FSR 1735 - a new globular cluster candidate in the inner Galaxy

We carry out a large program to classify newly discovered star clusters from Froebrich, Scholz & Raftery in the inner Galaxy. Here, we present a first analysis of a new high-priority globular cluster candidate, FSR 1735 at l = 339.1879; b= -1.8534, based on new deep, near-infrared observations from Sofi at the ESO New Technology Telescope (NTT). A significant peak in the K-band luminosity function is found, which is interpreted as the clump of post-He-flash stars. The distance and the reddening of the cluster are determined to 9.1 kpc and A(K) = 0.5 mag, respectively, the metallicity is estimated to be [M/H]= - 0.8. Radial star density profiles are used to measure the core radius and the tidal radius of the cluster. The lack of signs for ongoing star formation and the position in the Galaxy pose strong arguments against the interpretation of this object as a young or old open cluster. All the observational evidence is in agreement with the interpretation that FSR 1735 is a so far unknown globular cluster in the inner Galaxy.