Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2007-10-24
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
4 pages, 1 figure, accepted for publication in ApJL
Scientific paper
10.1086/527375
It has been known for over 30 years that Galactic globular clusters (GCs) are overabundant by orders of magnitude in bright X-ray sources per unit mass relative to the disk population. Recently a quantitative understanding of this phenomenon has developed, with a clear correlation between the number of X-ray sources in a cluster, $N_X$, and the cluster's encounter frequency, $\Gamma$, becoming apparent. We derive a refined version of $\Gamma$ that incorporates the finite lifetime of X-ray sources and the dynamical evolution of clusters. With it we find we are able to explain the few clusters that lie off the $N_X$--$\Gamma$ correlation, and resolve the discrepancy between observed GC core radii and the values predicted by theory. Our results suggest that most GCs are still in the process of core contraction and have not yet reached the thermal equilibrium phase driven by binary scattering interactions.
No associations
LandOfFree
X-Ray Binaries and the Current Dynamical States of Galactic 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 X-Ray Binaries and the Current Dynamical States of Galactic Globular Clusters, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and X-Ray Binaries and the Current Dynamical States of Galactic Globular Clusters will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-430851