Merger Induced Globular Cluster Formation and Galaxy Evolution

TL;DR

This paper models globular cluster formation during galaxy mergers using observational data, integrating it into galaxy evolution theories, and compares the results with stellar metallicity distributions from SDSS survey data.

Contribution

It introduces a model linking globular cluster formation to galaxy mergers, supported by hydrogen observations and integrated into a chemical evolution framework.

Findings

Clusters of globular cluster mass are still forming today.

Model results align with observed stellar metallicity distributions.

Galaxy formation likely involved multiple dwarf irregular mergers.

Abstract

Based on the earlier work of Gunn and McCrea we model the formation of globular clusters in merging galaxies. Neutral hydrogen observations of dwarf irregular galaxies as well as more luminous systems are used to provide the key parameters of the model. The observations indicate that clusters with the mass of globular clusters should still be forming today. The model is incorporated into a phenomenological picture of galaxy evolution making use of a simple chemical evolution model. These results are compared to recent observations of the metallicity distributions of F and G stars from a recent large SDSS survey. The comparisons are consistent with an anisotropic collapse and merging of a large number of dwarf irregular galaxies for the formation of the Galaxy.