Multiwavelength photometry in the Globular Cluster M2

TL;DR

This study provides a comprehensive multiwavelength photometric analysis of globular cluster M2, revealing detailed structural parameters, bimodal BSS distribution, and stellar population gradients, enhancing understanding of cluster dynamics and evolution.

Contribution

It combines multi-instrument data to analyze M2's structure, BSS distribution, and stellar populations, offering new insights into cluster dynamics and stellar evolution.

Findings

Bimodal BSS radial distribution with a central peak and outer rise.

Central overabundance of AGB stars and bluer core region.

Deficit of luminous RGB stars in the core.

Abstract

We present a multiwavelength photometric analysis of the globular cluster M2. The data-set has been obtained by combining high-resolution (HST/WFPC2 and ACS) and wide-field (GALEX) space observations and ground based (MEGACAM-CFHT, EMMI-NTT) images. The photometric sample covers the entire cluster extension from the very central regions up to the tidal radius and beyond. It allows an accurate determination of the cluster center of gravity and other structural parameters derived from the star count density profile. Moreover we study the BSS population and its radial distribution. A total of 123 BSS has been selected, and their radial distribution has been found to be bimodal (highly peaked in the center, decreasing at intermediate radii and rising outward), as already found in a number of other clusters. The radial position of the minimum of the BSS distribution is consistent with the radius of avoidance caused by the dynamical friction of massive objects over the cluster age. We also searched for gradients in the red giant branch (RGB) and the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) populations. At the $2\sigma$ level we found an overabundance of AGB stars within the core radius and confirmed the result of Sohn et al.(1996) that the central region of M2 is bluer than the outer part. We show that the latter is due to a deficit of very luminous RGB stars in the central region.