Program: GS-2004A-Q-9

Globular clusters (GCs) provide the crucial evidence which allows a discrimination between competing models of galaxy interaction, merger, and formation. Encouraged by the demonstrated feasibility of our ambitious program, we propose to continue our spectroscopic study of the globular cluster systems (GCSs) associated with early-type galaxies. A principal objective is to study enough galaxies in varied environments that we can establish any significant differences related to different interaction histories. On the one hand, we will use the new microslit nod-and-shuffle mode of GMOS, in combination with a pre-filtering strategy, to acquire large samples of kinematic tracers. The cluster velocities will be combined with stellar kinematics and X-ray data to provide a detailed picture of the current dynamical state of these galaxies. On the other hand, we will acquire high signal-to-noise spectra for some dozens of the brighter clusters to break the classical age-metallicity degeneracy and thus use the clusters as probes of the more distant past. In combination, these analyses will establish the evolutionary history of the GCSs and their host galaxies and allow us to sharply constrain current theoretical galaxy formation models.