The Digital Press

Simulations reveal how dense star clusters formed during early galaxy mergers develop complex internal structures and dynamics, resembling observed globular clusters. A massive star forms at the center, likely collapsing into an intermediate-mass black hole.

Why it matters: The study explains the origins of diverse spatial and kinematic features in globular clusters observed today.

The big picture: Early star clusters form through hierarchical merging and dissipative processes, leading to high stellar densities and complex internal motions.

Stunning stat: Initial cluster half-mass radii are extremely compact, about 0.1 to 1 parsec, with masses up to 200,000 solar masses.

The stakes: Understanding these formation processes sheds light on multiple stellar populations and black hole formation inside globular clusters.