Probing FSR star cluster candidates in bulge/disc directions with 2MASS colour–magnitude diagrams

We analyse 20 star cluster candidates projected mostly in the bulge direction  (|ℓ| < 60°)  . The sample contains all candidates in that sector classified by Froebrich, Scholz & Raftery with quality flags denoting high probability of being star clusters. Bulge contamination in the colour–magnitude diagrams (CMDs) is in general important, while at lower Galactic latitudes disc stars contribute as well. Properties of the candidates are investigated with Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) CMDs and stellar radial density profiles (RDPs) built with field star decontaminated photometry. To uncover the nature of the structures we decontaminate the CMDs from field stars using tools that we previously developed to deal with objects in dense fields. We confirm in all cases excesses in the RDPs with respect to the background level, as expected from the method the candidates were originally selected. CMDs and RDPs taken together revealed six open clusters, five uncertain cases that require deeper observations, while nine objects are possibly field density fluctuations.     

The OPD photometric survey of open clusters II. robust determination of the fundamental parameters of 24 open clusters

In the second paper of the series we continue the investigation of open cluster fundamental parameters using a robust global optimization method to fit model isochrones to photometric data. We present optical UBVRI CCD photometry (Johnsons-Cousins system) observations for 24 neglected open clusters, of which 14 have high quality data in the visible obtained for the first time, as a part of our ongoing survey being carried out in the 0.6 m telescope of the Pico dos Dias Observatory in Brazil. All objects were then analyzed with a global optimization tool developed by our group which estimates the membership likelihood of the observed stars and fits an isochrone from which a distance, age, reddening, total to selective extinction ratio R_V (included in this work as a new free parameter) and metallicity are estimated. Based on those estimates and their associated errors we analyzed the status of each object as real clusters or not, finding that two are likely to be asterisms. We also identify important discrepancies between our results and previous ones obtained in the literature which were determined using 2MASS photometry.     

Analysis of the structure and dynamics of the stellar tails of open star clusters

We have analyzed the formation, structure, and dynamical evolution of the population of stars that escaped from open clusters by numerical simulations using S. Aarseth’s modified NBODY6 code. In the Galactic tidal field, the population of stars that escaped from a cluster is shown to be elongated along the orbit of the cluster symmetrically about its core in the form of stellar tails of increasing sizes. We analyze the parameters of stellar tails as a function of such initial simulation conditions as the number of stars, the cluster density, the eccentricity of the Galactic cluster orbit in the plane of the Galactic disk, and the z velocity component. As a result, we constructed a grid of model stellar tails of open clusters. The grid includes such time-dependent parameters of the stellar tails as the length, the cross section, the number of stars, the velocity distribution, etc. Our simulations allow us to clarify the origin of moving clusters and stellar streams and to assess the role of star clusters in forming the stellar velocity field in the solar neighborhood.     

Effect of binary fraction on color-magnitude diagram of NGC 1904

The age of a southern globular cluster in Milky Way, NGC 1904, was shown to be larger than the typical age of the universe, around 13.7 Gyr, by some photometric studies which assumed all stars as single stars. Besides the uncertainties in photometry, isochrone and fitting technique, the neglect of binary stars possibly distorted the result. We study the effect of binary fraction on the color-magnitude diagram (CMD) of NGC 1904, via a new tool for CMD studies, \(\mathit{Powerful}\)\(\mathit{CMD}\), which can determine binary fraction, age, metallicity, distance modulus, color excess, rotating star fraction and star formation history simultaneously. We finally obtain the youngest age of \(14.1\pm2.1~\mbox{Gyr}\) with a zero-age binary fraction of 60 percent for cluster NGC 1904. The result is consistent with the age of the universe. Although our result suggests that binary fraction affects the determination of age slightly, it can improve the fitting to observed CMD, in particular blue stragglers. This suggests us to consider the effect of binaries in the studies of star clusters.     

On open cluster physical parameters from 2MASS data

The near infrared range has opened a new window to study stellar populations in the Galaxy, in the Local Groud and beyond. Despite the large and growing use of these data, insufficient efforts have been made in the direction to calibrate stellar physical parameters such as age, reddening and distance. This can also be achieved using near infrared and optical data together. Furthermore, the huge amounts of photometric data available now and in the incoming years, demand the development of automated and statistical isochrone fittings to cope with such data. With this in mind, we analyse 2MASS data in order to determine physical parameters for a sample of 9 open clusters. As a first step, we determined the age, reddening and distance values for each cluster applying the classical isochrone fitting (by eye). Subsequently, we employed an automated procedure which compares synthetic colour-magnitude diagrams to observed ones, making use of the likelihood statistics to find the best solution. We also carried out structural analyses of the clusters using stellar radial density profiles. Both classical and statistical isochrone fittings revealed that there can be disagreement between physical parameters obtained from near infrared data analysis and the literature corresponding ones, most based on optical and UV data. Concerning the observed cluster structures, they were studied for the first time. We found evidence of various dynamical stages in the sample.     

Study of the nearest open clusters and the associated moving clusters by numerical simulations

In our previous papers, we showed that at the final phases of the dynamical evolution of an open cluster, an extended population of stars elongated along its Galactic orbit, the stellar tail of the cluster, is formed. The tail stars that escaped from the cluster at different times move in a common orbit with low relative velocities. Experiencing a weak interaction with Galactic field stars, these objects, the relics of open clusters, can exist for a fairly long time. In this paper, we investigate the structures of such stellar tails in the nearest open clusters: Hyades, Pleiades, Praesepe, Alpha Persei, Coma, IC 2391, and IC 2602. To this end, we performed several numerical simulations of the dynamical evolution of these clusters in the tidal field of the Galaxy. Our computations of the dynamical evolution were based on known cluster age estimates and real Galactic orbits. The initial conditions were chosen in such a way that the parameters of the simulated clusters corresponded to their observed parameters. As a result, we obtained models of the stellar tails for the nearest open clusters and estimated such parameters of the tails as their sizes, densities, locations relative to the solar neighborhood, and others.     

Finding the most variable stars in the Orion Belt with the All Sky Automated Survey

We look for high‐amplitude variable young stars in the open clusters and associations of the Orion Belt. We use public data from the ASAS‐3 Photometric V ‐band Catalogue of the All Sky Automated Survey, infrared photometry from the 2MASS and IRAS catalogues, proper motions, and the Aladin sky atlas to obtain a list of the most variable stars in a survey area of side 5° centred on the bright star Alnilam (ε Ori) in the centre of the Orion Belt. We identify 32 highly variable stars, of which 16 had not been reported to vary before. They are mostly variable young stars and candidates (16) and background giants (8), but there are also field cataclysmic variables, contact binaries, and eclipsing binary candidates. Of the young stars, which typically are active Herbig Ae/Be and T Tauri stars with Hα emission and infrared flux excess, we discover four new variables and confirm the variability status of another two. Some of them belong to the well known σ Orionis cluster. Besides, six of the eight giants are new variables, and three are new periodic variables (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Updated version of the ‘homogeneous catalog of open cluster parameters’

We report a new version of the “Homogeneous catalog of open cluster parameters” maintained by our team over the last decades. The catalog is based on redetermination of the main parameters of clusters (color excesses, heliocentric distances, and ages) based on published photometric measurements, in particular, those provided by the 2MASS point-source catalog. Currently, our catalog provides the parameters for 959 clusters. It also gives the estimates of cluster radial velocities for 496 clusters partly based on the data fromRAVE catalog. Estimates of proper-motion components are provided for all clusters included into the catalog. We analyze the distributions of the errors of the main cluster parameters and compare the distribution of cluster positions projected onto the Galactic plane with the distribution of cosmic masers thereby validating the distance scale of open clusters.     

Variable stars in the field of open cluster NGC 2126

We report the results of a time-series CCD photometric survey of variable stars in the field of open cluster NGC 2126. In about a one square degree field covering the cluster, a total of 21 variable candidates are detected during this survey, of which 16 are newly found. The periods, classifications and spectral types of 14 newly discovered variables are discussed, which consist of six eclipsing binary systems, three pulsating variable stars, three long period variables, one RS CVn star, and one W UMa or δ Scuti star. In addition, there are two variable candidates, the properties of which cannot be determined. By a method based on fitting observed spectral energy distributions of stars with theoretical ones, the membership probabilities and the fundamental parameters of this cluster are determined. As a result, five variables are probably members of NGC 2126. The fundamental parameters of this cluster are determined as: metallicity to be 0.008 Z , age log(t)=8.95, distance modulus (m - M)0 = 10.34 and reddening value E(B -V) = 0.55 mag.     

Search for age pattern across spiral arms of the Milky Way

The age pattern across spiral arms is one of the key observational features utilised to study the dynamic nature of the Galaxy’s spiral structure.With the most updated samples of high-mass star formation region(HMSFR)masers,O stars and open clusters,we investigated their distributions and kinematic properties in the vicinity of the Sun.We found that the Sagittarius-Carina Arm traced by HMSFRs,O stars((?)10 Myr)and young open clusters(<30 Myr)seem to deviate gradually towards the Galactic Anticenter(GAC)direction.The Local Arm traced by HMSFRs,O stars,young clusters and also mediumyoung clusters(30-100 Myr)are inclined to gradually deviate toward the Galactic Center(GC)direction.The properties for the Local Arm are supported by a simplified simulation of cluster motions in the Galaxy.Indications of systematic motions in the circular and radial velocities are noticed for the old open clusters(>200 Myr).These results are consistent with the idea that star formation can be triggered by spiral shocks of density waves,and indicate that the corotation radius of the Galaxy is located between the SagittariusCarina Arm and the Local Arm,close to the Solar circle.     

Photometric membership and metallicities of red giant candidates in selected open clusters

As part of a long‐term project to determine abundances and astrophysical properties of evolved red stars in open clusters, we present high‐precision DDO photoelectric observations for a sample of 33 red giant candidates projected in the fields of nine Galactic open clusters. These data are supplemented with UBV photoelectric photometry of 24 of these stars as well as with CORAVEL radial‐velocity observations for 13 red giant candidates in four of the clusters. We also present Washington photoelectric photometry of a small sample of red giant candidates of the open cluster Ruprecht 97. The likelihood of cluster membership for each star photometrically observed and for 23 additional red giant candidates with UBV and DDO data available in the literature, is evaluated by using two independent photometric criteria. Nearly 82% of the analysed stars are found to have a high probability of being cluster giants. Photometric membership probabilities show very good agreement with those obtained from CORAVEL radial velocities. While E (B –V) colour excesses were determined from combined B – V and DDO colours, calibrations of the DDO system were used to derive MK spectral types, effective temperatures and metallicities. The derived DDO metallicities range between values typical of moderately metal‐poor clusters ([Fe/H] = –0.19) to moderately metal‐rich ([Fe/H] = 0.25) ones. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

UKIRT follow-up observations of the old open cluster FSR 0358 (Kirkpatrick 1)

We aim to characterize the properties of the stellar clusters in the Milky Way. Utilising an expectation-maximization method, we determined that the cluster FSR 0358, originally discovered by J.D. Kirkpatrick, is the most likely real cluster amongst the cluster candidates from Froebrich et al. Here, we present new deep high resolution near-infrared imaging of this object obtained with the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT). The analysis of the data reveals that FSR 0358 (Kirkpatrick 1) is a  5 ± 2 Gyr  old open cluster in the outer Milky Way. Its age, metallicity of   Z = 0.008  and distance from the Galactic Centre of 11.2 kpc are typical for the known old open galactic clusters. So far six of the FSR cluster candidates have been identified as having an age above 5 Gyr. This shows the significance of this catalogue in enhancing our knowledge of the oldest open clusters in the Galaxy.     

A precursive study of the time-domain survey of the Galactic Anti-center using the Nanshan 1-meter telescope with variable stars detected

Following the LAMOST Spectroscopic Survey and the Xuyi’s Photometric Survey of the Galactic Anti-center, we plan to carry out a time-domain survey of the Galactic Anti-center (TDS-GAC) to study variable stars by using the Nanshan 1-meter telescope. Before the beginning of TDS-GAC, a precursive sky survey (PSS) has been executed. The goal of the PSS is to optimize the observation strategy of TDS-GAC and to detect some strong transient events, as well as to find some short time-scale variable stars of different types. By observing a discontinuous sky area of \(15.03~\mbox{deg}^{2}\) with the standard Johnson-Cousin-Bessel \(V\) filter, 48 variable stars are found and the time series are analyzed. Based on the behaviors of the light curves, 28 eclipsing binary stars, 10 RR Lyraes, 3 periodic pulsating variables of other types have been classified. The rest 7 variables stay unclassified with deficient data. In addition, the observation strategy of TD-GAC is described, and the pipeline of data reduction is tested.     

Photometric study of distant open clusters in the second quadrant: NGC 7245, King 9, King 13 and IC 166

We present a UBV CCD photometric study of four open clusters, NGC 7245, King 9, IC 166 and King 13, located between   l = 90°  and 135°. All are embedded in a rich Galactic field. NGC 7245 and King 9 are close together in the sky and have similar reddenings. The distances and ages are: NGC 7245, 3.8 ± 0.35 kpc and 400 Myr; King 9 (the most distant cluster in this quadrant), 7.9 ± 1.1 kpc and 3.0 Gyr. King 13 is 3.1 ± 0.3 kpc distant and 300 Myr old. King 9 and IC 166 (4.8 ± 0.5 kpc distant and 1 Gyr old) may be metal-poor clusters  ( Z = 0.008)  , as estimated from isochrone fitting. The average value of the distance of young clusters from the Galactic plane in the above longitude range and beyond 2 kpc (−47 ± 16 pc, for 64 clusters) indicates that the young disc bends towards the southern latitudes.     

The LAMOST spectroscopic survey of globular clusters in M31and M33.I.catalog and new identifications

We present a catalog of 908 objects observed with the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope(LAMOST) in fields in the vicinity of M31 and M33, targeted as globular clusters(GCs) and candidates. The targets include known GCs and candidates selected from the literature, as well as new candidates selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey(SDSS). Analysis shows that 356 of them are likely GCs with various confidence levels, while the remaining ones turn out to be background galaxies and quasars, stars and H II regions in M31 or foreground Galactic stars. The 356 likely GCs include 298 bona fide GCs and 26 candidates known in the literature. Three candidates, selected from the Revised Bologna Catalog of M31 GCs and candidates(RBC) and one possible cluster from Johnson et al., are confirmed to be bona fide clusters. We search for new GCs in the halo of the M31 among the new candidates selected from the SDSS photometry. Based on radial velocities yielded by LAMOST spectra and visual examination of the SDSS images, we find 28 objects, 5bona fide and 23 likely GCs. Among the five bona fide GCs, three have been recently discovered independently by others, and the remaining 25 are our new identifications,including two bona fide ones. The newly identified objects fall at projected distances ranging from 13 to 265 kpc from M31. Of the two newly discovered bona fide GCs,one is located near M33, probably a GC belonging to M33. The other bona fide GC falls on the Giant Stream with a projected distance of 78 kpc from M31. Of the 23 newly identified likely GCs, one has a projected distance of about 265 kpc from M31 and could be an intergalactic cluster.     

HST colour–magnitude diagrams of six old globular clusters in the LMC

We report on HST observations of six candidate old globular clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC): NGC 1754, 1835, 1898, 1916, 2005 and 2019. Deep exposures with the F555W and F814W filters provide us with colour–magnitude diagrams that reach to an apparent magnitude in V of ∼25, well below the main-sequence turn-off. These particular clusters are associated with significantly high LMC field star densities and care was taken to subtract the field stars from the cluster colour–magnitude diagrams accurately. In two cases there is significant variable reddening across at least part of the image, but only for NGC 1916 does the differential reddening preclude accurate measurements of the CMD characteristics. The morphologies of the colour–magnitude diagrams match well those of Galactic globular clusters of similar metallicity. All six have well-developed horizontal branches, while four clearly have stars on both sides of the RR Lyrae gap. The abundances obtained from measurements of the height of the red giant branch above the level of the horizontal branch are 0.3 dex higher, on average, than previously measured spectroscopic abundances. Detailed comparisons with Galactic globular cluster fiducials show that all six clusters are old objects, very similar in age to classical Galactic globulars such as M5, with little age spread among the clusters. This result is consistent with ages derived by measuring the magnitude difference between the horizontal branch and main-sequence turn-off. We also find a similar chronology by comparing the horizontal branch morphologies and abundances with the horizontal branch evolutionary tracks of Lee, Demarque &38; Zinn. Our results imply that the LMC formed at the same time as the Milky Way Galaxy.     

Two populations of open star clusters in the Galaxy

Based on our compiled catalogue of fundamental astrophysical parameters for 593 open clusters, we analyze the relations between the chemical composition, spatial positions, Galactic orbital elements, age, and other physical parameters of open star clusters. We show that the population of open clusters is heterogeneous and is divided into two groups differing by their mean parameters, properties, and origin. One group includes the Galactic clusters formed mainly from the interstellar matter of the thin disk with nearly solarmetallicities ([Fe/H] > ?0.2) and having almost circular orbits a short distance away from the Galactic plane, i.e., typical of the field stars of the Galactic thin disk. The second group includes the peculiar clusters formed through the interaction of extragalactic objects (such as high-velocity clouds, globular clusters, or dwarf galaxies) with the interstellar matter of the thin disk, which, as a result, derived abnormally low (for field thin-disk stars) metallicities and/or Galactic orbits typical of objects of the older Galactic subsystems. About 70% of the clusters older than 1Gyr have been found to be peculiar, suggesting a slower disruption of clusters with noncircular high orbits. Analysis of orbital elements has shown that the bulk of the clusters from both groups were formed within a Galactocentric radius of ??10.5 kpc and closer than ??180 pc from the Galactic plane, but owing to their high initial velocities, the peculiar clusters gradually took up the volumes occupied by the objects of the thick disk, the halo, and even the accreted halo of the Galaxy. Analysis of the relative abundances of magnesium (a representative of the ??-elements) in clusters that, according to their kinematical parameters, belong to different Galactic subsystems has shown that all clusters are composed of matter incorporating the interstellar matter of a single protogalactic cloud in different proportions, i.e., reprocessed in genetically related stars of the Galaxy. The [Mg/Fe] ratios for the clusters with thick-disk kinematics are, on average, overestimated, just as for the field stars of the socalled ??metal-rich wing?? of the thick disk. For the clusters with halo kinematics, these ratios exhibit a very large spread, suggesting that they were formed mainly from matter that experienced a history of chemical evolution different from the Galactic one. We point out that a large fraction of the open clusters with thindisk kinematics have also been formed from matter of an extragalactic nature within the last ??30 Myr.     

The fundamental parameters of 60 unstudied open star clusters (Czernik,Dol-Dzim,Kronberger, and Turner)

The fundamental parameters of 60 previously unstudied open clusters of Czernik, Dol-Dzim, Kronberger, and Turner were derived with color-magnitude diagrams of JHK _s Near-IR 2MASS photometry. These clusters have never been studied before, and we provide, for the first time, the cluster parameters; the angular diameter, distance, reddening, age, and metallicity. The 2MASS catalog has the advantages of being homogeneous database, enabling us to observing the young clusters in their dusty environments and reaching their outer regions where the low mass stars dominate.     

19 low mass hypervelocity star candidates from the first data release of the LAMOST survey

Hypervelocity stars are believed to be ejected out from the Galactic center through dynamical interactions between(binary) stars and the central supermassive black hole(s). In this paper, we report 19 low mass F/G/K type hypervelocity star candidates from over one million stars found in the first data release of the LAMOST regular survey. We determine the unbound probability for each candidate using a MonteCarlo simulation by assuming a non-Gaussian proper-motion error distribution, and Gaussian heliocentric distance and radial velocity error distributions. The simulation results show that all the candidates have unbound possibilities over 50% as expected,and one of them may even exceed escape velocity with over 90% probability. In addition, we compare the metallicities of our candidates with the metallicity distribution functions of the Galactic bulge, disk, halo and globular clusters, and conclude that the Galactic bulge or disk is likely the birth place for our candidates.     

The UKIDSS–2MASS proper motion survey – I. Ultracool dwarfs from UKIDSS DR4

The UK Infrared Telescope Infrared Deep Sky Survey (UKIDSS) is the first of a new generation of infrared surveys. Here, we combine the data from two UKIDSS components, the Large Area Survey (LAS) and the Galactic Cluster Survey (GCS), with Two-Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS) data to produce an infrared proper motion survey for low-mass stars and brown dwarfs. In total, we detect 267 low-mass stars and brown dwarfs with significant proper motions. We recover all 10 known single L dwarfs and the one known T dwarf above the 2MASS detection limit in our LAS survey area and identify eight additional new candidate L dwarfs. We also find one new candidate L dwarf in our GCS sample. Our sample also contains objects from 11 potential common proper motion binaries. Finally, we test our proper motions and find that while the LAS objects have proper motions consistent with absolute proper motions, the GCS stars may have proper motions which are significantly underestimated. This is possibly due to the bulk motion of some of the local astrometric reference stars used in the proper motion determination.