A moving group of young stars in Carina–Vela

Accurate two-colour photometry and proper motions of 7096 young X-ray stars in the ROSAT All-Sky Survey Bright Star Catalogue, version 1RXS, are extracted from the Tycho-2 Catalogue. The sample is dominated by red main-sequence and possibly pre-main-sequence stars. On a global proper motion convergence map, two features are very prominent: the nearby section of the Gould Belt and the Hyades convergent point. The appearance of the Gould Belt feature with its peak at ( l =2443, b =−126) is quite similar to that of Hipparcos OB stars. When only stars with proper motions drawing close to that point are selected, strong concentrations of stars in the direction of the Sco–Cen complex are found. Another concentration, not corresponding to any known OB association, is detected between the position of the Lower Centaurus Crux and Vela OB2 associations. It is a new young moving group located in Carina and Vela, and a near extension of the Sco–Cen complex. Contrary to the classical Gould Belt OB associations, the Carina–Vela moving group has a considerable geometric depth, the closest members being as near as 30 pc from the Sun. IC 2391, one of the youngest and closest open clusters on the sky, is a part of the Carina–Vela moving group. The Carina–Vela moving group does not link the Sco–Cen complex with the Vela OB associations, because the latter is much more distant than the outer limit of the sample. It is more likely that the young late-type population of the Scorpio–Centaurus–Carina moving group stretches towards the Sun and possibly beyond it.     

Distant field blue horizontal branch stars – III. Identification of a probable outer halo stream at Galactocentric distance r= 70 kpc

We present FOcal Reducer/low dispersion Spectrograph-1 spectra (from the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope) of a sample of 34 faint  20.0 < g * < 21.1  A-type stars selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Early Data Release, with the goal of measuring the velocity dispersion of blue horizontal branch (BHB) stars in the remote Galactic halo,   R ∼ 80 kpc  . We show that colour selection with  1.08 < u *− g * < 1.40  and  −0.2 < g *− r * < −0.04  minimizes contamination of the sample by less luminous blue stragglers. In classifying the stars we confine our attention to the 20 stars with spectra of signal-to-noise ratio >15 Å⁻¹. Classification produces a sample of eight BHB stars at distances  65–102 kpc  from the Sun (mean 80 kpc), which represents the most distant sample of Galactic stars with measured radial velocities. The dispersion of the measured radial component of the velocity with respect to the centre of the Galaxy is  58 ± 15 km s⁻¹  . This value is anomalously low in comparison with measured values for stars at smaller distances, as well as for satellites at similar distances. Seeking an explanation for the low measured velocity dispersion, further analysis reveals that six of the eight remote BHB stars are plausibly associated with a single orbit. Three previously known outer halo carbon stars also appear to belong to this stream. The velocity dispersion of all nine stars relative to the orbit is only  15 ± 4 km s⁻¹  . Further observations along the orbit are required to trace the full extent of this structure on the sky.     

Detection of the old stellar component of the major Galactic bar

We present near-infrared colour–magnitude diagrams and star counts for a number of regions along the Galactic plane. It is shown that along the l =27°, b =0° line of sight there is a feature at 5.7±0.7 kpc with a density of stars at least a factor of 2 and probably more than a factor of 5 times that of the disc at the same position. This feature forms a distinct clump on an H versus J − H diagram and is seen at all longitudes from the bulge to about l =28°, but at no longitude greater than this. The distance to the feature at l =20° is about 0.5 kpc further than at l =27°, and by l =10° it has merged with, or has become, the bulge. Given that at l =27° and l =21° there is also a clustering of very young stars, the only component that can reasonably explain what is seen is a bar with half-length of around 4 kpc and a position angle of about 43°±7°.     

Galactic warp in the overdensity of the Canis Major region

Bellazzini et al. claim that López-Corredoira et al. warp model is totally unable to reproduce the Canis Major structure in the red clump stars. However, slight variations in the azimuth of the López-Corredoira et al. warp model, justified by the uncertainties in the parameter as well as the local irregularities with respect to the average model, derive a result much closer to the observations of the overdensity south/north. The bump of red clump stars with   m_K = 13–13.5  around   l = 241°,  b =−85  and the depth of the Canis Major structure are also explainable in terms of the warp with an appropriate extrapolation of constant height between Galactocentric radii of 13 and 16 kpc, as observed roughly in the southern warp, instead of a monotonically increasing height like the northern warp; and the observed velocity distribution of stars cannot exclude the warp possibility. A warp model is therefore still a possible explanation of the Canis Major overdensity, and the hypothesis of the existence of a dwarf galaxy is unnecessary, although still a possibility too.     

Absolute magnitudes of OB and Be stars based on Hipparcos parallaxes – II

A new method of determining absolute visual magnitudes of early-type stars, based on averaging Hipparcos parallaxes ( ESA 1997 ) inside samples of the same spectrum and luminosity (Sp/L) classes, is proposed. The used sample consists of 6262 unreddened and reddened OB stars as well as 430 Be stars of luminosity classes Ia, Iab, Ib, II, III, IV and V. The colour excesses of the reddened stars have been calculated using the mean colour indices, according to the SIMBAD data base and the intrinsic ( B − V ) values calibrated for given Sp/L classes by Papaj, Wegner & Krełowski . The values of the total-to-selective extinction   R_V = A_V / E ( B − V )  for all reddened stars were calculated from the published near-infrared photometric measurements. The calculated visual magnitudes M_V of OB and Be stars are compared to those published by Wegner in Paper I, and the earlier determinations of Schmidt-Kaler. Generally, the new values of M_V agree well with those given in Paper I, except those for O stars which are systematically brighter than the earlier estimates. The mean absolute magnitudes published by Schmidt-Kaler are generally brighter (except OB stars of luminosity class V) than those determined in this paper.     

On the infant weight loss of low- to intermediate-mass star clusters

Star clusters are born in a highly compact configuration, typically with radii of less than about 1 pc roughly independently of mass. Since the star formation efficiency is less than 50 per cent by observation and because the residual gas is removed from the embedded cluster, the cluster must expand. In the process of doing so it only retains a fraction f _st of its stars. To date there are no observational constraints for f _st, although N -body calculations by Kroupa, Aarseth & Hurley suggest it to be about 20–30 per cent for Orion-type clusters. Here we use the data compiled by Testi et al., Testi, Palla & Natta and Testi, Palla & Natta for clusters around young Ae/Be stars and by de Wit et al. and de Wit et al. around young O stars and the study of de Zeeuw et al. of OB associations and combine these measurements with the expected number of stars in clusters with primary Ae/Be and O stars, respectively, using the empirical correlation between maximal stellar mass and star cluster mass of Weidner & Kroupa. We find that   f _st < 50  per cent with a decrease to higher cluster masses/more massive primaries. The interpretation would be that cluster formation is very disruptive. It appears that clusters with a birth stellar mass in the range  10–10³ M_⊙  keep at most 50 per cent of their stars.     

The lithium depletion boundary in NGC 2547 as a test of pre-main-sequence evolutionary models

Intermediate resolution spectroscopy from the European Southern Observatory Very Large Telescope is analysed for 63 photometrically selected low-mass  (0.08–0.30 M_⊙)  candidates of the open cluster NGC 2547. We have confirmed membership for most of these stars using radial velocities, and found that lithium remains undepleted for cluster stars with   I > 17.54 ± 0.14  and   K_s > 14.86 ± 0.12  . From these results, several pre–main-sequence evolutionary models give almost model independent ages of 34–36 Myr, with a precision of 10 per cent. These ages are only slightly larger than the ages of 25–35(±5) Myr obtained using the same models to fit isochrones to higher mass stars descending towards the zero-age main-sequence, both in empirically calibrated and theoretical colour–magnitude diagrams. This agreement between age determinations in different mass ranges is an excellent test of the current generation of low-mass pre–main-sequence stellar models and lends confidence to ages determined with either method between 30 and 120 Myr.     

Star clusterings in the Carina complex: UBVRI photometry of Bochum 9, 10 and 11

We report on the first UBVRI CCD photometry of three poorly known star clusterings in the region of η Carinae: Bochum 9, 10 and 11. We find that they are young, rather poor, loose open clusters.
We argue that Bochum 9 is probably a small and loose open cluster with about 30 probable members having E ( B − V )=0.63±0.08 , located 4.6 kpc far from the Sun, beyond the Carina spiral arm.
Similarly, Bochum 10 is a sparse aggregate with 14 probable members having E ( B − V )=0.47±0.05 and at a distance of 2.7 kpc from the Sun.
Finally, Bochum 11 is a less than 4×10⁶ yr old cluster for which we identify 24 members. It has a reddening E ( B − V )=0.58±0.05 , and lies between Bochum 10 and 9, at 3.5 kpc from the Sun. We propose that in the field of the cluster some stars might be pre-main-sequence candidates.     

CCD BVI photometry and Coravel observations of stars in the open cluster NGC 2489

We present CCD BVI photometry for the southern open cluster NGC 2489 and its surrounding field. The sample consists of 2182 stars measured in an area of 13.6 × 13.6 arcmin², extending down to   V ∼ 21.5  . These data are supplemented with CORAVEL radial-velocity observations for seven red giant candidates. A cluster angular radius of 6.7 ± 0.6 arcmin, equivalent to 3.5 ± 0.3 pc, is estimated from star counts carried out inside and outside the cluster region. The comparison of the cluster colour–magnitude diagrams with isochrones of the Padova group yields   E ( B − V ) = 0.30 ± 0.05, E ( V − I ) = 0.40 ± 0.05  and   V − M _V = 12.20 ± 0.25  for log   t = 8.70 ( t = 500⁺¹³⁰₋₁₀₀ Myr)  and   Z = 0.019  . NGC 2489 is then located at 1.8 ± 0.3 kpc from the Sun and 25 pc below the Galactic plane. The analysis of the kinematical data allowed us to confirm cluster membership for six red giants, one of them being a spectroscopic binary. A mean radial velocity of 38.13 ± 0.33 km s⁻¹ was derived for the cluster red giants. The properties of a sample of open clusters aligned along the line of sight of NGC 2489 are examined.     

LO Pegasi: an investigation of multiband optical polarization

We present BVR polarimetric study of the cool active star LO Pegasi (LO Peg) for the first time. LO Peg was found to be highly polarized among the cool active stars. Our observations yield average values of polarization in LO Peg:   P_B = 0.387 ± 0.004 per cent, θ_B= 88°± 1°; P_V = 0.351 ± 0.004 per cent, θ_V= 91°± 1°  and   P_R = 0.335 ± 0.003 per cent, θ_R= 91°± 1°  . Both the degree of polarization and the position angle are found to be variable. The semi-amplitude of the polarization variability in B, V and R bands is found to be  0.18 ± 0.02, 0.13 ± 0.01  and  0.10 ± 0.02  per cent, respectively. We suggest that the levels of polarization observed in LO Peg could be the result of scattering of an anisotropic stellar radiation field by an optically thin circumstellar envelope or scattering of the stellar radiation by prominence-like structures.     

Something about the structure of the Galaxy

We analyse a sample of 507 evolved (OH/IR) stars in the region (10°>ℓ>−45°), (| b |<3°). We derive average ages for subsets of this sample, and use those sets as beacons for the evolution of the Galaxy. In the bulge, the oldest OH/IR stars in the plane are 7.5 Gyr (1.3 M_⊙), and in the disc 2.7 Gyr (2.3 M_⊙). The vertical distribution of almost all AGB stars in the disc is found to be nearly exponential, with scaleheight increasing from 100 pc for stars ≲1 Gyr old to 500 pc for stars ≳5 Gyr old. There may be a small, disjunct population of OH/IR stars. The radial distribution of AGB stars is dictated by the metallicity gradient. Unequivocal morphological evidence is presented for the existence of a central bar, but parameters can be constrained only for a given spatial-density model. Using a variety of indicators, we identify the radii of the inner ultraharmonic (2.5 kpc) and corotation resonance (3.5 kpc). We show that the 3-kpc arm is likely to be an inner ring, as observed in other barred galaxies, by identifying a group of evolved stars that is connected to the 3-kpc H  i filament. Also, using several observed features, we argue that an inner-Lindblad resonance exists, at ∼1–1.5 kpc. The compositions of OH/IR populations within 1 kpc of the Galactic Centre give insight into the bar-driven evolution of the inner regions. We suggest that the bar is ∼8 Gyr old, relatively weak (SAB), and may be in a final stage of its existence.     

IPHAS discoveries of young stars towards Cyg OB2 and its southern periphery

We report on the discovery of over 50 strong Hα emitting objects towards the large OB association Cyg OB2 and the H  ii region DR 15 on its southern periphery. This was achieved using the INT Photometric Hα Survey of the Northern Galactic Plane (IPHAS), combined with follow-up spectroscopy using the MMT multi-object spectrometer HectoSpec. We present optical spectra, supplemented with optical r ',  i ' and H α photometry from IPHAS, and near-infrared J ,  H and K photometry from Two Micron All Sky Survey. The position of the objects in the ( J − H ) versus ( H − K ) diagram strongly suggests most of them are young. Many show Ca  ii infrared triplet emission indicating that they are in a pre-main-sequence phase of evolution of T Tauri and Herbig Ae nature. Among these, we have uncovered pronounced clustering of T Tauri stars roughly a degree south of the centre of Cyg OB2, in an arc close to the H  ii region DR 15, and the radio ring nebula G79.29+0.46, for which we discuss its candidacy as a luminous blue variable. The emission-line objects towards Cyg OB2 itself could be the brightest most prominent component of a population of lower mass pre-main-sequence stars that has yet to be uncovered. Finally, we discuss the nature of the ongoing star formation in Cyg OB2 and the possibility that the central OB stars have triggered star formation in the periphery.     

Does Collinder 236 host a Cepheid calibrator?

Photoelectric UBV photometry and star counts are presented for the previously unstudied open cluster Collinder 236, supplemented by observations for stars near the Cepheid WZ Car. Collinder 236 is typical of groups associated with Cepheids, with an evolutionary age of  (3.2 ± 1.1) × 10⁷ yr  , but it is  1944 ± 71  pc distant, only half the predicted distance to WZ Car. The cluster is reddened by   E ( B − V ) ≃ 0.26  , and has nuclear and coronal radii of   r _n≃ 2 arcmin (1.1 pc)  and   R _c≃ 8 arcmin (4.5 pc)  , respectively. The Cepheid is not a member of Collinder 236 on the basis of location beyond the cluster tidal radius and implied distance, but its space reddening can be established as   E ( B − V ) = 0.268 ± 0.006  s.e. from five adjacent stars. Period changes in WZ Car studied with the aid of archival data are revised. The period of WZ Car is increasing, its rate of  +8.27 ± 0.19 s yr⁻¹  being consistent with a third crossing of the instability strip.     

The UV-Excess survey of the northern Galactic plane

The UV-Excess survey of the northern Galactic plane images a  10°× 185°  wide band, centred on the Galactic equator using the 2.5-m Isaac Newton Telescope in four bands (       i  5875) down to  ∼21–22  mag (     in       i  5875). The setup and data reduction procedures are described. Simulations of the colours of main-sequence stars, giant, supergiants, DA and DB white dwarfs and AM Canum Venaticorum stars are made, including the effects of reddening. A first look at the data of the survey (currently 30 per cent complete) is given.     

CCD uvbyβ photometry of the young open cluster NGC 663

NGC 663 is a young, moderately rich open cluster, known to contain one of the largest fractions of Be stars among all galactic clusters. In this work we present CCD u v by β photometry for stars in its central area. We have used these data to obtain the main cluster physical parameters. We find that the reddening is highly variable, with values ranging from   E ( b − y ) = 0.639 ± 0.032  in the central part to   E ( b − y ) = 0.555 ± 0.038  in the south-east. The distance modulus is found to be  11.6 ± 0.1 mag (2.1 kpc)  and the age  log  t = 7.4 ± 0.1 yr (25⁺⁷₋₅ Myr)  . The age obtained is consistent with the interpretation of the Be phenomenon as an evolutionary effect.     

A uvbyβ photometric analysis of the Monoceros star‐forming field

This investigation presents a new analysis of the spatial distribution of the bright early‐type stars in the field of Northern Monoceros. A database of all O–B9 stars with available uvbyβ photometry is collated and a homogeneous distance scale is established for the clusters and layers of field stars. We provide revised distances for NGC 2264 and NGC 2244 of 833±38 (s.e.) pc and 1585±60 (s.e.) pc, respectively. We present arguments that there might be substructures in the clusters projected along the line of sight. According to the present sample the classical Mon OB2 association at 1.6 kpc is represented by a relatively compact group at 1.26 kpc in the vicinity of NGC 2244 and a layer of massive stars located between 1.5 and 3 kpc (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Radial scalelengths of the galactic thin and thick disc with 2MASS data

This paper presents a global analysis of the 2MASS (Two Micron All Sky Survey) data as observed in seven fields at different galactic latitudes in our Galaxy. The data allow the preliminary determination of the scale parameters, which lead to strong constraints on the radial and vertical structure of the galactic thin and thick disc. The interpretation of star counts and colour distributions of stars in the near-infrared with the synthetic stellar population model gives strong evidence that the galactic thin disc density scalelength ( h _R ) is rather short (2.8±0.3 kpc). The galactic thick disc population is revisited in the light of new data. We find the thick disc to have a local density of 3.5±2.0 per cent of the thin disc, exponential scaleheight ( h _z ) of 860±200 pc and exponential scalelength ( h _R ) of 3.7±_0.5^0.8 kpc.     

UBV(RI) C photometry and spectroscopy of the young open cluster Haffner 18

UBV(RI) _C CCD photometry of a 2.1 × 3.3 arcmin² field centred on the young open cluster Haffner 18 is presented and discussed. Spectroscopic classification of seven stars is also provided. 44 cluster members are identified, the earliest type being O6. The distance to the cluster is found to be 6.3 kpc, corresponding to a galactocentric distance of 12.7 kpc (for a Sun galactocentric distance of 8.5 kpc). An excellent fit to the observed main sequence is achieved by a solar composition isochrone of 2 × 10⁶ yr reddened by E(B − V)  = 0.62 mag. Differential reddening of intracluster origin is present. Pre-main-sequence members are likely to be present over the 6 mag range explored by our observations (reaching down to earliest A spectral types). The presence of differential reddening and pre-main-sequence members agrees with the evidence for a bright parent nebulosity embedding the whole cluster. The radial velocity of the cluster is consistent with the Hron model of Galactic rotation.     

The region of Collinder 121

The distribution of bright B-type stars in a field with a radius of 5° centred at the Galactic open cluster Cr 121 is studied utilizing Strömgren and H β photometry. All PPM stars earlier than spectral type A0 are used, revealing a loose nearby structure at a distance of 660–730 pc, and a compact more distant group, which appears to be a genuine cluster: Cr 121. Based on similar coordinates, distances and positions on the colour–magnitude (CM) and Hertzsprung–Russell (HR) diagrams, 11 photometric cluster members are selected at a mean distance of 1085(±41 standard error) pc. The results are discussed in the light of both classical and Hipparcos points of view.