1984/08/03 by Lyman Spitzer · 2 citations
Physics and Astronomy · Earth and Planetary Sciences · #Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies #Statistical Mechanics and Entropy #High-pressure geophysics and materials
paper · doi:10.1126/science.225.4661.465
openalex publication_date 1984/08/03 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
In their attempt to reach kinetic equilibrium, through gravitational encounters between separate stars, globular clusters are driven to destruction, with their cores collapsing and their outer regions expanding. The effects of core collapse, which apparently produces x-ray sources, are not yet fully understood, but white dwarfs and neutron stars, probably in binary systems, are thought to be involved, and possibly black holes as well.