The dynamical state and blue straggler population of the globular cluster NGC 6266 (M62)

Details The dynamical state and blue straggler population of the globular cluster NGC 6266 (M62) The dynamical state and blue straggler population of the globular cluster NGC 6266 (M62)

2006-01-09

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0601187v1

Astron.J.131:2551-2560,2006

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

30 pages, 8 figures, accepted for publication in AJ

Scientific paper

10.1086/500643

We have used a proper combination of multiband high-resolution {\it HST-WFPC2} and wide-field ground based observations to image the galactic globular cluster NGC 6266 (M62). The extensive photometric data set allows us to determine the center of gravity and to construct the most extended radial profile ever published for this cluster including, for the first time, detailed star counts in the very inner region. The star density profile is well reproduced by a standard King model with an extended core ($\sim 19''$) and a modest value of the concentration parameter ($c=1.5$), indicating that the cluster has not-yet experienced core collapse. The millisecond pulsar population (whose members are all in binary systems) and the X-ray emitting population (more than 50 sources within the cluster half mass radius) suggest that NGC 6266 is in a dynamical phase particularly active in generating binaries through dynamical encounters. UV observations of the central region have been used to probe the population of blue straggler stars, whose origin might be also affected by dynamical interactions. The comparison with other globular clusters observed with a similar strategy shows that the blue straggler content in NGC 6266 is relatively low, suggesting that the formation channel that produces binary systems hosting neutron stars or white dwarfs is not effective in significantly increasing the blue straggler population. Moreover, an anticorrelation between millisecond pulsar content and blue straggler specific frequency in globular cluster seems emerging with increasing evidence.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The dynamical state and blue straggler population of the globular cluster NGC 6266 (M62) 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 dynamical state and blue straggler population of the globular cluster NGC 6266 (M62), we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The dynamical state and blue straggler population of the globular cluster NGC 6266 (M62) will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-683637