The globular cluster system of the isolated elliptical NGC 6411: an old system in an intermediate-age galaxy?†

We present a photometric study of the isolated elliptical NGC 6411 and its globular cluster (GC) system, based on Gemini/GMOS g', r', i' photometry. This galaxy has been the host of an SNIa. Spectral studies indicate an intermediate-age and very metal-rich stellar population in its inner region. The extent of the globular cluster system is about 65 kpc. Its population contains 700 ± 45 members, implying a rather poor system, as normally found for isolated ellipticals. The colour bimodality and luminosity distribution are typical of old GC systems. An excess of bright GCs with intermediate colours might evidence an intermediate-age merger, but their colours indicate an older event than the ages derived from spectroscopic studies of the diffuse light of the galaxy.