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| Paper: |
The Age of the Galactic Bulge from Globular Cluster HST Observations |
| Volume: |
92, Formation of the Galactic Halo. . . . Inside and Out |
| Page: |
96 |
| Authors: |
Ortolani, Sergio; Renzini, Alvio; Gilmozzi, Roberto; Marconi, Gianni; Barbuy, Beatriz; Bica, Eduardo; Rich, R. Michael |
| Abstract: |
In an effort to settle the controversy on the age of the galactic bulge, we have imaged with the Hubble Space Telescope (WFPC2) two very metal rich globular clusters, thus securing the most accurate age determination currently possible for specific components of the bulge. Within the uncertainties of a few Gyr, bulge and halo clusters appear coeval on the base of the horizontal branch-main sequence turnoff luminosity difference. This halo-bulge age continuity argues for the bulge formation being part of the spheroid formation process, rather than a late event in the evolution of the Galaxy. This conclusion is reinforced by our finding that the bulge clusters and Baade Window luminosity functions are virtually identical. |
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