X-ray Observations of Eight Young Open Star Clusters: I. Membership and X-ray Luminosity

We present a detailed investigation of X-ray source contents of eight young open clusters with ages between 4 to 46 Myr using archival X-ray data from XMM-Newton. The probable cluster memberships of the X-ray sources have been established on the basis of multi-wavelength archival data, and samples of 152 pre-main sequence (PMS) low mass (<2M _⊙), 36 intermediate mass (2–10M _⊙) and 16 massive (>10M _⊙) stars have been generated. X-ray spectral analyses of high mass stars reveal the presence of high temperature plasma with temperature <2 keV, and mean L _X/L _bol of 10^???6.9. In the case of PMS low mass stars, the plasma temperatures have been found to be in the range of 0.2 keV to 3 keV with a median value of ~1.3 keV, with no significant difference in plasma temperatures during their evolution from 4 to 46 Myr. The X-ray luminosity distributions of the PMS low mass stars have been found to be similar in the young star clusters under study. This may suggest a nearly uniform X-ray activity in the PMS low mass stars of ages ~4–14 Myr. These observed values of L _X/L _bol are found to have a mean value of 10^??3.6±0.4, which is below the X-ray saturation level. The L _X/L _bol values for the PMS low mass stars are well correlated with their bolometric luminosities, that implies its dependence on the internal structure of the low mass stars. The difference between the X-ray luminosity distributions of the intermediate mass stars and the PMS low mass stars has not been found to be statistically significant. Their L _X/L _bol values, however have been found to be significantly different from each other with a confidence level greater than 99.999% and the strength of X-ray activity in the intermediate mass stars is found to be lower compared to the low mass stars. However, the possibility of X-ray emission from the intermediate mass stars due to a low mass star in close proximity of the intermediate mass star can not be ruled out.     

The orbital period and variability of the dwarf nova ES Draconis

A radial velocity study of the cataclysmic variable ES Dra (PG 1524+622) is presented. ES Dra is found to have an orbital period of 0.17660 ± 0.00006 day (4.2384 ± 0.0014 h). The mass-losing secondary star of ES Dra is detectable in the spectrum, and it has a spectral type of M2 ± 1. From this, we estimate the absolute magnitude of ES Dra during our spectroscopic observations to have been M_R = 6.5 ± 0.5, and its distance to be 720 ± 150 pc. The long-term light curve of ES Dra compiled by the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) shows that ES Dra is a Z Cam star, which between 1995 and 2009 spent most of its time in standstill.     

Absolute properties of the neglected eclipsing B-type binary HD 194495

We present the results of the high-resolution spectroscopic observations of the neglected binary system HD 194495 (B3 IV-V+B4 V). A combined analysis of three different photometric data set (Tycho B_T and V_T photometry, H_p-band data of Hipparcos and V-band data of ASAS3 photometry) and radial velocities indicates that the system has an orbital period of 4.90494 ± 0.00005 days and an inclination of 69 ± 1 degrees. This solution yields masses and radii of M₁ = 7.57 ± 0.08 M_⊙ and R₁ = 5.82 ± 0.03 R_⊙ for the primary and M₂ = 5.46 ± 0.09 M_⊙ and R₂ = 3.14 ± 0.08 R_⊙ for the secondary. Based on the position of the two stars plotted on a theoretical H-R diagram, we find that the age of the system is ?28 Myr, according to stellar evolutionary models. The spectroscopic and photometric results are in agreement with those obtained using theoretical predictions.     

Neglected reverse Algol system: WZ Hor

This paper presents the first analysis of spectroscopic and photometric observations of the eclipsing binary star WZ Hor. Observations of the system were made at the Mt. John University Observatory in 2007. Since the light contribution of the secondary component was merely 2-3% of the total light of the system in the optical wavelengths, the radial velocity of the primary component could only be determined using the cross-correlation method. A single-lined spectroscopic orbital solution of WZ Hor was obtained, and the BVRI light curves of the system and radial velocity curve of the primary component were analysed simultaneously using the Wilson-Devinney method. The results describe WZ Hor as a reverse Algol-like binary star with a detached configuration. The following absolute parameters of the components were also derived: M₁ = 1.51 ± 0.03 M_⊙, M₂ = 0.66 ± 0.01 M_⊙, R₁ = 1.62 ± 0.02 R_⊙, R₂ = 0.66 ± 0.01 R_⊙, L₁ = 4.93 ± 0.64 L_⊙ and L₂ = 0.09 ± 0.02 L_⊙. The distance to WZ Hor was calculated as 95 ± 8 pc using distance modulus with correction for interstellar extinction, in agreement with the HIPPARCOS value.     

The stellar mass spectrum of the open cluster NGC 3293

We have obtained and analyzed UBVRI CCD frames of the young, 4–10 Myr, open cluster NGC 3293 and the surrounding field in order to study its stellar content and determine the cluster’s IMF. We found significantly fewer lower mass stars, M≤2.5M _⊙, than expected. This is particularly so if a single age for the cluster of 4.6 Myr is adopted as derived from fitting evolutionary models to the upper main sequence. Some intermediate-mass stars near the main sequence in the HR diagram imply an age for the cluster of about 10 Myr. When compared with the Scalo (The stellar initial mass function. ASP conference series, vol. 24, p. 201, 1998) IMF scaled to the cluster IMF in the intermediate mass range, 2.5≤M/M _⊙≤8.0 where there is good agreement, the high mass stars have a distinctly flatter IMF, indicating an over abundance of these stars, and there is a sharp turnover in the distribution at lower masses. The radial density distribution of cluster stars in the massive and intermediate mass regimes indicate that these stars are more concentrated to the cluster core whereas the lower-mass stars show little concentration. We suggest that this is evidence supporting the formation of massive stars through accretion and/or coagulation processes in denser cluster cores at the expense of the lower mass proto-stars. R.W. Slawson and E.P. Horch are guest investigators at the University of Toronto Southern Observatory, Las Campanas, Chile.     

A spectroscopic study of DD UMa: Ursa Major group member and candidate for BRITE

The Ursa Major group is a nearby stellar supercluster which, while not gravitationally bound, is defined by co-moving members. DD UMa is a δ Scuti star whose membership in the Ursa Major group is unclear.The objective of this study is to confirm the membership of DD UMa in the Ursa Major group, as well as perform a detailed spectral analysis of the star. Since DD UMa is a low-amplitude δ Scuti star, we performed a frequency analysis. We determined fundamental parameters, chemical abundances, and derive a mass and age for the star.For this study we observed DD UMa at the Okayama Astrophysical Observatory with the high-resolution spectrograph HIDES, between the 27th of February and the 4th March, 2009. Additional observations were extracted from the ELODIE archive in order to expand our abundance analysis. Group membership of DD UMa was assessed by examining the velocity of the star in Galactic coordinates. Pulsational frequencies were determined by examining line profile variability in the HIDES spectra. Stellar fundamental parameters and chemical abundances were derived by fitting synthetic spectra to both the HIDES and ELODIE observations.DD UMa is found to be a member of the extended stream of the Ursa Major group, based on the space motion of the star. This is supported by the chemical abundances of the star being consistent with those of Ursa Major group members. The star is found to be chemically solar, with T_eff = 7450 ± 150 K and logg = 3.98 ± 0.2. We found pulsational frequencies of 9.4 and 15.0 c/d. While these frequencies are insufficient to perform an asteroseismic study, DD UMa is a good bright star candidate for future study by the BRITE-constellation.     

Close binary system GO Cyg

In this study, we present long term photometric variations of the close binary system GO Cyg. Modelling of the system shows that the primary is filling Roche lobe and the secondary of the system is almost filling its Roche lobe. The physical parameters of the system are M₁ = 3.0 ± 0.2M_⊙, M₂ = 1.3 ± 0.1M_⊙, R₁ = 2.50 ± 0.12R_⊙, R₂ = 1.75 ± 0.09R_⊙, L₁ = 64 ± 9L_⊙, L₂ = 4.9 ± 0.7L_⊙, and a = 5.5 ± 0.3R_⊙. Our results show that GO Cyg is the most massive system near contact binary (NCB). Analysis of times of the minima shows a sinusoidal variation with a period of 92.3 ± 0.5 yr due to a third body whose mass is less than 2.3M_⊙. Finally a period variation rate of −1.4 × 10⁻⁹ d/yr has been determined using all available light curves.     

Using the youngest asteroid clusters to constrain the space weathering and gardening rate on S-complex asteroids

We have extended our earlier work on space weathering of the youngest S-complex asteroid families to include results from asteroid clusters with ages <10⁶ years and to newly identified asteroid pairs with ages <5 × 10⁵ years. We have identified three S-complex asteroid clusters amongst the set of clusters with ages in the range 10^5-6 years—(1270) Datura, (21509) Lucascavin and (16598) 1992 YC2. The average color of the objects in these clusters agrees with the color predicted by the space weathering model of Willman et al. (Willman, M., Jedicke, R., Nesvorný, D., Moskovitz, N., Ivezi?, Z., Fevig, R. [2008]. Icarus 195, 663-673). SDSS five-filter photometry of the members of the very young asteroid pairs with ages <10⁵ years was used to determine their taxonomic classification. Their types are consistent with the background population near each object. The average color of the S-complex pairs is PC₁ = 0.49 ± 0.03, over 5σ redder than predicted by Willman et al. (Willman, M., Jedicke, R., Nesvorný, D., Moskovitz, N., Ivezi?, Z., Fevig, R. [2008]. Icarus 195, 663-673). This may indicate that the most likely pair formation mechanism is a gentle separation due to YORP spin-up leaving much of the aged and reddened surface undisturbed. If this is the case then our color measurement allows us to set an upper limit of ∼64% on the amount of surface disturbed in the separation process. Using pre-existing color data and our new results for the youngest S-complex asteroid clusters we have extended our space weather model to explicitly include the effects of regolith gardening and fit separate weathering and gardening characteristic time scales of τ_w = 960 ± 160 Myr and τ_g = 2000 ± 290 Myr respectively. The first principal component color for fresh S-complex material is PC₁ = 0.37 ± 0.01 while the maximum amount of local reddening is ΔPC₁ = 0.33 ± 0.06. Our first-ever determination of the gardening time is in stark contrast to our calculated gardening time of τ_g ∼ 270 Myr based on main belt impact rates and reasonable assumptions about crater and ejecta blanket sizes. A possible resolution for the discrepancy is through a ‘honeycomb’ mechanism in which the surface regolith structure absorbs small impactors without producing significant ejecta. This mechanism could also account for the paucity of small craters on (433) Eros.     

Photometric observations and orbital period variations of HS 0705 + 6700 and NY Vir

We present photometric observations of two post-common-envelope stars, NY Vir (=PG 1336-018) and HS 0705 + 6700. The V band CCD observation of NY Vir was performed by a 40 cm telescope at Ege University Observatory and the R band observations of HS 0705 + 6700 were performed by 100 cm telescope at TÜB?TAK National Observatory. The new light curves were analyzed by the WD code and the physical parameters of stars were determined. We obtained new mid-eclipse timings for HS 0705 + 6700 and combined them with those previously published data. The analysis of the O-C residuals yields a period of about 8.06 ± 0.28 yr and an amplitude of 98.5 s for the system HS 0705 + 6700, which is attributed to the third star physically bounded to the evolved eclipsing pair. A mass function of 1.2 × 10⁻⁴ M_⊙ for the third star is obtained. The existence of a third star is also confirmed by the light curve analysis, indicating light contribution of about 0.043 at phase 0.25 in R-bandpass of the eclipsing pair. Using mass-luminosity relationship of the low mass stars we estimate a mass of 0.12 M_⊙ with an orbital inclination of about 20°. The O-C residuals obtained for the system NY Vir were represented by a downward parabola which indicates orbital period decrease in the system. Using the coefficient of quadratic term we calculate a rate of orbital period decrease of about dP/dt = −4.09 × 10⁻⁸days yr⁻¹. The period decrease we have measured in NY Vir may be explained by angular momentum loss from the binary system.     

Early-type W UMa contact binary system: New data on V535 Ara

This paper presents the results of spectroscopic and photometric observations of the early-type W UMa system V535 Ara. New high-resolution spectra were taken at the Mt. John University Observatory in 2007. Radial velocities and spectroscopic orbital elements of the system were determined by applying KOREL spectral disentangling. The resulting orbital elements were: a₁sini = 0.0047 ± 0.0001 AU, a₂sini = 0.0146 ± 0.0001 AU, M₁sin³i = 1.85 ± 0.01 M_⊙, and M₂sin³i = 0.59 ± 0.01 M_⊙. The components were found to be in synchronous rotation following examination of their disentangled Hγ line profiles. Four photometric data-sets (1966 BV, 1967 BV, HIPPARCOS and ASAS) were modeled using the Wilson-Devinney method. The model describes V535 Ara as an A sub-type W UMa type eclipsing binary which has a fill out factor of 0.22 in marginal contact configuration. The simultaneous solution of light and radial velocity curves gave the following absolute parameters: M₁ = 1.94 ± 0.04 M_⊙, M₂ = 0.59 ± 0.02 M_⊙, R₁ = 2.09 ± 0.03 R_⊙, R₂ = 1.23 ± 0.02R_⊙, L₁ = 18 ± 3 L_⊙ and L₂ = 6 ± 1 L_⊙. The distance to V535 Ara was calculated as 123 ± 20 pc using distance modulus with correction for interstellar extinction.     

The extreme physical properties of the CoRoT-7b super-Earth

The search for rocky exoplanets plays an important role in our quest for extra-terrestrial life. Here, we discuss the extreme physical properties possible for the first characterised rocky super-Earth, CoRoT-7b (R_pl = 1.58 ± 0.10 R_Earth, M_pl = 6.9 ± 1.2 M_Earth). It is extremely close to its star (a = 0.0171 AU = 4.48 R_st), with its spin and orbital rotation likely synchronised. The comparison of its location in the (M_pl, R_pl) plane with the predictions of planetary models for different compositions points to an Earth-like composition, even if the error bars of the measured quantities and the partial degeneracy of the models prevent a definitive conclusion. The proximity to its star provides an additional constraint on the model. It implies a high extreme-UV flux and particle wind, and the corresponding efficient erosion of the planetary atmosphere especially for volatile species including water. Consequently, we make the working hypothesis that the planet is rocky with no volatiles in its atmosphere, and derive the physical properties that result. As a consequence, the atmosphere is made of rocky vapours with a very low pressure (P ? 1.5 Pa), no cloud can be sustained, and no thermalisation of the planet is expected. The dayside is very hot (2474 ± 71 K at the sub-stellar point) while the nightside is very cold (50-75 K). The sub-stellar point is as hot as the tungsten filament of an incandescent bulb, resulting in the melting and distillation of silicate rocks and the formation of a lava ocean. These possible features of CoRoT-7b could be common to many small and hot planets, including the recently discovered Kepler-10b. They define a new class of objects that we propose to name “Lava-ocean planets”.     

A Study on the Fundamental Properties of Open Cluster NGC 6791 Based on the SDSS-DR8 and 2MASS Data

The stellar spectroscopic data of SDSS-DR8 (The Eighth Data Release of Sloan Digital Sky Survey) and the near-infrared photometric data of 2MASS (Two Micron All Sky Survey) point sources are used to analyze the fundamental parameters of the open cluster NGC 6791. Using the radial velocities of 274 stars in the region of the cluster, we calculate the membership probability for each star with the maximum likelihood method. Based on the stars with high membership probabilities, we have derived the radial velocity and metal abundance of the cluster to be respectively V_r =−46.4±0.2 km·s⁻¹ and [Fe/H]=0.32±0.11dex, in good agreement with the results obtained by other authors on the basis of high-resolution spectroscopy. Using red clump giants in the cluster as “standard candle”, we have derived the absolute distance modulus of the cluster to be (m − M)₀ =13.02±0.08mag or 4.02±0.15 kpc in distance, consistent with the values obtained from main-sequence fittings by some authors. And our main conclusions are: (1) NGC 6791 is extremely metal-rich; (2) Within the spectral resolution of SDSS, the discriminated 87 cluster members have no evident difference in matallicity; (3) The obtained distance modulus is insensitive to the age, metallicity and dust distinction, so it is a kind of reliable indirect measurement.     

Mass-radius curve for extrasolar Earth-like planets and ocean planets

By comparison with the Earth-like planets and the large icy satellites of the Solar System, one can model the internal structure of extrasolar planets. The input parameters are the composition of the star (Fe/Si and Mg/Si), the Mg content of the mantle (Mg# = Mg/[Mg + Fe]), the amount of H₂O and the total mass of the planet. Equation of State (EoS) of the different materials that are likely to be present within such planets have been obtained thanks to recent progress in high-pressure experiments. They are used to compute the planetary radius as a function of the total mass. Based on accretion models and data on planetary differentiation, the internal structure is likely to consist of an iron-rich core, a silicate mantle and an outer silicate crust resulting from magma formation in the mantle. The amount of H₂O and the surface temperature control the possibility for these planets to harbor an ocean. In preparation to the interpretation of the forthcoming data from the CNES led CoRoT (Convection Rotation and Transit) mission and from ground-based observations, this paper investigates the relationship between radius and mass. If H₂O is not an important component (less than 0.1%) of the total mass of the planet, then a relation (R/REarth)=ab(M/MEarth) is calculated with (a,b)=(1,0.306) and (a,b)=(1,0.274) for ¹⁰⁻²MEarth<M<MEarth and MEarth<M<10MEarth, respectively. Calculations for a planet that contains 50% H₂O suggest that the radius would be more than 25% larger than that based on the Earth-like model, with (a,b)=(1.258,0.302) for ¹⁰⁻²MEarth<M<MEarth and (a,b)=(1.262,0.275) for MEarth<M<10MEarth, respectively. For a surface temperature of 300 K, the thickness of the ocean varies from 150 to 50 km for planets 1 to 10 times the Earth's mass, respectively. Application of this algorithm to bodies of the Solar System provides not only a good fit to most terrestrial planets and large icy satellites, but also insights for discussing future observations of exoplanets.     

Structure and mass function of three young open clusters

Using UBVRI CCD data taken from 104-cm Sampurnanand Telescope, ARIES, Nainital, we present the structure, initial mass function and mass segregation of three young age (∼10 Myr) open star clusters: NGC 2129, NGC 1502 and King 12. Based on photometric as well as astrometric criteria, the cluster member stars as well as field stars have been identified. We construct luminosity function which is further used to estimate the mass functions by employing theoretical stellar evolutionary isochrones. The entire cluster region mass function (MF) slopes for NGC 2129, NGC 1502 and King 12 are obtained as −2.55 ± 0.14, −2.73 ± 0.36 and −1.94 ± 0.12 respectively. It is found that changes in the MF slope of King 12 are significantly different compared to NGC 2129 and NGC 1502 from inner region to outer region. The MF slope for King 12 is steeper at larger radii. The dynamical relaxation times for all three clusters are found to be less than age of the clusters. This indicates that all these clusters are dynamically relaxed. We show that for NGC 1502 and King 12, passing off of low mass stars from the inner region of the clusters to the halo occurs during the course of evolution.     

Ages and masses of delta scuti stars in the praesepe cluster

Physical parameters and radial pulsation modes are determined for three Delta Scuti stars in the Praesepe cluster: HD 73345, HD 73712, and HD 73746. Their agest and evolutionary massesM _eare interpolated in the track systems of Iben (1967) and Paczyski (1970). By combining these age estimates with our previous results for nine other Delta Scuti-stars in the Praesepe cluster (Tsvetkov, 1989), the following weighted mean age estimates of this cluster are obtained: (14.2 ± 1.3) × 10⁸ yr (Iben) and (5.4 ± 0.4) × 10⁸ yr (Paczyski). Age and evolutionary mass estimates of the twelve cluster variables are also obtained in the modern track system of Maeder and Meynet (1988), in which the weighted mean cluster age is (15.3 ± 1.0) × 10⁸ yr.Pulsation massesM _Qcalculated from the fitting formulae of Faulkner (1977) and Fitch (1981) as well as massesM _g=gR ² / G were evaluated for the twelve cluster variables by Tsvetkov (1990) or in the present paper. In most cases there is a satisfactory agreement between our estimates of massesM _e,M _g, andM _Q.Due to a large disagreement between the long period and low luminosity of the star HD 73746, its radial pulsation mode and pulsation massM _Qcannot be evaluated.     

New results on the ages of star clusters in region B of M82

The post-starburst region B in M82 and its massive star cluster component have been the focus of multiple studies, with reports that there is a large population of coeval clusters of age ～1 Gyr, which were created with a Gaussian initial mass distribution. This is in disagreement with other studies of young star clusters, which invariably find a featureless power-law mass distribution. Here, we present Gemini-North optical spectra of seven star clusters in M82-B and show that their ages are all between 10 and 300 Myr (a factor of 3–100 younger than previous photometric results) and that their extinctions range between near zero and 4 mag (A _V ). Using new HST ACS-HRC U-band observations we age date an additional ～30 clusters whose ages/extinctions agree well with those determined from spectroscopy. Completeness tests show that the reported ‘turn-over’ in the luminosity/mass distributions is most likely an artefact, due to the resolved nature of the clusters. We also show that the radial velocities of the clusters are inconsistent with them belonging to a bound region.     

The photometric periods of the nova-like cataclysmic variable LQ Pegasi (PG 2133+115)

We present a time-resolved differential photometric study and time series analysis of the nova-like cataclysmic variable star LQ Peg. We discover three periodicities in the photometry, one with a period of 3.42 ± 0.03 h, and another with a period of 56.8 ± 0.01 h. We interpret these to be the apsidal superhump and precessional periods of the accretion disk, respectively, and predict that the orbital period of LQ Peg is 3.22 ± 0.03 h. The third periodicity, with a period of 41.3 ± 0.01 h, we interpret to be the nodal precessional period of the accretion disk. We also report a flare that lasted four minutes and had an energy in visible light of (1.2 ± 0.3) × 10³⁶ ergs, or 10^4-5 times more energetic than the largest solar flares, comparable to the most energetic visible-light stellar flares known. We calculate the absolute magnitude of LQ Peg to be M_J = 4.78 ± 0.54, and its distance to be 800 ± 200 pc.     

The stellar content of the young open cluster Trumpler 37

With an apparent cluster diameter of 1.5° and an age of 4 Myr, Trumpler 37 is an ideal target for photometric monitoring of young stars as well as for the search of planetary transits, eclipsing binaries and other sources of variability. The YETI consortium has monitored Trumpler 37 throughout 2010 and 2011 to obtain a comprehensive view of variable phenomena in this region. In this first paper we present the cluster properties and membership determination as derived from an extensive investigation of the literature. We also compared the coordinate list to some YETI images. For 1872 stars we found literature data. Among them 774 have high probability of being member and 125 a medium probability. Based on infrared data we re‐calculate a cluster extinction of 0.9–1.2 mag. We can confirm the age and distance to be 3–5 Myr and870 pc. Stellar masses are determined from theoretical models and the mass function is fitted with a power‐law index of α = 1.90 (0.1–0.4 M_⊙) and α = 1.12 (1–10 M_⊙). (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The evolution of BD+60°2522: with mass loss and overshooting

The ionizing star BD+60°2522 is known as the central star of Bubble Nebulae NGC 7635—wind-blown bubble created by the interaction of the stellar wind of BD+60°2522 (O6.5 IIIef, V=8.7 mag, mass loss rate 10^−5.76 M _⊙/year) with the ambient interstellar medium. From the evolutionary calculations for the star with mass loss and overshooting, we find that the initial mass of the star is 60M _⊙, its present age is 2.5×10⁶ years, and the present mass is 45M _⊙.     

Ionized gas in the Irr galaxy IC 10: The emission spectrum and ionization sources

We present the observations of the Irr galaxy IC 10 at the 6-m SAO telescope with the panoramic Multi-Pupil Fiber Spectrograph (MPFS). Based on the results of these observations and our long-slit spectroscopy performed previously, we have investigated the ionized-gas emission spectrum in the region of intense star formation and refined the gas metallicity estimates. We show that the “diagnostic diagrams” constructed from our observations agree best with the new improved ionization models by Martin-Manjon et al. Using these models, we have determined the electron density and gas ionization parameter and ionizing-cluster characteristics, the age and mass, from the spectra of the investigated HII regions. The cluster ages and masses are shown to be within the ranges 2.5–5 Myr and (0.2–1) × 10⁵ M _⊗, respectively.