Identification of Globular Cluster Stars in RAVE data II: Extended tidal debris around NGC 3201

TL;DR

This study identifies extended tidal debris around globular cluster NGC 3201 using RAVE data, revealing a large spatial extent and providing insights into the cluster's origin and dynamical history.

Contribution

First report of widespread tidal debris around NGC 3201, linking it to the cluster's past and dynamical evolution using RAVE data.

Findings

Debris stars are located 1-7 kpc away.

Three candidate debris stars are separated by 80 degrees.

Tidal debris suggests extensive past interactions.

Abstract

We report the identification of extended tidal debris potentially associated with the globular cluster NGC 3201, using the RAVE catalogue. We find the debris stars are located at a distance range of 1-7 kpc based on the forthcoming RAVE distance estimates. The derived space velocities and integrals of motion show interesting connections to NGC 3201, modulo uncertainties in the proper motions. Three stars, which are among the 4 most likely candidates for NGC 3201 tidal debris, are separated by 80 degrees on the sky yet are well matched by the 12 Gyr, [Fe/H] = -1.5 isochrone appropriate for the cluster. This is the first time tidal debris around this cluster has been reported over such a large spatial extent, with implications for the cluster$'$s origin and dynamical evolution.