Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-6-2009
Abstract
We present simple stellar population (SSP) models with scaled-solar and α-element-enhanced abundances. The SSP models are based on the Dartmouth Stellar Evolution Database, our library of synthetic stellar spectra, and a detailed systematic variation of horizontal-branch (HB) morphology with age and metallicity. In order to test the relative importance of a variety of SSP model ingredients, we compare our SSP models with integrated spectra of 41 Milky Way globular clusters (MWGCs) from Schiavon etal. Using the Mg b and Ca4227 indices, we confirm that Mg and Ca are enhanced by about +0.4 and +0.2dex, respectively, in agreement with results from high-resolution spectra of individual stars in MWGCs. Balmer lines, particularly Hγ and Hδ, of MWGCs are reproduced by our α-enhanced SSP models not only because of the combination of isochrone and spectral effects but also because of our reasonable HB treatment. Moreover, it is shown that the Mg abundance significantly influences Balmer and iron line indices. Finally, the investigation of power-law initial mass function (IMF) variations suggests that an IMF much shallower than Salpeter is unrealistic because the Balmer lines are too strong on the metal-poor side to be compatible with observations. © 2009 The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.
Recommended Citation
Hyun Chul Lee, et. al., (2009) Comparison of alpha-element-enhanced simple stellar population models with milky way globular clusters.Astronomical Journal138:51442. DOI: http://doi.org/10.1088/0004-6256/138/5/1442
First Page
1442
Last Page
1454
Publication Title
Astronomical Journal
DOI
10.1088/0004-6256/138/5/1442
Comments
© Astronomical Journal. Original version available at: http://doi.org/10.1088/0004-6256/138/5/1442