We discuss the observational properties of a special class of objects (the so-called “Blue Straggler Stars”, BSSs) in the framework of using this stellar population as probe of the dynamical processes occurring in high-density stellar systems. Indeed, the shape of the BSS radial distribution and their level of central concentration are powerful tracers of the stage of dynamical evolution reached by the host cluster since formation. Hence, they can be used as empirical chronometers able to measure the dynamical age of stellar systems. In addition, the presence of a double BSS sequence in the color–magnitude diagram is likely the signature of the most extreme dynamical process occurring in globular cluster life: the core collapse event. Such a feature can, therefore, be used to reveal the occurrence of this process and, for the first time, even date it.
The “dynamical clock”: dating the internal dynamical evolution of star clusters with Blue Straggler Stars
Ferraro F. R.
Funding Acquisition
;Lanzoni B.Membro del Collaboration Group
;
2020
Abstract
We discuss the observational properties of a special class of objects (the so-called “Blue Straggler Stars”, BSSs) in the framework of using this stellar population as probe of the dynamical processes occurring in high-density stellar systems. Indeed, the shape of the BSS radial distribution and their level of central concentration are powerful tracers of the stage of dynamical evolution reached by the host cluster since formation. Hence, they can be used as empirical chronometers able to measure the dynamical age of stellar systems. In addition, the presence of a double BSS sequence in the color–magnitude diagram is likely the signature of the most extreme dynamical process occurring in globular cluster life: the core collapse event. Such a feature can, therefore, be used to reveal the occurrence of this process and, for the first time, even date it.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
---|---|---|---|
11585_802766_postprint.pdf
accesso aperto
Tipo:
Postprint
Licenza:
Licenza per accesso libero gratuito
Dimensione
4.67 MB
Formato
Adobe PDF
|
4.67 MB | Adobe PDF | Visualizza/Apri |
I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.