Abstract
Ultraviolet, optical and near-infrared images of the nearby (D 5.5 Mpc) SBm galaxy NGC 1311, obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope, reveal a small population of 13 candidate star clusters. We identify candidate star clusters based on a combination of their luminosity, extent, and spectral energy distribution. The masses of the cluster candidates range from 103 M☉ up to 105 M☉, and show a strong positive trend of larger mass with increasing with cluster age. Such a trend follows from the fading and dissolution of old, low-mass clusters, and the lack of any young super-star clusters of the sort often formed in strong starbursts. The cluster age distribution is consistent with a bursting mode of cluster formation, with active episodes of age ~10 Myr, ~100 Myr, and Gyr. The ranges of age and mass we probe are consistent with those of the star clusters found in quiescent Local Group dwarf galaxies.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 120-129 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Astronomical Journal |
Volume | 135 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- galaxies: individual (NGC 1311)
- galaxies: spiral
- galaxies: star clusters
- infrared: galaxies
- ultraviolet: galaxies