Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2009-03-23
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
12 pages, to appear in MNRAS
Scientific paper
Mass segregation is observed in many star clusters, including several that are less than a few Myr old. Timescale arguments are frequently used to argue that these clusters must be displaying primordial segregation, because they are too young to be dynamically relaxed. Looking at this argument from the other side, the youth of these clusters and the limited time available to mix spatially distinct populations of stars can provide constraints on the amount of initial segregation that is consistent with current observations. We present n-body experiments testing this idea, and discuss the implications of our results for theories of star formation. For system ages less than a few crossing times, we show that star formation scenarios predicting general primordial mass segregation are inconsistent with observed segregation levels.
Bonnell Ian A.
Moeckel Nickolas
No associations
LandOfFree
Limits on initial mass segregation in young 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 Limits on initial mass segregation in young clusters, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Limits on initial mass segregation in young clusters will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-347068