On the Evolution of the Globular Cluster Luminosity Function :

We consider the observational signature of the dynamical eeects on the lumi-nosity function of globular clusters. For the three best studied systems, in Milky Way, M31, and M87, there is a statistically signiicant diierence between the inner and outer population of globular clusters. In all cases the inner clusters are on average brighter than the outer clusters (0:26 < m 0 < 0:84) and have a smaller dispersion in magnitudes (0:04 < < 0:53), with the larger diierences for the local, better observed samples. The diierences are of the type that would be expected if the inner population had been depleted by tidal shocks. The results suggest that the inner population suuers substantial evolution from its initial distribution and cannot not be used as a standard candle without correction for dynamical evolution.