Astrophysics (Index)About

globular cluster luminosity function

(GCLF)
(distribution of brightness of globular clusters)

The globular cluster luminosity function (GCLF) is an observed density function (a probability density function, typically unnormalized) of the occurrence of globular clusters at various B-band absolute magnitudes. The distribution peaks in the general region of absolute magnitude around -6 to -7. This peak is referred to as its luminosity function turnover (LFTO). An estimate of a galaxy's distance can be obtained by comparing the LFTO of its globular cluster apparent magnitudes and assuming the LFTO of their absolute magnitudes is similar to those of nearby galaxies for which other distance determinations have been carried out.


(globular clusters,galaxies,distance)
Further reading:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globular_cluster#Mass_segregation,_luminosity_and_core_collapse
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2012Ap%26SS.341..195R/abstract
https://ned.ipac.caltech.edu/level5/Sept13/Kissler/Kissler7.html
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1997hst..prop.7542S/abstract

Referenced by pages:
luminosity function (LF)
planetary nebula luminosity function (PNLF)
standard candle

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