Globular clusters in early-type galaxies

Since the Pucon Globular Cluster meeting in March 2001, there has been considerable progress in obtaining high quality spectra for Globular Clusters (GCs) around early-type galaxies. This combined with earlier imaging studies, suggests that both the blue (metal-poor) and red (metal-rich) GC subpopulations are very old. The blue GCs formed slightly pre-galactic and the red GCs formed along with the galaxy field stars in a gaseous event at high redshift. Late stage mergers appear to make a small contribution to the overall GC system of ellipticals as revealed by the presence of some young and intermediate aged GCs. The GC systems of elliptical and spiral galaxies are remarkably similar, suggesting a common formation process.