Star clusters in the nearby late-type galaxy NGC 1311

Paul B. Eskridge, Richard De Grijs, Peter Anders, Rogier Windhorst, Violet A. Mager, Rolf A. Jansen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ultraviolet, optical and near-infrared images of the nearby (D 5.5 Mpc) SBm galaxy NGC 1311, obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope, reveal a small population of 13 candidate star clusters. We identify candidate star clusters based on a combination of their luminosity, extent, and spectral energy distribution. The masses of the cluster candidates range from 103 M up to 105 M, and show a strong positive trend of larger mass with increasing with cluster age. Such a trend follows from the fading and dissolution of old, low-mass clusters, and the lack of any young super-star clusters of the sort often formed in strong starbursts. The cluster age distribution is consistent with a bursting mode of cluster formation, with active episodes of age 10 Myr, 100 Myr, and Gyr. The ranges of age and mass we probe are consistent with those of the star clusters found in quiescent Local Group dwarf galaxies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)120-129
Number of pages10
JournalAstronomical Journal
Volume135
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2008

Keywords

  • Galaxies: individual (NGC 1311)
  • Galaxies: spiral
  • Galaxies: star clusters
  • Infrared: galaxies
  • Ultraviolet: galaxies

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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