Prof. Dr. Susanne Pfalzner
Auf dem Hügel 69
53121 Bonn
Room 2.31
Telephone: 0228/ 525 - 126
spfalzner@mpifr-bonn.mpg.de
The central aim of my group is to understand better what influence the cluster environment has on star and planet formation.
Therefore we simulate the general dynamics of young dense clusters in the embedded and exposed phase and are particulary interested in the temporale
development of the cluster density. We study the frequency of close encounters in such clusters, their influence on protoplantary discs properties
and the resulting planetary systems. Of special interest is in this context our own Solar system, which most likely formed also in a cluster
environment. The outer solar system shows characteristic signs of a close stellar fly-by to the current day.
As the dynamics of clusters depends as well on whether the stars are single or part of a multiple system we study as well the evolution of the binary
properties in these early phases of the cluster development. more...