The distinction between star clusters and associations

Details The distinction between star clusters and associations The distinction between star clusters and associations

2010-10-08

arxiv.org/abs/1010.1720v1

Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc. 410, L6-L7 (2011)

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Galaxy Astrophysics

2 pages, 2 figures, accepted for MNRAS Letters

Scientific paper

10.1111/j.1745-3933.2010.00967.x

In Galactic studies a distinction is made between (open) star clusters and associations. For barely resolved objects at a distance of several Mpc this distinction is not trivial to make. Here we provide an objective definition by comparing the age of the stars to the crossing time of nearby stellar agglomerates. We find that a satisfactory separation can be made where this ratio equals unity. Stellar agglomerates for which the age of the stars exceeds the crossing time are bound, and are referred to as star clusters. Alternatively, those for which the crossing time exceeds the stellar age are unbound and are referred to as associations. This definition is useful whenever reliable measurements for the mass, radius and age are available.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The distinction between star clusters and associations 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 distinction between star clusters and associations, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The distinction between star clusters and associations will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-486790