Young massive star clusters: globular cluster progenitors?

TL;DR

This paper reviews the potential of young massive star clusters to evolve into globular clusters, emphasizing the importance of initial mass function and environmental factors in their long-term survival.

Contribution

It provides an overview of the conditions influencing the evolution of young massive clusters into globular clusters, highlighting ongoing formation and environmental impacts.

Findings

GC formation may still be occurring today

Long-term survival depends on initial mass function and environment

External perturbations significantly affect cluster evolution

Abstract

I review the long-term survival chances of young massive star clusters (YMCs), hallmarks of intense starburst episodes often associated with violent galaxy interactions. In particular, I address the key question as to whether at least some of these YMCs can be considered proto-globular clusters (GCs). In the absence of significant external perturbations, the key factor determining a cluster's long-term survival chances is the shape of its stellar initial mass function. I conclude that there is an increasing body of evidence that GC formation appears to be continuing until today; their long-term evolution crucially depends on their environmental conditions, however.