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The structure and mass function of the globular cluster M3

1976/05/01 by G. S. Da Costa, K. C. Freeman · 1 citation
Physics and Astronomy · #Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies

paper · pdf · doi:10.1086/154363

openalex publication_date 1976/05/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/04

Abstract

A detailed dynamical model of the globular cluster M3 is presented. The model is tidally limited and includes a realistic distribution of stellar masses. It is used to derive a total luminosity function for the cluster from the published luminosity function, and to give estimates of its total mass and M/L ratio. The model gives an excellent fit to the observed radial distribution of surface brightness and star counts over five decades in surface brightness; a good fit is not possible with the corresponding single-mass models.

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