Cosmic Strings and the Origin of Globular Clusters

Abstract

We hypothesize that cosmic string loops are the seeds about which globular clusters accrete. Fixing the cosmic string tension by demanding that the peak in the distribution of masses of objects accreting onto string loops agrees with the peak in the observed mass distribution of globular clusters in our Milky Way galaxy, we then compute the expected number density and mass function of globular clusters, and compare with observations. Our hypothesis naturally explains why globular clusters are the oldest and most dense objects in a galaxy, and why they are found in the halo of the galaxy.

arXiv comment7 pages, 2 figures, figures slightly adjusted, two references added; version to appear in JCAP

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• New limits on cosmic strings from gravitational wave observation
• Unveiling the Dynamics of the Universe
• Cosmic String Loops as the Seeds of Super-Massive Black Holes
• Constraints on Superconducting Cosmic Strings from the Global $21$-cm Signal before Reionization
• Intermediate Mass Black Hole Seeds from Cosmic String Loops
• Massive black holes at high redshifts from superconducting cosmic strings
• On the Possible Enhancement of the Global $21$-cm Signal at Reionization from the Decay of Cosmic String Cusps
• Effects of Cosmic String Velocities and the Origin of Globular Clusters
• Ionization from Cosmic Strings at Cosmic Dawn
• Cosmic Microwave Background Spectral Distortions from Cosmic String Loops