The dynamical origin of GW190521 in young massive star clusters

Abstract

GW190521 is the most massive binary black hole (BBH) merger observed to date. Due to its peculiar properties, the origin of this system is still a matter of debate: several hints may favor a dense stellar environment as a birthplace. Here, we investigate the possible formation of GW190521-like systems via three-body encounters in young massive star clusters (YSCs) by means of direct N-body simulations.

Contribution to the 2021 Gravitation session of the 55th Rencontres de Moriond