English

The Second Parameter Problem(s)

Solar and Stellar Astrophysics 2013-07-24 v1 Astrophysics of Galaxies

Abstract

The Second Parameter (2ndP) Problem recognizes the remarkable role played by horizontal branch (HB) morphology in the development of our understanding of globular clusters, and the Galaxy, over the last 50 years. I will describe the historical development of the 2ndP and discuss recent advances that are finally providing some answers. I will discuss how the controversies surrounding the nature of the 2ndP can be reconciled if we acknowledge that there are actually two distinct problems with entirely different solutions.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1307.5589,
  title  = {The Second Parameter Problem(s)},
  author = {Aaron Dotter},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1307.5589},
  year   = {2013}
}

Comments

5 pages, 2 figures, proceedings of the meeting "Reading the book of globular clusters with the lens of stellar evolution", Rome, Nov. 26-28, 2012, to be published in Memorie della Societa' Astronomica Italiana

R2 v1 2026-06-22T00:55:09.239Z