New Insights from a study of the Globular Cluster Systems of 60 Early-Type Galaxies

We present the results of our detailed WFPC2-based photometric study of the globular cluster systems (GCS) of over 60 elliptical and S0 galaxies. Approximately 50% of the GCSs of ellipticals, and at least 15-20% of S0s reveal bimodality in the color distribution. We trace the variation in GCS properties with Hubble type and discuss the implications on the various models of galaxy (and cluster system) formation. We also provide evidence that the globular cluster luminosity function is an excellent distance indicator with an accuracy comparable to the surface brightness fluctuation method.