A machine learning framework to generate star cluster realisations

TL;DR

This paper introduces a machine learning framework using Gaussian processes to generate realistic initial conditions for star cluster simulations, improving the reproduction of small-scale structures like binary systems.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel physics-informed sampling method that enhances the realism of initial conditions for N-body simulations in computational astronomy.

Findings

Physics-informed sampling produces more realistic star cluster initial conditions.

Direct sampling struggles to reproduce binary star systems.

The framework reduces computational bottlenecks in setting up simulations.

Abstract

Context. Computational astronomy has reached the stage where running a gravitational N-body simulation of a stellar system, such as a Milky Way star cluster, is computationally feasible, but a major limiting factor that remains is the ability to set up physically realistic initial conditions. Aims. We aim to obtain realistic initial conditions for N-body simulations by taking advantage of machine learning, with emphasis on reproducing small-scale interstellar distance distributions. Methods. The computational bottleneck for obtaining such distance distributions is the hydrodynamics of star formation, which ultimately determine the features of the stars, including positions, velocities, and masses. To mitigate this issue, we introduce a new method for sampling physically realistic initial conditions from a limited set of simulations using Gaussian processes. Results. We evaluated the resulting sets of initial conditions based on whether they meet tests for physical realism. We find that direct sampling based on the learned distribution of the star features fails to reproduce binary systems. Consequently, we show that physics-informed sampling algorithms solve this issue, as they are capable of generating realisations closer to reality.