A Probable New Globular Cluster in the Galactic Disk

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of a probable new globular cluster in the Milky Way's disk, identified through infrared surveys, with properties consistent with an old, massive globular cluster located 4-8 kpc away.

Contribution

It presents the identification and characterization of a new globular cluster in the Galactic disk using infrared survey data, expanding knowledge of Milky Way's globular cluster population.

Findings

Likely a new old globular cluster in the Galactic disk.

Estimated mass of a few times 10^5 solar masses.

Located at a distance of 4-8 kpc from the Sun.

Abstract

We report the discovery of a probable new globular cluster in the disk of the Milky Way. Visible in 2MASS and the GLIMPSE survey, it has an estimated foreground extinction of A_V ~ 24 mag. The absolute magnitude of the cluster and the luminosity function of the red giant branch are most consistent with that of an old globular cluster with a mass of a few times 10^5 solar masses at a distance of 4-8 kpc.