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

CASO J.P.; BASSINO L.P; RICHTLER T.; SALINAS R.

MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2019 vol. 483 p. 4371 - 4382

0035-8711

We present a photometric study of the isolated elliptical NGC6411 and its globular cluster (GC) system, based on Gemini/GMOS g′, r′, i′ photometry. This galaxy has been the host of a 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 ages derived from spectroscopic studies of the diffuse light of the galaxy.