Colloquium: Nick Wright (Keele University)

The Dynamics of Star Clusters and OB Associations

The formation and evolution of young star clusters and OB associations is fundamental to our understanding of the star formation process, the conditions faced by young binary and planetary systems, and the formation of long-lived open and globular clusters. Despite this, we still don’t understand how dense and compact star clusters form and how the majority of young stars rapidly disperse into the Galactic field. I will present dynamical studies of multiple young star clusters and OB associations that constrain their current dynamical state, probe how they formed and reveal how they are currently dispersing. Our results challenge the classical picture of star cluster and OB association formation and suggest a new picture whereby many star clusters and OB associations originate as extended systems.

• Date:
  Oct. 14, 2021, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  
  
• Location:

  Colloquium zoom-room

  
  
• Contact:
  Sydney Barnes