Globular Clusters in the Local Group

Abstract

AbstractOnly twelve of the > 76 Local Group galaxies contain globular clusters, showing a broad range of specific frequencies. Here we summarize the properties of these globular cluster systems. Many host galaxies contain very old globulars, but in some globular cluster formation may have been delayed. An age range of several Gyr is common. Except for the inner regions of the spirals, old globular clusters tend to be metal-poor. Increasingly, light element variations and hints of multiple stellar populations are being found also in extragalactic globulars. There is ample evidence for globular cluster accretion from dwarfs onto massive galaxies, but its magnitude has yet to be quantified. Caution is needed to avoid overinterpreting indirect evidence.