The metallicity distribution and its gradients in the LMC via calcium triplet spectroscopy

Abstract

We present a new calibration of the CaII triplet as metallicity indicator based in 4 globular and 11 open clusters which cover a range of metallicity - 2≤[Fe/H]≤+0.1 and age 13≤(Age/Gyr)≤0.25. We use it to derive the metallicity distribution in two fields situated at 5 and 8 degrees from the center of the LMC. We show that the mean [Fe/H] of the LMC field decreases as we move away from the bar. © 2006 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.