Scaling relations for globular cluster systems in early-type galaxies

JUAN PABLO CASO; ANA I. ENNIS; BRUNO DE BÓRTOLI

La Serena

Workshop; Galaxy Groups and Clusters III; 2023

Universidad de La Serena

The globular clusters (GCs) are compact stellar systems, considered as the massive end in the mass function of stellar clusters. Most of them are old (8-10 Gyr), form at the epoch at which the cosmic star-formation density peaked its maximum. Although several questions remain unresolved about their origin, it is believed that the merger episodes experience by their host galaxy were relevant for their survival and migration to the halo. Subsequent accretion processes that increased the total mass of the galaxy, also enriched the GC system (GCS), shaping its current properties. Hence, the GCSs in the nearby Universe underline the evolutionary history experienced by their host galaxy. The analysis of scaling relations for GCSs is crucial for understanding the relevance of different physical processes involved in their origin and evolution. In recent years, we have carried on a compilation of GCSs properties in early-type galaxies. Based on both, literature results and profiles derived by us, we have built up a sample of 100 GCSs, and analysed the scaling relations as a function of several galaxy parameters. In this contribution, a sample of nearby massive galaxies are considered, focusing on the inner GCS radial profile. Including the profiles derived in our previous papers, the total sample has ≈60 GCSs with radial profiles homogeneously calculated, and spanning two orders of magnitude in stellar mass of the host galaxy. The results provide evidence to constrain the theories on GCs erosion.