Testing population synthesis models with globular cluster colors

We have measured an extensive set of UBVRIJHK colors for M31 globular clusters. We compare the predicted simple stellar population colors of three population synthesis models to the intrinsic colors of Galactic and M31 globular clusters. The best-fitting models fit the cluster colors very well: the weighted mean color offsets are all smaller than 0.05 mag. The most significant offsets between model and data are in the U and B passbands; these are not unexpected and are likely caused by problems with the spectral libraries used by the models. The metal-rich clusters ([Fe/H] greater than or similar to -0.8) are best fit by young (8 Gyr) models, while the metal-poor clusters are best fit by older (12-16 Gyr) models. If this range of globular cluster ages is correct, it implies that conditions for cluster formation must have existed for a substantial fraction of the galaxies' lifetimes.