Is Liller 1 a building block of the Galactic bulge? - Evidence from APOGEE

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ID: 323804
2026
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Abstract
Abstract Liller 1 is a stellar system orbiting within the inner 0.8 kpc of the Galactic centre, characterised by a wide spread in age and metallicity, indicating a high mass. Liller 1 has been proposed to be a major contributor to the stellar mass of the Galactic bulge, yet its origin is subject to debate. We employ Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV (SDSS-IV) data from the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE) to test scenarios proposed to explain the nature of Liller 1. Using a random sampling technique, we contrast the chemical compositions of Liller 1 stellar members with those of the bulge, inner disk, outer disk and solar neighbourhood. The chemistry of Liller 1 deviates from that of the bulge population at the 2-3σ level for α-elements Mg, Si, and Ca. We conclude that the progenitor of Liller 1 was not a major contributor of stellar mass to the bulge. Furthermore, we find the abundance pattern of Liller 1 to deviate at the 2σ level from that of inner disk stars, ruling out the cluster rejuvenation scenario. Finally, we find that Liller 1 is chemically distinct from solar and outer disk populations, suggesting that the progenitor of Liller 1 is unlikely to be an in-situ massive clump formed at high redshift, from disk gravitational instabilities, that migrated inwards and coalesced with others into the bulge. Finally, we suggest that Liller 1 is a minor contributor to the stellar mass of the inner Galaxy, possibly of extragalactic origin.
Reference Key
openalex_W4416394447 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Anna Liptrott, Ricardo P. Schiavon, A. Mason, Sebastian Kamann, Borja Anguiano, Roger E. Cohen, José G. Fernández-Trincado, Danny Horta, Steven R Majewski, D. Minniti, David M. Nataf, Michael J. W. O'Connor, Dominic Wearne
Journal monthly notices of the royal astronomical society
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/mnras/stag1480
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