The expected number density of globular clusters near the galactic center

The distribution of globular clusters in the inner part of the Galaxy is estimated by comparing the density distributions of three classes of objects which dynamically appear to belong to the same general type of population, at least in the central region. These objects include known globular clusters, RR Lyrae variables, and planetary nebulae. The resulting space densities of globular clusters are found to give an indication of the initial cluster distribution. The number of clusters that must have been drawn into the galactic nucleus is considered along with the initial numbers of clusters within shells of various radii and the total mass drawn into the core by dynamical friction. The surface distributions of globular clusters near the centers of the Galaxy and M31 are compared.