Observations and Theory of Star Cluster Formation

Young stars form on a wide range of scales, producing aggregates and clusters with various degrees of gravitational self-binding. The loose aggregates have a hierarchical structure in both space and time that resembles interstellar turbulence, suggesting that these stars form in only a few turbulent crossing times with positions that map out the previous gas distribution. Dense clusters, on the other hand, are often well mixed, as if self-gravitational motion has erased the initial fine structure. Nevertheless, some of the youngest dense clusters also show sub-clumping, so it may be that all stellar clustering is related to turbulence. Some of the densest clusters may also be triggered. The evidence for mass segregation of the stars inside clusters is reviewed, along with various explanations for this effect. Other aspects of the theory of cluster formation are reviewed as well, including many specific proposals for cluster formation mechanisms. The conditions for the formation of bound clusters are discussed. Critical star formation efficiencies can be as low as 10% if the gas removal process is slow and the stars are born at sub-virial speeds. Environmental conditions, particularly pressure, may affect the fraction and masses of clusters that end up bound. Globular clusters may form like normal open clusters but in conditions that prevailed during the formation of the halo and bulge, or in interacting and starburst galaxies today. Various theories for the formation of globular clusters are summarized. To be published in Protostars and Planets IV, eds. V. G. Mannings, A. P. Boss, and S. S. Russell, from the conference at Santa Barbara, CA, July 6-11, 1998.