest over the last 5 10 7 yr with an average rate of 60 km/s. The TRGB of SBS 1415+437 was found to be appreciably shifted to the blue range: (V - I)TRGB 1.30. The galaxy age turns out to be not smaller than the age of Galactic globular clusters (about 10 10 yr), provided that the galaxy originally had a very low metallicity (our photometric estimate is (Fe/H) = -2.4). If the metallicity of SBS 1415+437 changed almost not at all in the course of evolution and was equal to (Fe/H) = -1.3 (as estimated from the emission lines of ionized gas), the galaxy age is no more than 2 10 9 yr.

The Hubble Space Telescope H0 Key Project

As this conference has attested to, cosmology is a rapidly maturing field, currently experiencing a very healthy and vigorous confrontation between theory and experiment. This rapid progress in many different areas of cosmology has not removed the longstanding interest in measuring many of the fundamental cosmological parameters - rather, the increasingly detailed predictions of current theory highlight the critical importance of independently, accurately measuring the cosmological parameters which define the basic model for the dynamical evolution of the Universe. I present here the final results of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Key Project to measure the Hubble constant, summarizing our method, the results and the uncertainties. The Key Project results are based on a Cepheid calibration of several secondary distance methods applied over the range of about 60 to 400 Mpc. Based on the Key Project Cepheid calibration and its application to five secondary methods (type Ia supernovae, the Tully-Fisher relation, surface brightness fluctuations, type II supernovae, and the fundamental plane for elliptical galaxies), a combined value of H0 = 72 ± 8 km/sec/Mpc is obtained. Comparing to current estimates of the ages of Galactic globular clusters, an age conflict is avoided for this high a value of H0 if we live in a Λ-dominated (or other form of dark energy) universe.

Distances, Ages, and Epoch of Formation of Globular Clusters

We review the results on distances and absolute ages of galactic globular clusters (GCs) obtained after the release of the Hipparcos catalogue. Several methods for the Population II local distance scale are discussed, exploiting NEW RESULTS for RR Lyraes in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). We find that the so-called Short and Long Distance Scales may be reconciled whether a consistent reddening scale is adopted for Cepheids and RR Lyrae variables in the LMC. Distances and ages for the 9 clusters discussed in Paper I are re-derived using an enlarged sample of local subdwarfs, which includes about 90% of the metal-poor dwarfs with accurate parallaxes (Delta p/p < 0.12) in the whole Hipparcos catalogue. On average, our revised distance moduli are decreased by 0.04 mag with respect to Paper I. The corresponding age of the GCs is t=11.5+-2.6 Gyr (95% confidence range). The relation between Mv(ZAHB) and metallicity for the nine programme clusters turns out to be Mv(ZAHB)=(0.18+-0.09)([Fe/H]+1.5)+(0.53+-0.12).Thanks to Hipparcos the major contribution to the total error budget associated with the subdwarf fitting technique has been moved from parallaxes to photometric calibrations, reddening and metallicity scale. This total uncertainty still amounts to about +-0.12 mag. Comparing the corresponding (true) LMC distance modulus 18.64+-0.12 mag with other existing determinations, we conclude that at present the best estimate for the distance of the LMC is: 18.54+-0.03+-0.06, suggesting that distances from the subdwarf fitting method are 1 sigma too long. Consequently, our best estimate for the age of the GCs is revised to: Age = 12.9+-2.9 Gyr (95% confidence range). The best relation between Mv(ZAHB) and [Fe/H] is: Mv(ZAHB) =(0.18+-0.09)([Fe/H]+1.5)+(0.63+-0.07).

Relative Ages of Galactic Globular Clusters: Clues to the Formation and Evolution of the Milky Way

Relative Ages of Galactic Globular Clusters: Clues to the Formation and Evolution of the Milky Way

Homogeneous photometry and metal abundances for a large sample of Hipparcos metal-poor stars

Homogeneous photometric data (Johnson V, B-V, V-K, Cousins V-I and Stromgren b-y), radial velocities, and abundances of Fe, O, Mg, Si, Ca, Ti, Cr and Ni are presented for 99 stars with high precision parallaxes measured by the Hipparcos satellite. These data have been previously used to assist the derivation of accurate distances and ages of galactic globular clusters. Magnitudes and colours for the programme stars were obtained combining and standardizing carefully selected literature data available in the Simbad data-base and V and B-V values measured by the Hipparcos/Tycho mission. Comparison of colours for our targets suggests: (i) ground-based and Tycho B-V's agree well for colours bluer than 0.75 mag, but have a lot of scatter for redder colours; (ii) the Hipparcos V-I colours have a very large scatter and a zero point offset of +0.02 mag compared to the literature values. The programme stars have metal abundances in the range -2.5 200) spectra obtained at the Asiago and McDonald Observatories for 66 stars. The analysis is carried out following the same precepts used in previous papers of this series and includes corrections for departures from LTE in the formation of the O lines. The main results are: (i) the equilibrium of ionization of Fe is well satisfied in late F-early K-dwarfs; (ii) Oxygen and alpha-elements are overabundant by about 0.3 dex. This large homogeneous abundance data set has been used to recalibrate the abundance scales of Schuster and Nissen (1989, AA, 221, 65), Carney et al. (1994, AJ, 107, 2240), and Ryan and Norris (1991, AJ, 101, 1835).

Ages of Globular Clusters fromHIPPARCOSParallaxes of Local Subdwarfs

We report here initial but strongly conclusive results for absolute ages of Galactic globular clusters (GGCs). This study is based on high-precision trigonometric parallaxes from the HIPPARCOS satellite coupled with accurate metal abundances ([Fe/H], [O/Fe], and [α/Fe]) from high-resolution spectroscopy for a sample of about thirty subdwarfs. Systematic effects due to star selection (Lutz-Kelker corrections to parallaxes) and the possible presence of undetected binaries in the sample of bona fide single stars are examined, and appropriate corrections are estimated. They are found to be small for our sample. The new data allow us to reliably define the absolute location of the main sequence (MS) as a function of metallicity. These results are then used to derive distances and ages for a carefully selected sample of nine globular clusters having metallicities determined from high-dispersion spectra of individual giants according to a procedure totally consistent with that used for the field subdwarfs. Very precise and homogeneous reddening values have also been independently determined for these clusters. Random errors for our distance moduli are ±0.08 mag, and systematic errors are likely of the same order of magnitude. These very accurate distances allow us to derive ages with internal errors of ~12% (±1.5 Gyr). The main results are: 1. HIPPARCOS parallaxes are smaller than corresponding ground-based measurements, leading, in turn, to longer distance moduli (~0.2 mag) and younger ages (~2.8 Gyr). 2. The distance to NGC 6752 derived from our MS fitting is consistent with that determined using the white dwarf cooling sequence. 3. The relation between the zero-age HB (ZAHB) absolute magnitude and metallicity for the nine program clusters is This relation is fairly consistent with some of the most recent theoretical models. Within quoted errors, the slope is in agreement with that given by the Baade-Wesselink (BW) analysis of RR Lyrae stars by Fernley and Clementini et al., while it is somewhat shallower than the relation given by Sandage. The zero-point is 0.2 to 0.3 mag brighter than that obtained with BW, while it agrees fairly well with that given by Sandage. A comparison with alternative relationships is briefly discussed. 4. The corresponding LMC distance modulus is (m - M)0 = 18.60 ± 0.07, in good agreement with the recent values of 18.70 ± 0.10 and 18.54 ± 0.2 derived by Feast & Catchpole and van Leeuwen et al., respectively, from HIPPARCOS parallaxes of Galactic Cepheid and Mira variables. 5. The age of the bona fide old globular clusters (Oosterhoff II and BHB), based on the absolute magnitude of the turnoff (a theoretically robust indicator) is where the error bar is the 95% confidence range. The rms scatter of individual ages around the mean value is ~10%, in agreement with expectations from observational errors alone (that is, we do not find it necessary to introduce a real age scatter among these clusters). A reliable study of the relative ages requires the use of age indicators better suited to this purpose and data for a larger sample of GGCs. 6. Allowing for a minimum delay of 0.5 Gyr from the birth of the universe until the formation of globular clusters, our age estimate is compatible with an Einstein-de Sitter model if H0 ≤ 64 km s-1 Mpc-1, or H0 ≤ 83 km s-1 Mpc-1 in a flat universe with Ωm = 0.2. Since these upper limits are well within the confidence range of most determinations of H0, we conclude that the present age of globular clusters does not conflict with standard inflationary models of the universe.

THE RELATIVE AGES OF GALACTIC GLOBULAR CLUSTERS

ABSTRACT We present a review of the present state of knowledge regarding the relative ages of Galactic globular clusters. First, we discuss the relevant galaxy formation models and describe the detailed predictions they make with respect to the formation timescale and chemical evolution of the globular clusters. Next, the techniques used to estimate globular cluster ages are described and evaluated with particular emphasis on the advantages and disadvantages of each method. With these techniques as a foundation, we present arguments in favor of the following assertions: 1) The age of a globular cluster is the likeliest candidate to be the global second parameter, which along with metal abundance, controls the morphology of the horizonal branch. 2) A total age range of as much as ~ 5 Gyr exists among the bulk of the Galactic globulars. 3) There is a significant relation between age and metallicity among the Galactic globular clusters if the slope of the \\mvrr-\\feh\\ relation is less than ~ 0.23. These conclusions along with other supporting evidence favor a formation scenario in which the inner regions of the Galactic halo collapsed in a monotonic fashion over a short time period much less than 1 Gyr. In contrast, the outer regions of the halo fragmented and collapsed in a chaotic manner over several Gyrs.

Hipparcos subdwarfs and globular cluster ages: towards reliable absolute ages

The maximum age of galactic globular clusters provides the best observational constraint on the minimum age of the Universe. One of the main “missing link” in the globular cluster age determination has been the lack of a precise calibration, with local subdwarfs, of the position of the subdwarf sequence at different [Fe/H].Hipparcos data may change this situation. As many precise parallaxes become available for local subdwarfs, the distance to globular clusters can be estimated directly from ZAMS fitting to the subdwarf locus. The ages can then be inferred from the turnoff luminosity (a robust prediction of stellar evolution models), rather than using secondary indicators such as Horizontal-Branch position, or indicators depending on the uncertain colour scale such as turnoff colour.Combining Hipparcos parallaxes with [Fe/H] values determined with the CORAVEL spectrometer, we are studying the position of the subdwarfs in the Colour-Magnitude Diagram from a sample of more than 900 subdwarf candidates. Preliminary results are presented here. It is shown that the distances of many subdwarfs had been underestimated in previous studies, mainly because a large fraction of them is in fact evolved off the main sequence into the turnoff or the subgiant branch.

Age Gradient and the Second Parameter Problem in the Galactic Halo

We establish a framework for determing absolute ages of Galactic globular clusters and then use these ages to investigate the age-metallicity and age-Galactocentric distance relations for the 36 clusters with the most reliable age data. The clusters span Galactocentric distances from 4 through 100 kpc and cover a metallicity range from $[Fe/H] = -0.6$ to $-2.3$. Adopting currently plausible choices for the relation between cluster metallicity and horizontal-branch luminosity, and alpha-enhancement ratios, we find that the majority of the globular clusters form an age distribution with a dispersion $\sigma(t)$ about $10^9$ years, and a total age spread smaller than 4 Gyr. Clusters in the lowest metallicity group ($[Fe/H] < -1.8$) appear to be the same age to well within 1 Gyr at all locations in the Milky Way halo, suggesting that star formation began throughout the halo nearly simultaneously in its earliest stages. We find no statistically significant correlation between mean cluster age and Galactocentric distance (no age gradient) from 4 to 100 kpc. The correlation between cluster age and horizontal-branch type suggests that causes in addition to metallicity and age are required to understand the distribution of stars along the horizontal branches in globular cluster color-magnitude diagrams.

Globular cluster ages revisited - The case of Ruprecht 106

view Abstract Citations (78) References (37) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Globular Cluster Ages Revisited: The Case of Ruprecht 106 Buonanno, Roberto ; Corsi, Carlo E. ; Pecci, Flavio F. ; Richer, Harvey B. ; Fahlman, Gregory G. Abstract Further strong evidence is presented that the Galactic globular cluster Ruprecht 106 is 'metal-poor and young', implying a delayed (about 4-5 Gyr) cluster formation within the Galactic Halo, unless it was captured from the Magellanic Clouds or other Galactic satellites. Moreover, alpha-enhanced evolutionary stellar models are necessary to explain several observed features in the color-magnitude diagram (CMD) of Ruprecht 106, in particular its red horizontal branch. Such models are necessary to yield a global self-consistency between the CMD observables and the determinations of metallicity, and age. If confirmed, this result may imply that the ages of Galactic globular clusters determined using models where only O-enhancement is taken into account should be regarded with caution. Publication: The Astronomical Journal Pub Date: January 1993 DOI: 10.1086/116419 Bibcode: 1993AJ....105..184B Keywords: Color-Magnitude Diagram; Galactic Halos; Globular Clusters; Magellanic Clouds; Stellar Evolution; Horizontal Branch Stars; Metallicity; Milky Way Galaxy; Stellar Models; Astrophysics; GLOBULAR CLUSTERS: INDIVIDUAL: RUPRECHT 106; STARS: ABUNDANCES full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (14)