M 37
Open star cluster in Auriga
M 71
Globular cluster in Sagitta
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M 37 Open star cluster in Auriga |
M 71 Globular cluster in Sagitta |
Stellar clusters like globulars or open star clusters are a
collection of many stars held together by their aggregate
gravity.
The simple case of a certain number of pointlike masses
suffering no more than the Newtonian law of gravity has
incited modern astronomy to construct mathematical
models in order to trace its global properties.
Star clusters now serve as laboratories for testing
astrophysical theories, and their research covers a vast
amount of territory, e.g. stellar evolution, interstellar
chemistry, origins of the Universe, or galactic
dynamics.
Extensively studied for more than a century, they continue
to yield surprising results and challenge our
understanding.
Numerical simulations ought to disclose some fascinating
aspects on the internal dynamics of stellar clusters.
In our working group, we build up a model of a fictive cluster
containing N point masses and compute the forces between
the members.
In the course of time, the cluster changes its
morphology and reveals various spectacular phenomena:
rapid shrinking of the core, stratification of masses,
fast-moving escapers that leave the cluster, formation of
binary stars, tidal disruption, and many more... .
Contents page
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| | 2. Some observational characteristics
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