Physics
Scientific paper
Jul 2004
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004hst..prop10401c&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #10401
Physics
Hst Proposal Id #10401 Stellar Populations
Scientific paper
Establishing the presence or absence of intermediate-mass black holes {IMBH} in globular clusters is crucial for understanding the evolution of dense stellar systems. We propose a systematic search for IMBHs by conducting an imaging/proper motion study of the centers of five of the closest, most centrally concentrated Galactic globular clusters. ACS/HRC observations allow for accurate proper motion measurements for stars all the way into the center of each cluster. Our approach consists of exploiting the blue/near-ultraviolet wavelength range in each of cycles 13 and 14, in order to dim both the bright red giants and the background of faint red stars, hence alleviating the crowding problems experienced by previous studies. Both filter and target selection are critical for the success of this project, and no previous HST program has an appropriate combination to allow proper motion measurements for most stars into the very centers of crowded clusters. The velocity measurements will allow us to: {i} place constraints on the mass of a central black hole in each cluster {detailed calculations show that the proposed observations are sufficient to detect any central black hole with a mass as low as 3000 solar masses at the greater than 3 sigma level}; {ii} derive the internal velocity dispersion as a function of cluster radius; {iii} verify or reject previous reports of cluster rotation; and {iv} directly measure any velocity anisotropy as a function of radius. If this project is not started with HST now, it may not be possible again for several decades.
No associations
LandOfFree
A Proper Motion Search for Intermediate Mass Black Holes in Globular Clusters does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with A Proper Motion Search for Intermediate Mass Black Holes in Globular Clusters, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A Proper Motion Search for Intermediate Mass Black Holes in Globular Clusters will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1011414