Keck spectroscopy of globular clusters in the spiral galaxy NGC 2683

TL;DR

This study uses Keck spectroscopy to analyze 24 candidate globular clusters in NGC 2683, revealing mostly old clusters with one younger cluster linked to recent star formation, similar to the Milky Way.

Contribution

First detailed spectroscopic analysis of globular clusters in NGC 2683, showing their age and metallicity distributions and evidence of recent star formation.

Findings

Most GCs are old, similar to Milky Way clusters.

One GC shows a young age (~3 Gyr), indicating recent star formation.

The young GC's properties match the galaxy's center, suggesting a recent starburst.

Abstract

We analyse Keck spectra of 24 candidate globular clusters (GCs) associated with the spiral galaxy NGC 2683. We identify 19 bona fide GCs based on their recession velocities, of which 15 were suitable for stellar population analysis. Age and metallicity determinations reveal old ages in 14 out of 15 GCs. These old GCs exhibit age and metallicity distributions similar to that of the Milky Way GC system. One GC in NGC 2683 was found to exhibit an age of ~3 Gyr. The age, metallicity and alpha-element abundance of this centrally located GC are remarkably similar to the values found for the galactic centre itself, providing further evidence for a recent star formation event in NGC 2683.