The massive difference in globular cluster populations between the Sombrero Galaxy (M104) and the Milky Way is primarily attributed to the total mass and evolutionary history of the Sombrero Galaxy. Astronomers believe that the sheer scale of its massive stellar halo and its high total mass allow it to attract and retain a much larger number of these dense star clusters over billions of years.
One significant factor is the galaxy's formation history. Large galaxies like the Sombrero often grow through a series of intense merger events. During these mergers, smaller satellite galaxies are absorbed by the larger host. These smaller galaxies bring their own globular clusters with them, which then become part of the main galaxy's population. Because the Sombrero Galaxy has undergone more significant growth through such accretion processes, it has successfully accumulated a much denser collection of these ancient star systems.
Furthermore, the specific environmental conditions within its massive disk and halo likely provided the high gas density required during the early universe to trigger the formation of so many massive, tightly bound clusters. You can learn more about this galaxy at https://www.eso.org.
