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SUMMARY:The importance of being wide: The key role of wide binaries\, from
  GW sources to Pluto - Hagai Perets
DTSTART:20250220T160000Z
DTEND:20250220T170000Z
UID:TALK226219@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Mor Rozner
DESCRIPTION:Dense stellar clusters are known to be hotbeds of collisional 
 stellar dynamics\, driving a diverse array of phenomena\, from gravitation
 al-wave sources and X-ray binaries to blue stragglers. While the Galactic 
 field is typically considered too sparse for such interactions\, this view
  overlooks the significant role of ultra-wide binaries and triples (separa
 tions > 1000 AU). These systems possess large cross-sections for encounter
 s\, leading to surprisingly high interaction rates even in low-density env
 ironments. Cumulative effects from repeated flybys can trigger strong inte
 ractions between system components\, effectively enabling collisional dyna
 mics and associated phenomena within the field.\n\nShifting focus to small
 er scales\, wide binary Kuiper Belt objects can also undergo mergers and c
 ollisions. However\, instead of direct collisions\, these events are drive
 n by secular evolution within hierarchical triple systems. This mechanism 
 offers a compelling explanation for the formation of objects like Arrokoth
  and the Pluto-Charon system.
LOCATION:Hoyle Lecture Theatre\, Institute of Astronomy
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