scholarly journals Star cluster formation and cloud dispersal by radiative feedback: dependence on metallicity and compactness

2020 ◽  
Vol 497 (3) ◽  
pp. 3830-3845 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hajime Fukushima ◽  
Hidenobu Yajima ◽  
Kazuyuki Sugimura ◽  
Takashi Hosokawa ◽  
Kazuyuki Omukai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Massive Stars ◽  
Cluster Formation ◽  
Star Clusters ◽  
Star Cluster ◽  
Star Forming ◽  
Dynamical Time ◽  
Low Metallicity ◽  
Higher Temperature ◽  
Dust Attenuation

ABSTRACT We study star cluster formation in various environments with different metallicities and column densities by performing a suite of 3D radiation hydrodynamics simulations. We find that the photoionization feedback from massive stars controls the star formation efficiency (SFE) in a star-forming cloud, and its impact sensitively depends on the gas metallicity Z and initial cloud surface density Σ. At Z = 1 Z⊙, SFE increases as a power law from 0.03 at Σ = 10 M⊙ pc−2 to 0.3 at $\Sigma = 300\,\mathrm{M}_{\odot }\, {\rm pc^{-2}}$. In low-metallicity cases $10^{-2}\!-\!10^{-1}\, \mathrm{Z}_{\odot }$, star clusters form from atomic warm gases because the molecule formation time is not short enough with respect to the cooling or dynamical time. In addition, the whole cloud is disrupted more easily by expanding H ii bubbles that have higher temperature owing to less efficient cooling. With smaller dust attenuation, the ionizing radiation feedback from nearby massive stars is stronger and terminate star formation in dense clumps. These effects result in inefficient star formation in low-metallicity environments: the SFE drops by a factor of ∼3 at Z = 10−2 Z⊙ compared to the results for Z = 1 Z⊙, regardless of Σ. Newborn star clusters are also gravitationally less bound. We further develop a new semi-analytical model that can reproduce the simulation results well, particularly the observed dependencies of the SFEs on the cloud surface densities and metallicities.

scholarly journals The SUNBIRD survey: characterizing the super star cluster populations of intensely star-forming galaxies

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (S316) ◽  
pp. 70-76
Author(s):  
Zara Randriamanakoto ◽  
Petri Väisänen
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Adaptive Optics ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Cluster Formation ◽  
Formation Rate ◽  
Star Clusters ◽  
Power Laws ◽  
Star Cluster ◽  
Host Galaxies ◽  
Star Forming

AbstractSuper star clusters (SSCs) represent the youngest and most massive form of known gravitationally bound star clusters in the Universe. They are born abundantly in environments that trigger strong and violent star formation. We investigate the properties of these massive SSCs in a sample of 42 nearby starbursts and luminous infrared galaxies. The targets form the sample of the SUperNovae and starBursts in the InfraReD (SUNBIRD) survey that were imaged using near-infrared (NIR) K-band adaptive optics mounted on the Gemini/NIRI and the VLT/NaCo instruments. Results from i) the fitted power-laws to the SSC K-band luminosity functions, ii) the NIR brightest star cluster magnitude − star formation rate (SFR) relation and iii) the star cluster age and mass distributions have shown the importance of studying SSC host galaxies with high SFR levels to determine the role of the galactic environments in the star cluster formation, evolution and disruption mechanisms.

scholarly journals Simulating star clusters across cosmic time – II. Escape fraction of ionizing photons from molecular clouds

2020 ◽  
Vol 492 (4) ◽  
pp. 4858-4873 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chong-Chong He ◽  
Massimo Ricotti ◽  
Sam Geen
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Molecular Clouds ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Compact Star ◽  
Star Clusters ◽  
Cosmic Time ◽  
Star Cluster ◽  
Star Forming ◽  
Radiation Feedback

ABSTRACT We calculate the hydrogen- and helium-ionizing radiation escaping star-forming molecular clouds, as a function of the star cluster mass and compactness, using a set of high-resolution radiation-magnetohydrodynamic simulations of star formation in self-gravitating, turbulent molecular clouds. In these simulations, presented in He et al., the formation of individual massive stars is well resolved, and their UV radiation feedback and lifetime on the main sequence are modelled self-consistently. We find that the escape fraction of ionizing radiation from molecular clouds, $\langle f_{\rm esc}^{\scriptscriptstyle \rm MC}\rangle$ , decreases with increasing mass of the star cluster and with decreasing compactness. Molecular clouds with densities typically found in the local Universe have negligible $\langle f_{\rm esc}^{\scriptscriptstyle \rm MC}\rangle$ , ranging between $0.5{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ and $5{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. 10 times denser molecular clouds have $\langle f_{\rm esc}^{\scriptscriptstyle \rm MC}\rangle$ $\approx 10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}{-}20{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, while 100× denser clouds, which produce globular cluster progenitors, have $\langle f_{\rm esc}^{\scriptscriptstyle \rm MC}\rangle$ $\approx 20{{\ \rm per\ cent}}{-}60{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. We find that $\langle f_{\rm esc}^{\scriptscriptstyle \rm MC}\rangle$ increases with decreasing gas metallicity, even when ignoring dust extinction, due to stronger radiation feedback. However, the total number of escaping ionizing photons decreases with decreasing metallicity because the star formation efficiency is reduced. We conclude that the sources of reionization at z > 6 must have been very compact star clusters forming in molecular clouds about 100× denser than in today’s Universe, which lead to a significant production of old globular clusters progenitors.

scholarly journals Star formation in the Small Magellanic Cloud: the youngest star clusters

2006 ◽  
Vol 2 (S237) ◽  
pp. 199-203
Author(s):  
E. Sabbi ◽  
A. Nota ◽  
M. Sirianni ◽  
L. R. Carlson ◽  
M. Tosi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Milky Way ◽  
Cluster Formation ◽  
Star Clusters ◽  
Magellanic Cloud ◽  
Dust Content ◽  
Small Magellanic Cloud ◽  
Preliminary Results ◽  
Low Metallicity ◽  
Cluster Program

AbstractWe recently launched a comprehensive ground based (ESO/VLT/NTT) and space (HST & SST) study of the present and past star formation in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), in clusters and in the field, with the goal of understanding how star and cluster formation occur and propagate in an environment of low metallicity, with a gas and dust content that is significantly lower than in the Milky Way. In this paper, we present some preliminary results of the “young cluster” program, where we acquired deep F555W (~V), and F814W (~I) HST/ACS images of the four young and massive SMC star clusters: NGC 346, NGC 602, NGC 299, and NGC 376.

scholarly journals Linking globular cluster formation at low and high redshift through the age–metallicity relation in E-MOSAICS

2020 ◽  
Vol 500 (4) ◽  
pp. 4768-4778
Author(s):  
Danny Horta ◽  
Meghan E Hughes ◽  
Joel L Pfeffer ◽  
Nate Bastian ◽  
J M Diederik Kruijssen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Formation Mechanism ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
High Redshift ◽  
Cluster Formation ◽  
Star Cluster ◽  
Host Galaxies ◽  
Massive Galaxies ◽  
Low Metallicity ◽  
Massive Clusters

ABSTRACT We set out to compare the age–metallicity relation (AMR) of massive clusters from Magellanic Cloud mass galaxies in the E-MOSAICS suite of numerical cosmological simulations with an amalgamation of observational data of massive clusters in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds (LMC/SMC). We aim to test if: (i) star cluster formation proceeds according to universal physical processes, suggestive of a common formation mechanism for young-massive clusters (YMCs), intermediate-age clusters (IACs), and ancient globular clusters (GCs); (ii) massive clusters of all ages trace a continuous AMR; and (iii) the AMRs of smaller mass galaxies show a shallower relation when compared to more massive galaxies. Our results show that, within the uncertainties, the predicted AMRs of L/SMC-mass galaxies with similar star formation histories to the L/SMC follow the same relation as observations. We also find that the metallicity at which the AMR saturates increases with galaxy mass, which is also found for the field star AMRs. This suggests that relatively low-metallicity clusters can still form in dwarfs galaxies. Given our results, we suggest that ancient GCs share their formation mechanism with IACs and YMCs, in which GCs are the result of a universal process of star cluster formation during the early episodes of star formation in their host galaxies.

scholarly journals Metallicity and X-ray luminosity variations in NGC 922

2020 ◽  
Vol 500 (1) ◽  
pp. 962-975
Author(s):  
K Kouroumpatzakis ◽  
A Zezas ◽  
A Wolter ◽  
A Fruscione ◽  
K Anastasopoulou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Stellar Population ◽  
Massive Stars ◽  
Star Clusters ◽  
Young Star ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Star Forming ◽  
Star Forming Regions ◽  
Main Driver ◽  
Young Star Clusters

ABSTRACT We present a systematic study of the metallicity variations within the collisional ring galaxy NGC 922 based on long-slit optical spectroscopic observations. We find a metallicity difference between star-forming regions in the bulge and the ring, with metallicities ranging from almost solar to significantly sub-solar ($\rm {[12+\log (O/H)]\sim 8.2}$). We detect $\rm{He\,{\small I}}$ emission in all the studied regions of the bulge and the ring, indicating ionization from massive stars associated with recent (<10 Myr) star formation, in agreement with the presence of very young star clusters. We find an anticorrelation between the X-ray luminosity and metallicity of the sub-galactic regions of NGC 922. The different regions have similar stellar population ages, leaving metallicity as the main driver of the anticorrelation. The dependence of the X-ray emission of the different regions in NGC 922 on metallicity is in agreement with similar studies of the integrated X-ray output of galaxies and predictions from X-ray binary population models.

scholarly journals Simulations of Massive Star Cluster Formation and Feedback in Turbulent Giant Molecular Clouds

2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (S270) ◽  
pp. 235-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Harper-Clark ◽  
Norman Murray
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Molecular Clouds ◽  
Massive Star ◽  
Cluster Formation ◽  
Star Clusters ◽  
Star Cluster ◽  
Giant Molecular Clouds

AbstractUsing the AMR code ENZO we are simulating the formation of massive star clusters within turbulent Giant Molecular Clouds (GMCs). Here we discuss the simulations from the first stages of building realistic turbulent GMCs, to accurate star formation, and ultimately comprehensive feedback. These simulations aim to build a better understanding of how stars affect GMCs, helping to answer the questions of how long GMCs live and why only a small fraction of the GMC gas becomes stars.

scholarly journals On the Origin of Complex Stellar Populations in Star Clusters

2007 ◽  
Vol 3 (S246) ◽  
pp. 71-72
Author(s):  
J. Pflamm-Altenburg ◽  
P. Kroupa
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Massive Star ◽  
Cluster Formation ◽  
Star Clusters ◽  
Stellar Populations ◽  
Star Cluster ◽  
Young Stars

AbstractThe existence of complex stellar populations in some star clusters challenges the understanding of star formation. E.g. the ONC or the sigma Orionis cluster host much older stars than the main bulk of the young stars. Massive star clusters (ω Cen, G1, M54) show metallicity spreads corresponding to different stellar populations with large age gaps. We show that (i) during star cluster formation field stars can be captured and (ii) very massive globular clusters can accrete gas from a long-term embedding inter stellar medium and restart star formation.

scholarly journals HIGHLIGHTS OF COMMISSION 37 SCIENCE RESULTS

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (T29A) ◽  
pp. 502-521
Author(s):  
Giovanni Carraro ◽  
Richard de Grijs ◽  
Bruce Elmegreen ◽  
Peter Stetson ◽  
Barbara Anthony-Twarog ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Molecular Clouds ◽  
Cluster Formation ◽  
Star Clusters ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Star Cluster ◽  
Open Clusters ◽  
Initial Mass Function ◽  
Stellar Structure ◽  
Star Clusters And Associations

AbstractIt is widely accepted that stars do not form in isolation but result from the fragmentation of molecular clouds, which in turn leads to star cluster formation. Over time, clusters dissolve or are destroyed by interactions with molecular clouds or tidal stripping, and their members become part of the general field population. Star clusters are thus among the basic building blocks of galaxies. In turn, star cluster populations, from young associations and open clusters to old globulars, are powerful tracers of the formation, assembly, and evolutionary history of their parent galaxies. Although their importance (e.g., in mapping out the Milky Way) had been recognised for decades, major progress in this area has only become possible in recent years, both for Galactic and extragalactic cluster populations. Star clusters are the observational foundation for stellar astrophysics and evolution, provide essential tracers of galactic structure, and are unique stellar dynamical environments. Star formation, stellar structure, stellar evolution, and stellar nucleosynthesis continue to benefit and improve tremendously from the study of these systems. Additionally, fundamental quantities such as the initial mass function can be successfully derived from modelling either the Hertzsprung-Russell diagrams or the integrated velocity structures of, respectively, resolved and unresolved clusters and cluster populations. Star cluster studies thus span the fields of Galactic and extragalactic astrophysics, while heavily affecting our detailed understanding of the process of star formation in dense environments. This report highlights science results of the last decade in the major fields covered by IAU Commission 37: Star clusters and associations. Instead of focusing on the business meeting - the out-going president presentation can be found here:http://www.sc.eso.org/gcarraro/splinter2015.pdf- this legacy report contains highlights of the most important scientific achievements in the Commission science area, compiled by 5 well expert members.

scholarly journals A revolution in star cluster research: setting the scene

2010 ◽  
Vol 368 (1913) ◽  
pp. 693-711 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard de Grijs
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Galaxy Evolution ◽  
High Redshift ◽  
Cluster Formation ◽  
Star Clusters ◽  
Star Cluster ◽  
Research Setting ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Formation And Evolution ◽  
Open Issues

Star clusters and their stellar populations play a significant role in the context of galaxy evolution, across space (from local to high redshift) and time (from currently forming to fossil remnants). We are now within reach of answering a number of fundamental questions that will have a significant impact on our understanding of key open issues in contemporary astrophysics, ranging from the formation, assembly and evolution of galaxies to the details of the star-formation process. Our improved understanding of the physics driving star cluster formation and evolution has led to the emergence of crucial new open questions that will most probably be tackled in a systematic way in the next decade.

scholarly journals From young massive star clusters to old globulars: long-term survival chances

2006 ◽  
Vol 2 (S237) ◽  
pp. 408-408
Author(s):  
Richard de Grijs
Keyword(s):  
Galaxy Formation ◽  
Massive Star ◽  
Cluster Formation ◽  
Star Clusters ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Star Forming ◽  
Distant Galaxies ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Galaxy Collisions

Young, massive star clusters (YMCs) are the most notable and significant end products of violent star-forming episodes triggered by galaxy collisions and close encounters. The question remains, however, whether or not at least a fraction of the compact YMCs seen in abundance in extragalactic starbursts, are potentially the progenitors of (≳10 Gyr) old globular cluster (GC)-type objects. If we could settle this issue convincingly, one way or the other, the implications of such a result would have far-reaching implications for a wide range of astrophysical questions, including our understanding of the process of galaxy formation and assembly, and the process and conditions required for star (cluster) formation. Because of the lack of a statistically significant sample of YMCs in the Local Group, however, we need to resort to either statistical arguments or to the painstaking approach of case-by-case studies of individual objects in more distant galaxies.

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