Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
May 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008iaus..246..263d&link_type=abstract
Dynamical Evolution of Dense Stellar Systems, Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union, IAU Symposium, Volume 246, p.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Binaries: General, Globular Clusters: Individual (Ngc 6397)
Scientific paper
The binary fraction, η, of a globular cluster (GC) is a key parameter in determining its dynamical evolution, as well as its content of rare stars, such as cataclysmic variables and blue stragglers. The precise value of η for a GC was historically difficult to constrain due to an inability to obtain reliable photometry for faint objects in dense stellar fields. However, today, the HST allows us to image the main sequence of the nearest GCs to their terminations. Using HST observations we constrain η for NGC 6397. While the necessary computing power is now available to realistically simulate entire GCs, large discrepancies in the assumed primordial binary fraction, ηp, of GCs still exist. Estimates range from 5% (Hurley et al. 2007) to 100% (Ivanova et al. 2005). The N-body models of Hurley et al. (2007) suggest that η beyond the half-mass radius remains close to ηp, while cluster evolution can increase the value in the core. We find η for NGC 6397 is 15.2±0.8% in a field centered on the core, and 1.1±0.3% in a field beyond the half mass radius. These findings suggests ηp ~ 1%.
Anderson Jeffrey
Brewer James
Davis David S.
Richer Harvey B.
No associations
LandOfFree
The Binary Fraction of NGC 6397 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 Binary Fraction of NGC 6397, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Binary Fraction of NGC 6397 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1601613