Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
May 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008iaus..246..413p&link_type=abstract
Dynamical Evolution of Dense Stellar Systems, Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union, IAU Symposium, Volume 246, p.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Globular Clusters: General, Galaxy: Halo, Galaxy: Formation, Galaxies: Star Clusters
Scientific paper
Evidence favouring a Gaussian initial mass function for systems of old globular clusters has accumulated over recent years. We show that a bell-shaped mass function may be the imprint of expulsion from protoclusters of the leftover star forming gas due to supernova activity. Owing to the corresponding weakening of its gravitational potential, a protocluster retains a fraction only of its newly formed stars. The mass fraction of bound stars extends from zero to unity depending on the star formation efficiency achieved by the protoglobular cloud. We investigate how such wide variations affect the mapping of the protoglobular cloud mass function to the initial globular cluster mass function. We conclusively demonstrate that the universality of the globular cluster mass function originates from a common protoglobular cloud mass-scale of about 106 M among galaxies. Moreover, gas removal during star formation in massive gas clouds is highlighted as the likely prime cause of the predominance of field stars in the Galactic Halo.
Gilmore Gerard
Parmentier Geneviève
No associations
LandOfFree
The Origin of the Universal Globular Cluster Mass Function 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 Origin of the Universal Globular Cluster Mass Function, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Origin of the Universal Globular Cluster Mass Function will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1601694