Structure of the horizontal branch and age of globular clusters

Astrophysics ◽  
1975 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-63
Author(s):  
A. M. �igenson
2005 ◽  
Vol 621 (1) ◽  
pp. L57-L60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young-Wook Lee ◽  
Seok-Joo Joo ◽  
Sang-Il Han ◽  
Chul Chung ◽  
Chang H. Ree ◽  
...  

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (S262) ◽  
pp. 27-30
Author(s):  
Aldo A. R. Valcarce ◽  
Márcio Catelan

AbstractGlobular clusters (GCs) are spheroidal concentrations typically containing of the order of 105 to 106, predominantly old, stars. Historically, they have been considered as the closest counterparts of the idealized concept of “simple stellar populations.” However, some recent observations suggest than, at least in some GCs, some stars are present that have been formed with material processed by a previous generation of stars. In this sense, it has also been suggested that such material might be enriched in helium, and that blue horizontal branch stars in some GCs should accordingly be the natural progeny of such helium-enhanced stars. In this contribution we show that, at least in the case of M3 (NGC 5272), the suggested level of helium enrichment is not supported by the available, high-precision observations.


2019 ◽  
Vol 629 ◽  
pp. A53 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Torelli ◽  
G. Iannicola ◽  
P. B. Stetson ◽  
I. Ferraro ◽  
G. Bono ◽  
...  

Context. Theory and observations indicate that the distribution of stars along the horizontal branch of Galactic globular clusters mainly depends on the metal content. However, the existence of globular clusters with similar metal content and absolute age but different horizontal branch morphologies, suggests the presence of another parameter affecting the star distribution along the branch. Aims. To investigate the variation of the horizontal branch morphology in Galactic globular clusters, we define a new photometric horizontal branch morphology index, overcoming some of the limitations and degeneracies affecting similar indices available in the literature. Methods. We took advantage of a sample of 64 Galactic globular clusters, with both space-based imaging data (Advanced Camera for Surveys survey of Galactic globular clusters) and homogeneous ground-based photometric catalogues in five different bands (U, B, V, R, I). The new index, τHB, is defined as the ratio between the areas subtended by the cumulative number distribution in magnitude (I) and in colour (V − I) of all stars along the horizontal branch. Results. This new index shows a linear trend over the entire range in metallicity (−2.35 ≤ [Fe/H] ≤ −0.12) covered by our Galactic globular cluster sample. We found a linear relation between τHB and absolute cluster ages. We also found a quadratic anti-correlation with [Fe/H], becoming linear when we eliminate the age effect on τHB values. Moreover, we identified a subsample of eight clusters that are peculiar according to their τHB values. These clusters have bluer horizontal branch morphology when compared to typical ones of similar metallicity. These findings allow us to define them as the ’second parameter’ clusters in the sample. A comparison with synthetic horizontal branch models suggests that they cannot be entirely explained with a spread in helium content.


White Dwarfs ◽  
2003 ◽  
pp. 155-156
Author(s):  
M. Ramspeck ◽  
U. Heber ◽  
S. Moehler ◽  
I. N. Reid

1973 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 196-196
Author(s):  
T. S. Van Albada ◽  
Norman Baker

AbstractThe observational evidence leading to the classification, following Oosterhoff, of globular clusters containing RR Lyrae stars into two distinct groups, is summarized and discussed in the light of results of stellar evolution theory and pulsation theory. The dichotomy is caused, at least in part, by a dichotomy in the ‘transition period’ between the type-ab and type-c stars which reflects a difference in effective temperature at the transition point. When this difference is accounted for, there remains a smaller average difference between the groups, though no longer a clear dichotomy, that is probably a mass and luminosity effect. If this remaining difference is interpreted as a luminosity effect the average difference in luminosity between the two Oosterhoff groups is at most 0.1 mag. It is suggested that Christy’s theoretical relationship between transition period and luminosity cannot be valid, at least not for clusters of different Oosterhoff groups. It is conjectured that the transition-temperature dichotomy may be a reflection of different predominant directions of evolution along the horizontal branch, accompanied by a hysteresis effect in the pulsations.


1973 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 197-206
Author(s):  
V. Castellani ◽  
P. Giannone ◽  
A. Renzini

AbstractThe differences in observational parameters of the RR Lyrae variables and horizontal branch stars of globular clusters and other population II systems are considered. A discontinuous behaviour of some parameters is outlined. The Oosterhoff dichotomy and the HB morphology are discussed with regard to a conjecture of mass loss in the pre-HB phase.


1993 ◽  
Vol 153 ◽  
pp. 323-324
Author(s):  
B. Barbuy ◽  
E. Bica ◽  
S. Ortolani

We have obtained CCD BVRI colour-magnitude diagrams for a series of disk globular clusters, improving parameters and detecting a new one: Lyngå 7. Using the magnitude difference between turn-off and horizontal branch Δ(TO-HB) as an age discriminator, and their spatial distribution we compare old disk open clusters, young halo globular clusters, and metal-rich disk globular clusters, obtaining clues to the Galaxy formation process.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document