The distribution of stars in galactic nuclei: loaded polytropes.
Abstract
We consider the structure of a galactic nucleus in which a compact supermassive object (e.g., a black hole or spinar) is embedded. The surrounding stars are assumed to satisfy a polytropic or isothermal equation of state. The density distribution of these loaded polytropes has a sharp central spike in which the time scale for stellar collisions can be short. Other properties of loaded polytropes, such as their masses, radii, projected density distribution, relaxation times, and stability, can also differ significantly from those of normal polytropes.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- July 1975
- DOI:
- 10.1086/153695
- Bibcode:
- 1975ApJ...199..328H
- Keywords:
-
- Galactic Nuclei;
- Galactic Structure;
- Star Distribution;
- Stellar Motions;
- Celestial Mechanics;
- Density Distribution;
- Equations Of State;
- Polytropic Processes;
- Radio Sources (Astronomy);
- Relaxation Time;
- Astrophysics