Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2001-10-18
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
19 LaTeX/AASTeX pages with 8 figures, accepted for publication in the Astronomical Journal
Scientific paper
10.1086/323916
A low mass, large core radius, and strong tidal tails suggest that the globular cluster Palomar 5 has lost a large fraction of its initial mass over time. If the dynamical evolution of Palomar 5 has been dominated by the effects of mass loss, then the luminosity function should be deficient in low-mass stars. Using deep WFPC2 F555W and F814W photometry, we determine the main sequence luminosity functions both near the cluster center and in a field near the half-light radius. There is no compelling evidence for mass segregation within the cluster, but a comparison of the global mass function of Palomar 5 with those of Omega Cen and M55 indicates an increasing deficiency of stars with progressively lower masses. A fit of the observed luminosity function to theoretical models yields a power-law mass function with an exponent of -0.5. The flatness of the mass function is consistent with models of the dynamical evolution of globular clusters that have lost on the order of 90% of their original stellar mass. We suggest that Palomar 5 has lost a large percentage of its original stellar content as a result of tidal shocking.
Grillmair Carl J.
Smith Graeme H.
No associations
LandOfFree
The Main Sequence Luminosity Function of Palomar 5 from HST 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 The Main Sequence Luminosity Function of Palomar 5 from HST, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Main Sequence Luminosity Function of Palomar 5 from HST will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-283252