On the Problem of the Specific Frequency of Globular Clusters

Abstract

In the article, on the basis of observational data the problems of the specific frequency of globular clusters are studied. Possible relationships between them and the absolute stellar magnitude of their host galaxy are considered, where the observational data published in the literature were presented. It should be noted that before us the relationship between the specific frequency and the absolute magnitude is shown as exponential functions. An empirical relationship between the specific frequency and the absolute value of the host galaxy were obtained and showed that the dependence of the specific frequency on the absolute magnitude is not linear, but has a quadratic function. It is also shown that the specific frequency determines the number of globular clusters in a given galaxy relative to our Galaxy. Also in the article, based on the results of studies of the specific frequency, some discussions are presented related to the origin and evolution of globular clusters. The results obtained show that the ratios of the specific frequency to the luminosity of the host galaxy are different. Variations in the specific frequency of elliptical galaxies are associated with variations in the mass-to-luminous flux ratio. This may be due to the fact that the number of globular clusters in spiral galaxies per unit of luminosity of the halo and not of the entire galaxy. Analysis of the observational data shows that the values of the specific frequency of spiral galaxies are 5–6 times less than that of giant elliptical ones. As a result of the results of studies of the specific frequency of the globular clusters, unsolved problems are listed and possible solutions are shown. It is noted that the problem posed will be solved even more accurately if it is considered by the types of galaxies.