Globular Clusters in Compact Groups

Abstract

We have studied globular cluster systems (GCSs) around elliptical galaxies in Hickson compact groups using multi-band deep, high quality images from Keck, VLT and CFHT. Analyzing the luminosity functions, specific frequencies, color and spatial distributions, we could determine the properties of the GCSs of those galaxies and trace their star formation histories. We have found poor populations, concentrated toward the center of the galaxies, with bimodal color distributions. The study of GCSs around galaxies in small groups are a blank on the globular cluster literature.

6 pages, 5 figures. Contributed talk given at the ESO workshop "Extragalactic Globular Cluster Systems", August 2002, Garching, ed. M. Kissler-Patig, Springer-Verlag