Maximum count for mutually bound stars

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SUMMARY

The maximum number of stars bound in a system under mutual attraction, particularly in the early universe, lacks a definitive theoretical limit. The growth of structure in the universe occurs in a bottom-up manner, suggesting that the average size of bound star systems increases over time. Dark matter's role in binding systems is significant, as galaxies utilize both stars and dark matter for stability, while globular clusters, which primarily consist of old stars, do not contain detectable dark matter and represent some of the largest star-bound systems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of stellar formation and evolution
  • Knowledge of dark matter and its influence on cosmic structures
  • Familiarity with the concept of globular clusters
  • Basic principles of gravitational binding in astrophysics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of dark matter in galaxy formation
  • Study the characteristics and formation processes of globular clusters
  • Explore the bottom-up structure formation theory in cosmology
  • Investigate the dynamics of star systems and their gravitational interactions
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students of cosmology interested in the dynamics of star systems and the influence of dark matter on cosmic structures.

Loren Booda
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Especially in the early universe, what do you think would be the maximum number of stars bound in a system under mutual attraction?
 
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Loren Booda said:
Especially in the early universe, what do you think would be the maximum number of stars bound in a system under mutual attraction?

I don't see any reason for a theoretical limit to this, though the growth of structure happens bottom-up, so the average size of bound star systems should increase with time. It also begs the question of whether you're allowing dark matter to assist in the binding. Galaxies are bound systems of stars, but it's not only the stars that do the binding. Globular clusters, on the other hand, do not have a detectable amount of dark matter, so they are probably the largest systems bound primarily by stars.
 
And they are composed of very old stars, and prefer the suburbs. I see a pattern emerging.
 

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