Globular clusters in galaxies beyond the local group. I - New cluster systems in selected northern ellipticals

Abstract

After detecting globular cluster systems in eight northern, elliptical galaxies having redshifts in the 740-1800 km/sec range, radial star counts around each galaxy are used to estimate the total populations and structural characteristics of their cluster systems. In combination with previously obtained material on other galaxies, these data are invoked in a discussion of the 'specific frequency' S or number of globular clusters per unit of galactic luminosity, in elliptical galaxies generally. It is found that the majority of ellipticals have S values in the range of 4-10, and that although there is a possibility of environmental differences, there is no strong correlation of S with galaxy luminosity.