Globular clusters in the Galactic bulge

TL;DR

This paper reviews the properties and distribution of globular clusters in the Galactic bulge to better understand its formation, providing a curated list of probable bulge clusters, discussing reddening effects, and updating elemental abundances.

Contribution

It offers a curated list of 43 probable bulge globular clusters, discusses reddening law implications, and updates elemental abundance data for these clusters.

Findings

Identified 43 probable bulge globular clusters based on spatial and metallicity criteria.

Determined the most suitable reddening law with R_V=3.2 for distance estimates.

Updated elemental abundances for bulge clusters.

Abstract

A view of the Galactic bulge by means of their globular clusters is necessary for a deep understanding of its formation and evolution. Connections between the globular cluster and field star properties in terms of kinematics, orbits, chemical abundances and ages should shed light on different stellar population components. Based on spatial distribution and metallicity, we define a probable best list of bulge clusters, containing 43 entries. Future work on newly discovered objects, mostly from the VVV survey, is suggested. These candidates might alleviate the issue of missing clusters on the far side of the bulge. We discuss the reddening law affecting the cluster distances towards the center of the Galaxy, and conclude that the most suitable total-to-selective absorption value appears to be R$_{\rm V}$=3.2, in agreement with recent analyses. An update of elemental abundances for bulge clusters is provided.