Abstract
The production of "super star clusters" (SSCs; luminous, compact star clusters) seems to be a hallmark of intense star formation, particularly in interacting and star-burst galaxies. Their sizes, luminosities, and mass estimates are entirely consistent with what is expected for young Milky Way-type globular clusters (GCs). SSCs are important because of what they can tell us about CC formation and evolution (e.g., initial characteristics and early survival rates). They are also of prime importance as probes of the formation and (chemical) evolution of their host galaxies, and of the initial mass function in the extreme environments required for cluster formation. Recent evidence lends support to the scenario that Milky Way-type GCs (although more metal rich), which were once thought to be the oldest building blocks of galaxies, are still forming today.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Highlights of astronomy |
| Editors | Oddbjørn Engvold |
| Publisher | Astronomical Society of the Pacific |
| Pages | 363-365 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Volume | 13 |
| ISBN (Print) | 1583811893 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2005 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | 25th General Assembly of the International-Astronomical-Union - Sydney, Australia Duration: 13 Jul 2003 → 26 Jul 2003 |
Conference
| Conference | 25th General Assembly of the International-Astronomical-Union |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Sydney |
| Period | 13/07/03 → 26/07/03 |