The Age/Density Relation of Open Star Clusters

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The topic of this astronomy research project is the investigation of the factors that determine the density of a star cluster over time. How does age relate to star cluster density and can it help to explain the evolution of a cluster? We answer these questions by utilizing the array of astronomical data found in Sky Catalogue 2000.0. While others have studied the characteristics of stars in relation to their parent star clusters, our approach was to add a comprehensive and specific analysis of star density in terms of the evolution of the cluster. Our methodology was to first establish a solid foundation of data from which to build. From there we used measured values of the apparent diameter, number of stars, ages, and apparent distances to calculate the actual diameter, distance, volume, and density of 19 different star clusters. Through graphical analysis and comparison of the data we were able to determine the relation between a star cluster and its overall density. Our results indicated a close relationship between age and density of star clusters. As a star cluster ages it becomes less dense. This is an important contribution to astronomy because much of the life and death of the universe happens in these star clusters, so knowing more about stellar clusters increases knowledge of the life of stars, clusters and the universe.