Theory for the origin of globular clusters

Journal Article · Fri Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/163585· OSTI ID:5485896

Fall, S M; Rees, M J

In the present theory for the origin of globular clusters during protogalaxy collapse, a thermal instability promotes the development of a two-phase structure in the gas in those cases where the cooling time is comparable to that of free fall. The hot component, which remains near the virial temperature, compresses the cold component into discrete clouds with temperatures near 10,000 K and mean densities of 1 to 10 solar masses/cu pc. These predictions are compared with the observed properties of globular clusters; satisfactory agreement is obtained. 57 references.

• Research Organization: Cambridge Univ., England; California Univ., Santa Barbara; Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, MD
• OSTI ID: 5485896
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 298; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102 -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
COSMIC GASES
FLUIDS
GALACTIC EVOLUTION
GASES
ORIGIN
PERTURBATION THEORY
RED SHIFT
STAR CLUSTERS
VIRIAL THEOREM