Globular clusters and dwarf spheroidal galaxies

Abstract

Traditionally, globular clusters and dwarf spheroidal galaxies have been distinguished by using one or more of the following criteria: (i) mass, (ii) luminosity, (iii) size, (iv) mass-to-light ratio and (v) spread in metallicity. However, a few recently discovered objects show some overlap between the domains in parameter space that are occupied by galaxies and clusters. In this Letter, it is shown that ellipticity can, in some cases, be used to help distinguish between globular clusters and dwarf spheroidal galaxies. © 2008 National Research Council of Canada. Journal compilation © 2008 RAS.