The White Dwarf Cooling Sequence of Globular Cluster M4
Abstract
Based upon our unique 123 orbit Hubble Space Telescope dataset we present the white dwarf cooling sequence for globular cluster M4. The limiting magnitude of the sequence is V=30 and I=28. Fitting the cluster and and thin disk sequences in an identical manner we determine 2-sigma ages of 12.7+/-0.7 Gyr and 7.3+/-1.5 Gyr for each respectively. The implications of our results for the putative population of high velocity halo white dwarfs which may dominate the baryonic budget of the Milky Way will be discussed.
- Publication:
-
IAU Joint Discussion
- Pub Date:
- 2003
- Bibcode:
- 2003IAUJD...5E..33G