M15 is one of the brighter globular clusters and has captured
the interest of astronomers for several reasons. M15 packs one
of the densest cores known for a globular cluster. M15 has undergone
the phenomenon of core collapse, not an uncommon event in the
evolution of globular clusters. As clusters evolve, low mass star
populations are depleted by tidal stripping, collisions and mergers.
The more massive stars, including binary systems and neutron stars
will gravitate to the center of the cluster. The cluster will
then readjust itself gravitationally speaking. In the process
of rearranging its structure stars are drawn to the center leading
to an extremely compact core. Although the true nature of the
compact center is still obscure some evidence gives support for
an intermediate mass black hole in M15 of between 500 and 3500
solar masses. Approximately 20% of Milky Way globular clusters
have undergone core collapse.
M15 contains a high number of pulsars (radio wave emitting neutron
stars). These once massive stars are remnants of supernova events
from a time when the cluster was much younger. M15 is one of only
4 known globular clusters to contain a planetary Nebula (Pease
I). Although arguments have been made that Pease I is not a true
member of M15 radial velocities of both nebula and cluster seem
to match and provide the best evidence for membership within the
cluster.