Abstract

The Formation and Evolution of Massive Binaries and Multiples

Kaitlin Kratter (Harvard-Smithsonian CfA)

Chris Matzner (U. Toronto), Mark Krumholz (UCSC), Richard Klein (Berkeley / LLNL), Hagai Perets (CfA)

I will discuss formation mechanisms for massive binary and multiple stars, focusing on the crucial role of protostellar disk instabilities. In particular I will show that different mechanisms dominate as a function of stellar mass. The formation mechanism for the most massive binaries may be intimately connected to the stellar upper mass limit. Finally I will describe how hierarchical multiples might seed a variety of interesting compact binary systems.