Abstract:
We present new CCD VI photometry of the distant globular cluster Pal 13. Fourier decomposition of the light curves of the three cluster member RRab stars lead to estimations of [Fe/H] = −1.65, and a distance of 23.67 ± 0.57 kpc. Light and colour near minimum phases for RRab stars leads to an estimate of ± 0.001. A colour-magnitude diagram, built exclusively with likely star members, shows consistency with the above parameters and an age of 12 Gyrs. A search of variable stars in the field of view of our images revealed the variability of a red giant cluster member and of three probably non-member stars; two RRab stars and one W Virginis star or CW. The GAIA proper motions of member stars in Pal 13 show a significant scatter, consistent with the scenario of the cluster being tidally stripped.
