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Stellar Luminosity and Mass Functions of Globular Clusters1
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 May 2016
Abstract
HST makes it possible for the first time to study nearly the entire mass range of globular-cluster main sequences, from the turnoff down almost to the theoretical limit for hydrogen ignition. We present main-sequence luminosity functions (LFs) for four clusters that include stars with M < 0.15M⊙ in all cases. We compare these and other LFs that have been obtained with HST for a total of five globulars to date. Two of the three clusters in the sample that have similar metallicities have nearly identical LFs, while the third is relatively deficient in low mass stars. Possible implications of this finding are briefly discussed. Inferred mass functions vary significantly depending on the mass-luminosity relations that are adopted.
- Type
- New Observations with HST
- Information
- Symposium - International Astronomical Union , Volume 174: Dynamical Evolution of Stars Clusters , 1996 , pp. 71 - 80
- Copyright
- Copyright © Kluwer 1996
References
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