Deep Hubble Space Telescope Observations of Blue Star Clusters in NGC 3597
Abstract
We have analyzed HST/WFPC2 images of NGC 3597 and find ~700 compact objects surrounding the galaxy with an average (B-R)_0~0.6. We propose that the majority of these objects are young globular clusters. They have a spread in colors that is consistent with that expected for a population of young clusters with a common age and spread induced by photometric errors and reddening within NGC 3597. If these objects were similar to the Galactic globular cluster system seen at a younger age, we would predict a turnover in the luminosity function at B~23. However, we find that the luminosity function for the clusters is increasing to the limits of our photometry (B~27).
- Publication:
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The Astronomical Journal
- Pub Date:
- April 1999
- DOI:
- 10.1086/300819
- Bibcode:
- 1999AJ....117.1700C
- Keywords:
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- GALAXIES: STAR CLUSTERS