The Star Cluster Systems of the Magellanic Clouds

Abstract

The characteristics of the cluster systems of the Magellanic Clouds, as inferred from integrated properties, are compared with those from individual cluster studies and from the field population. The agreement is generally satisfactory though in the case of the LMC, the lack of clusters older than ~3 Gyr is not reflected in the field population. The possible origin(s) for this cluster "age-gap" are discussed. The SMC cluster age-metallicity relation is also presented and discussed.