Globular clusters and the distance to M 87.

April 1985 • 1985AJ.....90..595V

Authors • van den Bergh, S. • Pritchet, C. • Grillmair, C.

Abstract • The luminosity function of the globular clusters surrounding M87 (NGC 4486) has been determined down to B = 25.4. The luminosity function possesses a turnover at B = 25.0±0.3 (estimated uncertainty), i.e., 0.4 mag above the plate limit. Assuming that this peak occurs at the same absolute magnitude as that of the luminosity of Local Group globulars yields a distance modulus (m-M)₀ = 31.43±0.3, which corresponds to a distance 19±3 Mpc. After correction for Virgocentric infall, a value of 68±10 km s^-1Mpc^-1 is obtained for the global Hubble parameter. The luminosity function of globular clusters surrounding M87 is not well fitted by a Gaussian with σ = 1.2 (which fits the data for Local Group globular clusters quite well). The authors find that the radial distribution of globular clusters near the core of M87 is much shallower than that of the light in M87. The total number of globular clusters associated with M87 is estimated to be ≡2×10⁴.

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