Observations of 14 young open star clusters with the HEGRA system of Cherenkov telescopes
Context: .A sample of 14 young open star clusters has been observed inthe TeV energy regime with the stereoscopic system of the HEGRA (HighEnergy Gamma-Ray Astronomy) Cherenkov telescopes from 1997 to 2002,resulting in more than 300 h of observation time. Aims: .Youngopen star clusters may contribute to the acceleration of cosmic rays.The detection of γ-rays (from decaying π^0s produced inhadronic interactions) from these objects could be evidence for such acontribution. The results of our observations are compared to availableγ-ray data and to a simple hadronic model in the framework ofshock front acceleration of cosmic rays in the stellar winds of thecluster members to test the potential of the presently available data onyoung open star clusters to constrain this type of model. Methods:.The stereoscopic system of HEGRA Cherenkov telescopes makes use of theatmospheric imaging technique. Air showers initiated by primaryGamma-Rays are recorded as elliptical images in the telescope cameras.The images from the different telescopes are then superimposed toreconstruct the parameters of the primary particle. This technique(stereoscopy) was pioneered by the HEGRA experiment. Results: .Nosignificant excess has been found in the analysed data set of young openstar clusters. The derived upper limit on the TeV gamma-ray flux fromBerkeley 87 and the available EGRET data from the same direction do notallow us to fully constrain the simple hadronic model used here. Thecomparison of the upper limits derived for all 14 objects with the fluxdetected from TeV J2032+4130 (under the assumption of an association ofthe TeV-signal with the compact stellar association Cyg OB2) suggeststhat γ-ray emission from young open star clusters as an objectclass cannot be ruled out.
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Proper motion determination of open clusters based on the UCAC2 catalogue
We present the kinematics of hundreds of open clusters, based on theUCAC2 Catalogue positions and proper motions. Membership probabilitieswere obtained for the stars in the cluster fields by applying astatistical method uses stellar proper motions. All open clusters withknown distance were investigated, and for 75 clusters this is the firstdetermination of the mean proper motion. The results, including the DSSimages of the cluster's fields with the kinematic members marked, areincorporated in the Open Clusters Catalogue supported on line by ourgroup.
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Astrophysical parameters of Galactic open clusters
We present a catalogue of astrophysical data for 520 Galactic openclusters. These are the clusters for which at least three most probablemembers (18 on average) could be identified in the ASCC-2.5, a catalogueof stars based on the Tycho-2 observations from the Hipparcos mission.We applied homogeneous methods and algorithms to determine angular sizesof cluster cores and coronae, heliocentric distances, mean propermotions, mean radial velocities, and ages. For the first time we derivedistances for 200 clusters, radial velocities for 94 clusters, and agesof 196 clusters. This homogeneous new parameter set is compared withearlier determinations, where we find, in particular, that the angularsizes were systematically underestimated in the literature.
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Optical line emission from the supernova remnant G 73.9+0.9
Flux calibrated images of the field around the known supernova remnant G73.9+0.9 in the Hiα+[N Ii], [S Ii], [O Ii], and [O Iii] emissionlines are presented. The low ionization images are characterized bydiffuse emission both within and outside the extent of the remnant. Theflux calibrated images revealed a few small scale structures in the eastareas of G 73.9+0.9. The long-slit spectra identify the emission fromone of them as emission from shock heated gas. This patchy structure is 3 arcmin long and emits Hα flux at a level of 33× 10-17 erg s-1 cm-2arcsec-2. The bright diffuse arc-like structure in the centerof the field seems to be associated to G 73.9+0.9 given its spectralsignature and positional relation with the non-thermal radio emission. A8 arcmin long filamentary structure with an absolute Hα fluxof 9 × 10-17 erg s-1 cm-2arcsec-2 is detected in the [O Iii] emission line to thesouth of G 73.9+0.9 but is probably unrelated. The deep long-slitspectra suggest complete recombination zones, shock velocities below 90km s-1, low electron densities (<50 cm-3) andnon-negligible magnetic field strengths.
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Absolute proper motions of open clusters. I. Observational data
Mean proper motions and parallaxes of 205 open clusters were determinedfrom their member stars found in the Hipparcos Catalogue. 360 clusterswere searched for possible members, excluding nearby clusters withdistances D < 200 pc. Members were selected using ground basedinformation (photometry, radial velocity, proper motion, distance fromthe cluster centre) and information provided by Hipparcos (propermotion, parallax). Altogether 630 certain and 100 possible members werefound. A comparison of the Hipparcos parallaxes with photometricdistances of open clusters shows good agreement. The Hipparcos dataconfirm or reject the membership of several Cepheids in the studiedclusters. Tables 1 and 2 are only available in electronic form at theCDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or viahttp://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/Abstract.html
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X-ray and γ-ray emission in open clusters.
We have studied a number of galactic open clusters that lie in the errorboxes of COS B sources. These clusters belong to complexes in whichsimilar star formation processes occur. They have similar ages, stellarpopulation and contain peculiar stars with very high-velocity stellarwinds. We propose that a system of shock fronts, set up at theinterfaces between the hypersonic wind of the peculiar stars and theother cluster members, generates acceleration of cosmic ray particles,whose interactions with the inter-cluster gas concentrations would beresponsible for the observed γ-ray emission. We find variousobservational evidences (including CGRO data, strongly supporting theassociation of the γ-ray source J 2021+37=2CG075+00 with Berk 87)for the presence of such shock fronts in some of these clusters. We showthat the diffuse hard X-ray emission from the clusters regions isconsistent with the geometric scenario inferred from the data and withthe assumed mechanism of cosmic ray acceleration.
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Estimates of geometric and dynamic parameters of star-gas complexes in the Galaxy
Parameters of geometric models of 11 gas-star complexes (GSCs) wereobtained. We used information about GSC projections onto the celestialsphere and the Galactic plane and about GSC extension along the line ofsight. GSCs were represented as triaxial ellipsoids. To estimate thesemiminor axis of the GSC ellipsoidal model and GSC slope angle to theGalactic plane, we used data on spatial location of open stellarclusters (OSCs) entering GSCs. GSC slopes to the Galactic plane varybetween 2.5 and 20.5 deg. Their semiminor axes are between 11 and 164pc. GSC total masses are estimated from GSC tidal effect on OSCs thatare members of the corresponding GSCs. The effect manifests itself insmaller sizes of young OSCs as compared to their tidal sizes in theforce field of the Galaxy. We used studies of stability of an OSC movingin the joint force field of the Galaxy and spheroidal stationary GSC, aswell as studies of evolution of a virialized cluster located at thecenter of a nonstationary ellipsoidal GSC. Estimated total masses fordifferent GSCs lie between 0.65 x 10 exp 5 solar masses and 11.5 x 10exp 7 solar masses.
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The evolution of galactic carbon stars.
Based on a comparison of observations with new synthetic AGB evolutioncalculations we propose a revised evolutionary scenario for carbon starsin the solar neighbourhood. From observations we derive that the lowestinitial mass from which carbon stars form is about 1.5Msun_.This constraint combined with four other constraints (the observedinitial-final mass relation, the birth rate of carbon stars, theobserved abundance ratios in planetary nebulae (PNe) and the numberratios C/M and S/C of AGB stars) are used to derive the followingparameters for the synthetic AGB evolution model. Third dredge-up occursfor core masses above 0.58Msun_ and the dredge-up efficiencyis λ=0.75. We consider a Reimers mass loss law (with a scalingfactor η_AGB_) and the mass loss rate law recently proposed byBloecker & Schoenberner (1993; with a scaling factor η_BS_). Wefind η_AGB_=4 and η_BS_=0.08. Both models fit the observationsequally well. The model predicts that stars in the range1.5Msun_<~M<~1.6Msun_ become carbon stars attheir last thermal pulse (TP) on the AGB and live only a few 10^4^yr ascarbon stars. More massive stars experience additional TPs as carbonstars (up to about 25 for a 3Msun_ star) and live up to10^6^yr. For M>4Msun_ hot-bottom burning prevents theformation of carbon stars. For M<~2Msun_, M-stars skip theS-star phase when they become carbon stars. The average lifetime of thecarbon star phase is ~3x10^5^yr. The carbon stars for which C/O ratioshave been derived in the literature (with values <~1.5) arepredominantly optical carbon stars with a 60μm excess. Yet, disk PNeare known with C/O ratios up to about 4. We predict that carbon starswith C/O ratios >1.5 are to be found among the infrared carbon stars.The model predicts that the probability that a carbon star hasC/O>1.5 is about 30%, in reasonable agreement with the observed ratioof the surface density in the galactic plane of infrared carbon stars toall carbon stars. The infrared carbon stars are predicted to be (onaverage) more massive than the optical carbon stars. The fact thatcarbon stars with C/O>1.5 apparently never reach the optical carbonstar phase (with a detached shell) is probably due to differences inevolution. If indeed infrared carbon stars are on average more massive(i.e. have larger core masses) than optical carbon stars, the interpulseperiod is shorter, and the increase in luminosity during the TP issmaller (due to the larger envelope mass). Both effects will decreasethe likelihood of a detached shell to occur. We predict that two-thirdsof all detached shells around optical carbon stars are oxygen-rich.
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Anomalous Proper-Motions in the Cygnus Super Bubble Region
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1993A&AS..101...37C&db_key=AST
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Young stellar-gas complexes in the Galaxy
It is found that about 90 percent of OB-associations and o-b2 clusterssituated within 3 kpc of the sun can be united into complexes withdiameters of 150-700 pc. Almost all of these clusters contain giantmolecular clouds with a mass greater than about 100,000 solar masses. Anumber of complexes are associated with giant H I clouds; a few of thesmall complexes are situated in the HI caverns. The concentration ofOB-associations and young clusters in star complexes attests to theircommon origin in the supergiant gaseous clouds.
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A cluster analysis of open clusters
The Galactic distribution of 361 open clusters is studied using acluster analysis method. It is shown that more than half of the clustersenter groups with characteristic dimensions of several hundred parsecs.To distinguish physical clusters from random condensations, criteriabased on age similarity, the color of the main-sequence blue end, andthe integrated color and radial velocity of the clusters are used. Theproximity of these values suggests a physical unity and common origin ofclusters in a group.
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Catalog of open clusters and associated interstellar matter.
Not Available
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A cluster analysis of young open clusters
Cluster analysis methods are used to consider the galactic distributionof 224 open clusters with an age up to 10 to the 8th yrs. Most of theseclusters enter condensations with characteristic dimensions of a fewhundred parsecs. Some condensations are so similar in terms of the age,integrated color, and radial velocity of their components, that thiscannot be considered a coincidence. This suggests that each condensationis a physical entity consisting of clusters apparently linked by acommon origin.
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A photometric study of short period variable stars in open clusters
The photoelectric photometry of known Delta Scuti variable stars inselected open clusters (Coma, Praesepe, Pleiades, Alpha Per, and NGC2264) was carried out in order to determine the periods of pulsation.Multicolor uvby-beta photometry and a search for new variables in otheropen clusters (NGC 2539, NGC 6494, NGC 6882-5, NGC 7062, NGC 7063 andNGC 7686) were also performed.
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Kinematics of young open clusters and the rotation curve of our Galaxy
Published observational data on a sample of 105 kinematically andspatially distinct open clusters of early spectral type (up to B3) arecompiled in tables, graphs, and diagrams and characterizedstatistically. Findings reported include (1) solar motion expanding atLSR velocity 3 km/s or less (with no noncircular motion in the directionof rotation), (2) Oort constant A = 17.0 + or - 1.5 km/s kpc andsecond-order rotation term alpha = -2.0 + or - 0.6 km/s sq kpc at R-R0between -3 and 5 kpc, (3) maximum rotation-curve deviation + or - 10km/s at R-R0 about - or + 2 kpc, and (4) nondecreasing rotationalvelocities beyond about R-R0 = 3 kpc. The rotational velocities of H IIregions and molecular clouds in the Perseus arm are found to besignificantly lower than those of the open clusters.
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Catalogue of UBV Photometry and MK Spectral Types in Open Clusters (Third Edition)
Not Available
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Washington photometry of open cluster giants - The metal-rich clusters
Abundances of more than one hundred giants in a large sample ofmetal-rich open clusters in the Galaxy are investigated with Washingtonphotometry. Most of these clusters have no high-dispersion spectroscopicabundance determinations. A revision of the empirical abundancecalibrations for Population I giants, based on a much improved data setover previous calibrations, is first presented. The M-T(1) (Feabundance) calibration changes slightly for stars with Fe/H of about-0.5. The C-M (Fe + CN abundance) calibration is substantially alteredfor abundances above solar. The net effect brings the two abundanceindices into close agreement and eliminates the apparent CN enhancementspreviously determined for several open clusters. An enhanced sensitivityto Fe abundance is found for both the M - T(1) and especially the C - Mindex over that determined in previous investigations. Indeed, Delta(C -M) has an Fe abundance sensitivity that exceeds any other photometricabundance index. In view of the relative rarity of CN strengthvariations in Pop I giants, this index is most useful as a metallicityindicator for these stars. Abundances with an uncertainty of about 0.1dex are derived for a total of 18 open clusters observed with theWashington system. The abundances are generally in good agreement withprior abundance analyses. No strong evidence is found for CN variationsor anomalies in any of the clusters. A comparison with Population Ifield giants shows that the open cluster giants have normal CNabundances for their FE abundances.
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Search for B-Type Variable Stars in Open Clusters
Not Available
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Catalogue of Eclipsing and Spectroscopic Binary Stars in the Regions of Open Clusters
Not Available
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Observational tests on star formation. I - Size variation of very young clusters through the Galaxy
Study of the linear dimensions of very young open star clusters (ageless than 15 my) shows that in the observable part of the Galaxy thediameter of clusters increases on the average with distance from thegalactic center, the variation being especially pronounced around adistance from the galactic center of 11 kpc. Both the direction and thesize of the observed increase may be interpreted in terms of the changeof the Jeans critical radius throughout the Galaxy. The requiredincrease of the Jeans radius with distance from the galactic center maybe accounted for by the decrease in the mean gas density throughout theGalaxy and by the decrease in the compression effects of the galacticshock waves or whatever other mechanism initiates star formation.
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A composite Hertzsprung-Russell diagram for the peculiar red giants
A composite H-R diagram for the peculiar red giants of the diskpopulation is constructed using the available data for stars of types R,N, S, SC, MS, and Ba, along with theoretical evolutionary tracks. The N,S, SC, and MS stars approximately coincide with the sequence of normal Mgiants in the H-R diagram and can be identified with thehelium-shell-flash phase of evolution. The early R stars and most Bastars occupy the same region of the H-R diagram as normal K giants; thepositions of these stars cannot be reconciled with currentstellar-evolution calculations.
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Cool Carbon Stars in Open Clusters (abstract)
Not Available
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A catalogue of galactic star clusters observed in three colours
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1971A&AS....4..241B
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The stellar group Ba 6.
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1969A&A.....2...22K
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The ages of open clusters
Not Available
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Dreifarbenphotometrie in offenen Sternhaufen sowie in zwei Sternfeldern im Cyg.
Not Available
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Die räumliche Verteilung von 156 galaktischen Sternhaufen in Abhängigkeit von ihrem Alter. Mit 7 Textabbildungen
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Dreifarbenphotometrie der offenen Sternhaufen NGC 6871, NGC 6883 IC 4996 sowie der hellsten Sterne in NGC 581. Mit 7 Textabbildungen
Not Available
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Variable stars in open clusters.
Not Available
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Interstellar Calcium Lines in the Spectra of Stars in Open Clusters.
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1949ApJ...110..117S&db_key=AST
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