Resolving the 47 Tucanae Distance Problem

Abstract

Using a sample of 43 suitable local subdwarfs with newly acquired BVI photometry, we apply our main sequence fitting method to the metal rich Globular Cluster 47 Tucanae. Fitting in 2 colour planes, we find an apparent distance modulus of (m-M)v = 13.37 (+0.10/-0.11), leading to a dereddened distance modulus of (m-M)o = 13.25 (+0.06/-0.07). Consideration of the Red Clump in the cluster produces a distance modulus fully consistent with this result. The implied cluster age is 11 (+/-1.4) Gyr.