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Chapter 27: Problem 21

Why do astronomers suspect that globular clusters were among the first objects to form in the history of the universe? Why not something larger and more massive?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Astronomers suspect that globular clusters were among the first objects to form in the universe's history because of their age, composition, and distribution. They consist mainly of old stars, lacking elements heavier than helium, indicating a very early universe origin. Their density and small size compared to galaxies suggest that they formed in less massive environments. Evidence from their wide, spherical distribution around galaxies indicates that they formed before the disk of the galaxy had developed.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Formation Theory

According to theories, in the early universe, there were small fluctuations in the distribution of matter. These fluctuations attracted more and more matter due to gravity, and eventually formed the first star clusters. As the universe continued to evolve, galaxies formed, integrating these clusters into their structure.
02

Explain the Significance of Size and Mass

The size and mass are important aspects too. Such clusters could only form in environments where there wasn't much mass available. If there had been more mass present during their formation, then the gravitational forces would've been stronger, which might have disrupted the formation of the cluster or formed larger structures, like a galaxy.
03

Explain the Evidence

The evidence for the formation of globular clusters early on in the universe's history comes from their composition and distribution. They lack elements heavier than helium, indicating a very early origin, because heavier elements were not widely available in the young universe. Their widespread, spherical distribution around the galaxy also indicates they formed before the disk of the galaxy had time to develop.

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