Exploring the Kinematics of Omega Centauri’s Metallicity Populations
Vernekar et al. (2025) investigate the motions of different metallicity populations in Omega Centauri using Gaia and Hubble data. They find no significant differences in movement between metal-rich and metal-poor stars, suggesting that all populations are well-mixed. The study also confirms that Omega Cen rotates uniformly. These findings challenge the idea that metal-rich stars were accreted and instead support a self-enrichment scenario for the cluster’s formation.
Tracing the Origins of ω Centauri: A Chemical and Orbital Investigation of Globular Clusters
This study explores ω Centauri’s origins by analyzing the chemical compositions and orbits of similar globular clusters, suggesting they may all stem from a common progenitor—an ancient dwarf galaxy disrupted by the Milky Way’s gravitational forces. Using data from the APOGEE catalog and advanced modeling techniques, six clusters were identified with chemical abundances and metallicity distributions closely matching ω Centauri. Their orbital characteristics further support an accretion origin, contributing to the understanding of how interactions with smaller galaxies have shaped the Milky Way.