Rotational Kinematics in the Globular Cluster System of M31: Insights from Bayesian Inference
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: As ancient stellar systems, globular clusters (GCs) offer valuable insights into the dynamical histories of large galaxies. Previous studies of GC populations in the inner and outer regions of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) have revealed intriguing subpopulations with distinct kinematic properties. Here, we build upon earlier studies by employing Bayesian modelling to investigate the kinematics of the combined inner and outer GC populations of M31. Given the heterogeneous nature of the data, we {examine} subpopulations defined by {GCs’} metallicity and {by} associations with substructure, in order to characterise possible relationships between the inner and outer {GC} populations. We find that lower-metallicity GCs and those linked to substructures exhibit a common, more rapid rotation, whose alignment is distinct from that of higher-metallicity and non-substructure GCs. Furthermore, the higher-metallicity GCs rotate in alignment with Andromeda’s stellar disc. These pronounced kinematic differences reinforce the idea that different subgroups of {GCs} were accreted to M31 at distinct epochs, shedding light on the complex assembly history of the galaxy.
Source: The Open Journal of Astrophysics
DOI: 10.33232/001c.155259
Institutions: University of Auckland, The University of Sydney, ORCID
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7122655854
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