What structural characteristic defines an open cluster compared to globular clusters?
Answer
They are loosely bound by mutual gravitational attraction.
Open clusters are structurally distinct due to their relatively weak gravitational binding forces. They are characterized as being loosely bound, meaning that the mutual gravitational attraction between the stars is just strong enough to keep them grouped for a limited time, but weak enough to allow external forces, like galactic tides, to easily disperse them. This contrasts sharply with globular clusters, which are ancient, extremely dense, and gravitationally cohesive spheres that can survive for billions of years. The loose binding of open clusters dictates their relatively short lifespan, leading to processes like evaporation.
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