Globular Cluster Systems

by Keith M. Ashman, Stephen E. Zepf

Overview

Globular clusters are roughly spherical, densely packed groups of stars found around galaxies. Most globular clusters probably formed at the same time as their host galaxies. Therefore they provide a unique fossil record of the conditions during the formation and early evolution of galaxies. This volume presents a comprehensive review of globular cluster systems. It summarizes their observed properties and shows how these constrain models of the structure of stars, the formation and evolution of galaxies and globular clusters, and the age of the Universe. For graduate students and researchers, this timely volume provides the definitive reference on globular cluster systems.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521087834
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	12/11/2008
Series:	Cambridge Astrophysics , #30
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	5.91(w) x 8.27(h) x 0.35(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Properties of globular clusters; 3. The galactic globular cluster system; 4. Globular cluster systems in nearby galaxies; 5. Properties of extragalactic globular cluster systems; 6. Globular clusters and galaxy formation; 7. The formation of globular clusters; 8. Future prospects; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

Review of the hardback: 'For those working on globular clusters this book is an excellent reference and I would also recommend it to those working in galaxy formation.' Simon Goodwin, The Observatory

From the Publisher