2014/11/17 by Douglas C. Heggie, Heggie, Douglas C.
Physics and Astronomy · #Astro and Planetary Science #Astrophysics of Galaxies (astro-ph.GA) #FOS: Physical sciences
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1411.4936
openalex publication_date 2014/11/17 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
The theory of star cluster dynamics was a major topic in Hénon's early research career. Here we summarise his contributions under three headings: (i) the Monte Carlo method, (ii) homological evolution of star clusters, and (iii) escape from star clusters. In each case we also trace some aspects of how Hénon's contributions have been developed or applied in subsequent decades up to the present. We also propose that Hénon's work be commemorated by adopting the names "Hénon units" and "Hénon's Principle".