The chemical inhomogeneity of omega Centauri

Journal Article · Wed Oct 15 04:00:00 EDT 1975 · Astrophys. J., Lett., v. 201, no. 2, pp. L71-L74

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/181945· OSTI ID:4109785

Freeman, K C; Rodgers, A W

Observations of 25 RR Lyrae stars in $omega$ Cen have revealed a diversity in the composition of these stars. The composition spread explains the ill-defined giant branch and the existence of M stars in the cluster. The diversity may be due either to variable amounts of giant-branch mixing or to metal enrichment of protostellar gas during the cluster collapse. Among other consideractions, the uniqueness of $omega$ Cen leads us to prefer the latter hypothesis. (AIP)

• Research Organization: Australian National Univ., Canberra
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-33-018006
• OSTI ID: 4109785
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J., Lett., v. 201, no. 2, pp. L71-L74, Journal Name: Astrophys. J., Lett., v. 201, no. 2, pp. L71-L74; ISSN AJLEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*STAR CLUSTERS-- CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
640102* --Physics Research--Astrophysics & Cosmology--Stars
COSMIC GASES
COSMOCHEMISTRY
GIANT STARS
GRAVITATIONAL COLLAPSE
N56200* --Physics (Astrophysics & Cosmology)--Stars
STAR EVOLUTION
VARIABLE STARS