The Evolution of Globular Cluster Systems: Initial Characteristics and the Importance of the Parent Galaxies

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Scientific paper

The properties of systems of globular clusters in galaxies depend on the initial characteristics of the primordial compact clusters, and the disruptive processes of cluster evaporation and gravitational shocking due to the parent galaxy, acting over a Hubble time. We present a study of the evolution of globular cluster systems (GCSs) employing the internal processes of evaporation and stellar mass-loss, and the external effects of gravitational shocking due to a cluster's passage through the disk or close to the bulge of the parent galaxy. Results of evolutionary scenarios with different initial properties of the GCS (functions of mass and half-mass radius, a mass-radius relation, and orbital parameters) will be shown for various galaxy models. Preliminary results indicate that while disk shocking has little effect on the GCS as a whole, bulge shocking is sensitive to the orbital parameters and is important in selectively destroying low-mass clusters and thus determining the shape of the resultant luminosity function and the location of the peak. The importance of the galaxian bulge in determining the luminosity function will be discussed with regards to the apparent insensitivity of observed cluster luminosity functions to galaxy type among major Local Group galaxies and Virgo ellipticals. Constraints on initial properties of a GCS which can result in globulars like those of the Milky Way and Virgo ellipticals will address the possible relation between young compact clusters observed in recently-merged galaxies (e.g. the Antennae, Whitmore & Schweizer 1995, AJ, 109, 960) and the progenitors of present-day globular clusters.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

The Evolution of Globular Cluster Systems: Initial Characteristics and the Importance of the Parent Galaxies 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 Evolution of Globular Cluster Systems: Initial Characteristics and the Importance of the Parent Galaxies, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Evolution of Globular Cluster Systems: Initial Characteristics and the Importance of the Parent Galaxies will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-817536

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.