Observational evidence for origin of stellar exotica in globular clusters

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    Abstract

    The formation of special binaries in a globular cluster is regulated by the total encounter rate γ in the cluster, but their life expectancy by the number of encounters γ that one system experiences. The orbital periods indicate whether a neutron star or white dwarf entered a binary via direct collision, via tidal capture, or via exchange encounter. The numbers of X-ray binaries with a neutron star scales with γ. Magnetically active binaries (including blue stragglers) are formed via evolution of primordial binaries, and their numbers scale with the cluster mass. Cataclysmic variables are formed by stellar encounters or via evolution of a primordial binary in clusters with high and low central density, respectively.
    Original languageUndefined/Unknown
    Title of host publicationHighlights of astronomy. Vol. 14 : as presented at the IAU XXVIth General Assembly, 2006
    EditorsKarel A. van der Hucht
    Place of PublicationCambridge
    PublisherCambridge University Press
    Pages440-441
    Number of pages727
    ISBN (Print)9780521896832
    Publication statusPublished - 2007

    Publication series

    NameHighlights of astronomy
    Number14

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