An Overview of Globular Cluster Systems in Distant Galaxies

Information is currently available for globular cluster systems in almost 50 galaxies from the Milky Way to the Coma Cluster. The observed features of these systems are reviewed, with emphasis on (a) their total populations (specific frequencies), (b) spatial structures compared with the underlying halo light, (c) photometric characteristics (luminosity function and metallicity). The combined evidence suggests strongly that globular clusters …