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| Paper: |
Observed Dynamical Masses |
| Volume: |
322, The Formation and Evolution of Massive Young Star Clusters |
| Page: |
429 |
| Authors: |
Mengel, S. |
| Abstract: |
It is a challenge to determine the dynamical mass for extragalactic young star clusters. Due to their distance, low mass stars cannot be directly observed in these barely resolved systems, which means that their presence and thereby the total mass of the cluster needs to be indirectly quantified by measuring dynamical and spatial signatures of the cluster as a whole - the stellar velocity dispersion and the cluster light profile. Measured dynamical masses confirm that young massive star clusters are consistent with being young globular clusters, and that for at least some of them the initial mass function and mass concentration allow them - according to current models - to survive for a Hubble time. However, variations in the initial mass function are seen, causing those with fewer low mass stars to be likely candidates for dissolution within a few 100 Myr, thereby populating the field. Cluster properties and observational effects which could mimic IMF variations are discussed. |
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