X-ray illumination of globular cluster puzzles

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (36) References (20) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS X-ray illumination of globular cluster puzzles. Lightman, A. P. ; Grindlay, J. E. Abstract Globular clusters are thought to be among the oldest objects in the Galaxy, and provide, in this connection, important clues for determining the age and process of formation of the Galaxy. The present investigation is concerned with puzzles relating to the X-ray emission of globular clusters, taking into account questions regarding the location of X-ray emitting clusters (XEGC) unusually near the galactic plane and/or galactic center. An adopted model is discussed for the nature, formation, and lifetime of X-ray sources in globular clusters. An analysis of the available data is conducted in connection with a search for correlations between binary formation time scales, central relaxation times, galactic locations, and X-ray emission. The positive correlation found between distance from galactic center and two-body binary formation time for globular clusters, explanations for this correlation, and the hypothesis that X-ray sources in globular clusters require binary star systems provide a possible explanation of the considered puzzles. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: November 1982 DOI: 10.1086/160405 Bibcode: 1982ApJ...262..145L Keywords: Binary Stars; Correlation Detection; Galactic Evolution; Globular Clusters; Milky Way Galaxy; Stellar Evolution; X Ray Sources; Astronomical Models; Galactic Nuclei; Galactic Structure; Relaxation Time; Astrophysics full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (116) NED (1)