The central region of the Fornax cluster -- III. Dwarf galaxies, globular clusters, and cD halo - are there interrelations?

TL;DR

This paper reviews the properties of dwarf galaxies, globular clusters, and the cD halo in the Fornax cluster core, exploring whether dwarf galaxy accretion explains observed features and considering alternative mechanisms.

Contribution

It investigates the role of dwarf galaxy accretion in shaping the globular cluster system and cD halo, proposing that other physical processes may also be involved.

Findings

Increased globular cluster specific frequency requires efficient formation or accretion of globulars.

Dwarf galaxy infall can explain some properties but is likely not the sole mechanism.

Other physical processes probably contribute to the observed system characteristics.

Abstract

In this paper we briefly review the properties of the dwarf galaxy population at the core of the Fornax cluster, as well as the properties of the extraordinary rich globular cluster system and the cD halo around the central galaxy NGC 1399. In turn, the question whether a scenario in which dwarf galaxies have been accreted and dissolved in the cluster center can explain the observed properties is addressed. The possibility of accretion of a certain number of dwarf galaxies, the stripping of their globular clusters and gas, and the formation of new globular clusters from stripped infalling gas are discussed. An increase in the specific frequency of the central globular cluster system is only possible, if the infalling gas from stripped dwarfs formed globulars very efficiently and/or accreted and stripped dwarf galaxies possessed a rich globular cluster system themselves. In conclusion, we argue that although the dwarf galaxy infall is a very attractive scenario to explain a number of properties in the system there are probably other physical mechanisms that also take place.