The structure and mass function of the globular cluster M3

Abstract

A detailed dynamical model of the globular cluster M3 is presented. The model is tidally limited and includes a realistic distribution of stellar masses. It is used to derive a total luminosity function for the cluster from the published luminosity function, and to give estimates of its total mass and M/L ratio. The model gives an excellent fit to the observed radial distribution of surface brightness and star counts over five decades in surface brightness; a good fit is not possible with the corresponding single-mass models.