Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2005-06-23
Astrophys.J.628:L113-L118,2005
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
aastex preprint, 14 pages, 4 figures, accepted by ApJ Letters
Scientific paper
10.1086/432909
We have analyzed high-resolution, adaptive optics (AO) HK observations of the Arches cluster obtained with NAOS/CONICA. With a spatial resolution of 84 mas, the cluster center is uniquely resolved. From these data the present-day mass function (MF) of Arches is derived down to about 4 Msun. The integrated MF as well as the core and 2nd annulus MFs are consistent with a turn-over at 6-7 Msun. This turn-over indicates severe depletion of intermediate and low-mass stars in the Arches cluster, possibly caused by its evolution in the Galactic Center environment. The Arches MF represents the first resolved observation of a starburst cluster exhibiting a low-mass truncated MF. This finding has severe implications for stellar population synthesis modelling of extragalactic starbursts, the derivation of integrated properties such as the total mass of star clusters in dense environments, the survival of low-mass remnants from starburst populations, and chemical enrichment during starburst phases.
Brandner Wolfgang
Grebel Eva Katharina
Lagrange Anne Marie
Lenzen Rainer
Stolte Andrea
No associations
LandOfFree
The Arches Cluster - Evidence for a Truncated 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 Arches Cluster - Evidence for a Truncated Mass Function?, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Arches Cluster - Evidence for a Truncated Mass Function? will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-581839