Substructure in the Andromeda Galaxy Globular Cluster System

Abstract

In the most prominent current scenario of galaxy formation, galaxies form hierarchically through the merger of smaller systems. Such mergers could leave behind dynamical signatures which may linger long after the event. In particular, the globular cluster system (GCS) of a merging satellite galaxy may remain as a distinct sub-population within the GCS of a massive galaxy. Using the latest available globular cluster velocities and metallicities, we present the results of a search for grouping in the GCS of our nearest large spiral galaxy neighbor, M31. A modified friends-of-friends algorithm is used to identify a number of possible merger remnants in projected position, radial velocity and [Fe/H] parameter space. Numerical simulations are used to check that such merger remnants are indeed plausible over the timescales of interest. The identification of stellar streams associated with these groups is required in order to confirm that they represent merger remnants.

19 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in the ApJ

References in corpus (2)

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• An Aligned Stream of Low-Metallicity Clusters in the Halo of the Milky Way

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• Fresh Insights on the Kinematics of M49's Globular Cluster System with MMT/Hectospec Spectroscopy
• The kinematics of globular clusters systems in the outer halos of the Aquarius simulations
• Chemo-dynamical substructure in the M31 inner halo globular clusters: Further evidence for a recent accretion event