Dynamical Evolution of Globular Clusters [Princeton Series in Astrophysics]

This book analyzes the various processes that occur as a globular cluster evolves dynamically. Written for the use of astronomers and physicists interested in this active research field, the book presents a deductive approach, with most of the essential results derived from first principles. The treatment is somewhat compressed, with some of the derivations sketched in outline rather than spelled out in detail, an approach which may have some educational value in developing a clearer understanding of the principles involved.

Chief emphasis is placed on the aspects which are believed to play a major role in the evolution of most clusters and which have been studied in sufficient detail to permit a coherent and somewhat realistic theory. Thus the book is focussed on the changes of stellar velocities resulting from random encounters between pairs of stars (chapter 2) and on the various evolutionary changes which result (chapters 3 and 4). A major complicating factor considered is the galactic gravitational field, which perturbs stellar orbits in the clusters moving about in this field and modifies their dynamical evolution (chapter 5). An important phase of most model clusters is the collapse of the central core; when the distances between stars become relatively short, binary stars are formed, and the role of these objects in terminating core collapse and affecting post-collapse evolution is analyzed (chapters 6 and 7).

In view of the emphasis on pure theory, no detailed comparison is given here between theoretical models and the observations. However, the introductory chapter 1 summarizes the observed properties of globular clusters, providing observational guidance for the subsequent theoretical developments, also summarized in this chapter.