The disruption of the low-mass globular cluster E 3

Abstract

We use Gaia DR2 photometry and proper motions to search for the hypothetical tidal tails of the Galactic globular cluster E 3. Using a modified version of a classical decontamination procedure, we are able to identify the presence of an extended structure emerging from the cluster up to r ∼ 1 deg from its centre, thus suggesting that this poorly studied cluster is undergoing a tidal disruption process. These low surface brightness structures are aligned with the direction to the Galactic centre, as expected for a cluster close to its perigalacticon. Different scenarios to explain the important amount of mass lost by this cluster are discussed.