Primordial binaries and globular cluster evolution

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Abstract

MANYof the globular clusters in our Galaxy have probably undergone core collapse, and are currently re-expanding 1,2 . This re-expansion requires a central energy source. Previously proposed mechanisms are either inefficient or may produce unacceptably bright cores 3 . Here we explore the most conservative solution to this problem. We suggest that primordial binaries, for which there is now direct evidence 4-6 , could provide the necessary energy. We show that this mechanism leads to relatively large core sizes, containing ∼1% of the total cluster mass. Such a cluster would have a resolvable core (with a size of the order of arcseconds) which would consist mostly of binaries.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)40-42
Number of pages3
JournalNature
Volume339
Issue number6219
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 1989

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General

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