Wide-Field Imaging from Space of Early-Type Galaxies and Their Globular Clusters

Abstract

Wide-field imaging from space will reveal a wealth of information about the globular cluster systems of any galaxies in the local universe that are observed by such a mission. Individual globular clusters around galaxies in the local universe have compact sizes that are ideal for the excellent spatial resolution afforded by space-based imaging, while systems of these globular clusters have large spatial extent that can only be fully explored by wide-field imaging. One example of the science return from such a study is the determination of the major formation epoch(s) of galaxies from the ages of their globular clusters determined via their optical to near-infrared colors. A second example is determining the sites of metal-poor globular cluster formation from their cosmological bias, which constrains the formation of structures early in the universe.