The extremely populated globular cluster system of the lenticular galaxy NGC6861

CARLOS ESCUDERO; FAVIO R. FAIFER; LILIA P. BASSINO; JUAN PABLO CALDERÓN; JUAN PABLO CASO

Toronto

Workshop; Future and Science of Gemini Observatory; 2016

Observatorio Gemini

The study of globular cluster systems (GCSs) provides important clues about the star formation historyand chemical enrichment of galaxies. Using the Gemini/GMOS instrument, we present a photometricstudy of the GCS associated to the galaxy NGC6861. This lenticular galaxy, located in low densityenvironment, poses a challenge in understanding of their origin and evolution.Analysing colour-colour and color-magnitude diagramas of NGC6861, we found a large number of GCcandidates, and estimates a total population of 3000+/-300 clusters. This translate in a high specificfrequency of Sn~10.Besides the known blue and red subpopulations, the colour distribution shows signs of the possibleexistence of a third subpopulation with intermediate colours. This, together with non-concentricisophotes presented by the galaxy, could be interpreted as evidence of a past interaction or merger event.