Constraining the IMF of dense stellar systems
Mario Cadelano (DIFA - Unibo)
Tuesday 21/04/2020 @ 14:00, Google Hangouts Meet
The stellar initial mass function (IMF) is a key property in the study of a broad variety of fundamental questions in astronomy. Understanding whether the IMF is universal or it depends on the star formation environment properties (such as the gas density or chemistry) is a crucial but still unanswered question. Recently we have shown that by combining N-body simulations with observations of the slope of the global present day mass function and its radial gradient, it is possible to assess the universality of the IMF in globular clusters (GCs). Such a new method opens the possibility to determine the extent to which cluster internal dynamics has affected the present-day observed mass function in a cluster and to establish the link with the IMF. I will present new results obtained by using this approach in the framework of a large project aimed at constraining the IMF and the dynamical evolution of a representative sample of Galactic GCs. More specifically, I will discuss the recent interesting outcomes obtained by a detailed analysis of two dense, massive and post core-collapse clusters, namely M15 and M30. Finally, I will outline future goals and prospects of this project.
Link to the recorded talk: youtu.be/ysl271un2cw