Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Apr 1996
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1996apj...461..104t&link_type=abstract
Astrophysical Journal v.461, p.104
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
6
Celestial Mechanics, Stellar Dynamics, Cosmology: Dark Matter, Galaxy: Globular Clusters: General, Cosmology: Gravitational Lensing, Stars: Low-Mass, Brown Dwarfs
Scientific paper
We have modeled the presence of low-mass stars inside globular clusters with multicomponent King models. We show that the amount of light objects is poorly constrained by the dynamical properties of clusters as traced by the red giant stars. According to a persistent rumor, globular clusters cannot contain dark matter. Here we reach the opposite conclusion. Because of the very large stellar densities, thermal relaxation obtains. Heavy stars tend to concentrate at the cluster cores, whereas light objects are repelled toward the outskirts. Just like icebergs, globular clusters could well hide large amounts of unseen material in the form of faint and light compact objects. Because the latter dominate in the outer regions where they do not mix with their heavier and brighter companions, they are potentially detectable by the forthcoming infrared telescopes. They should also induce quite a few microlensings on the more distant stars of the background behind clusters. Observation of such events could shed some light on the dark side of globular clusters and eventually on the missing mass of the galaxy.
Longaretti Pierre-Yves
Salati Pierre
Taillet Richard
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