Low-Metallicity Globular Clusters in the Low-Mass Isolated Spiral Galaxy NGC 2403

TL;DR

This study investigates the properties and origins of globular clusters in the low-mass, isolated galaxy NGC 2403, revealing a predominantly old, metal-poor population and providing insights into its star formation history.

Contribution

First detailed spectroscopic analysis of GCs in NGC 2403, identifying their ages, metallicities, and formation history in a low-mass, isolated galaxy.

Findings

All old GCs are metal-poor with [Fe/H] ≤ -1.

GC ages range from shortly after the Big Bang to present.

GC formation occurred over many Gyr from low-yield gas.

Abstract

The globular cluster (GC) systems of low-mass late-type galaxies, such as NGC 2403, have been poorly studied to date. As a low mass galaxy (M$_{\ast}$ = 7 $\times$ 10$^{9}$ M$_{\odot}$), cosmological simulations predict NGC 2403 to contain few, if any, accreted GCs. It is also isolated, with a remarkably undisturbed HI disk. Based on candidates from the literature, Sloan Digital Sky Survey and Hyper Suprime-Cam imaging, we selected several GCs for follow-up spectroscopy using the Keck Cosmic Web Imager. From their radial velocities, and other properties, we identify 8 bona-fide GCs associated with either the inner halo or the disk of this bulgeless galaxy. A stellar population analysis suggests a wide range of GC ages from shortly after the Big Bang until the present day. We find all of the old GCs to be metal-poor with [Fe/H] $\le$ --1. The age--metallicity relation for the observed GCs suggests that they were formed over many Gyr from gas with a low effective yield, similar to that observed in the SMC. Outflows of enriched material may have contributed to the low yield. With a total system of $\sim$50 GCs expected, our study is the first step in fully mapping the star cluster history of NGC 2403 in both space and time.