The Astrophysics of Stellar Clusters
Professor Melvyn B Davies
Lund Observatory
Friday, 2 February 2007, 15:15
Lecture room F, Theoretical Physics, Sšlvegatan 14A
Abstract:
Stellar clusters are common. Globular clusters contain some of the oldest
stars, whilst the youngest stars are found in other clusters associated
with recent star formation. Such crowded places are hostile environments:
a large fraction of stars will collide or undergo close encounters. I will
explain how stellar clusters are factories for producing exotic objects,
including black holes and neutron-star binaries. I will also discuss how
planetary systems similar to our own solar system are vulnerable to
breakup due to close encounters by passing stars. Thus by studying stellar
clusters we will learn more about the rarity of planetary systems similar
to our own solar system.