Constraints on the mass and abundance of black holes in the Galactic halo: the high mass limit
arXiv:astro-ph/9902028 · doi:10.1046/j.1365-8711.2000.03222.x
Abstract
We establish constraints on the mass and abundance of black holes in the Galactic halo by determining their impact on globular clusters which are conventionally considered to be little evolved. Using detailed Monte Carlo simulations and simple analytic estimates, we conclude that, at Galactocentric radius R~8 kpc, black holes with masses M_bh >~(1-3) x 10^6 M_sun can comprise no more than a fraction f_bh ~ 0.025-0.05 of the total halo density. This constraint significantly improves those based on disk heating and dynamical friction arguments as well as current lensing results. At smaller radius, the constraint on f_bh strengthens, while, at larger radius, an increased fraction of black holes is allowed.
13 pages, 10 figures, revised version, in press, Monthly Notices
References in corpus (6)
- The Efficiency of Globular Cluster Formation
- The Globular Cluster System in the Inner Region of M87
- M87, Globular Clusters, and Galactic Winds: Issues in Giant Galaxy Formation
- Resonant Thickening of Disks by Small Satellite Galaxies
- On the evolution of the galactic globular cluster system
- Canaries in a Coal Mine: Using Globular Clusters to Place Limits on Massive Black Holes in the Galactic Halo