Research has shown that many young and intermediate-age clusters (younger than $\sim$2 Gyr) have extended main sequences and main-sequence turnoffs (eMSTOs), which cannot be adequately described by a single isochrone. The reason for the extended main sequences is now known, with the most probable cause being the fast rotation of stars. However, a significant fraction of slowly rotating stars form a younger stellar population than their fast-rotating counterparts, leading to speculation that they have undergone thorough rotational mixing processes internally. One speculation is that a considerable number of slowly rotating stars reside in close binary systems, where tidal forces from companion stars are the cause of their rotational deceleration. In this work, we report a relatively old open star cluster in the Milky Way, NGC 2423 ($\sim$1 Gyrs old), which exhibits an apparent eMSTO. As anticipated, many characteristics of NGC 2423 indicate that its eMSTO is driven by stellar rotations. Our calculations indicate that if slowly rotating stars commonly have a close companion star, they should exhibit significant differences in radial velocities observationally, and binary systems that can be tidally locked within the age of NGC 2423 should have a mass ratio close to 1. However, none of these predictions align with our observations. Interestingly, among the only two equal-mass binary systems in the observed region for which spectroscopic data could be obtained, we discovered that one of them is a tidally locked binary system. This further suggests the validity of our numerical simulation results.
The origin of extended main sequence turnoffs (eMSTOs) in intermediate-age (1-3 Gyr) clusters is one of the most intriguing questions in current star cluster research. Unlike the split main sequences found in some globular clusters. which are caused by bimodal populations in age and/or chemical abundances, eMSTOs are believed to be owing to stellar rotation. We present a spectroscopic survey of MSTO stars in a nearby, intermediate-age (\unit[0.9]{Gyr}), low mass ($\sim 1.7\times10^3 M_\odot$) Galactic open cluster, NGC 5822. We derive a clean sample of member stars based on \textit{Gaia} prope…
We investigate the morphology of the colour-magnitude diagram (CMD) of the open cluster NGC 2509 in comparison with other Galactic open clusters of similar age using Gaia photometry. At $\sim900$ Myr Galactic open clusters in our sample all show an extended main sequence turn off (eMSTO) with the exception of NGC 2509, which presents an exceptionally narrow CMD. Our analysis of the Gaia data rules out differential extinction, stellar density, and binaries as a cause for the singular MSTO morphology in this cluster. We interpret this feature as a consequence of the stellar rotation distribution…
Intermediate-age star clusters in the LMC present extended main sequence turnoffs (MSTO) that have been attributed to either multiple stellar populations or an effect of stellar rotation. Recently it has been proposed that these extended main sequences can also be produced by ill-characterized stellar variability. Here we present Gemini-S/GMOS time series observations of the intermediate-age cluster NGC 1846. Using differential image analysis, we identified 73 new variable stars, with 55 of those being of the Delta Scuti type, that is, pulsating variables close the MSTO for the cluster age. Co…
Extended main-sequence turnoffs apparent in most young and intermediate-age clusters (younger than ~2 Gyr) are known features caused by fast rotating early-type (earlier than F-type) stars. Late-type stars are not fast rotators because their initial angular momenta have been quickly dispersed due to magnetic braking. However, the mass limit below which stars have been magnetically braked has not been well constrained by observation. In this paper, we present an analysis of the eMSTO of NGC 6819, an open cluster of an intermediate-age (~2.5 Gyr), believed to be comparable to the lifetime of sta…
We present an analysis of the relatively low mass ($\sim2400$~M$_{\odot}$), $\sim800$~Myr, Galactic open cluster, NGC~2818, using Gaia DR2 results combined with VLT/FLAMES spectroscopy. Using Gaia DR2 proper motions and parallax measurements we are able to select a clean sample of cluster members. This cluster displays a clear extended main sequence turn-off (eMSTO), a phenomenon previously studied mainly in young and intermediate age massive clusters in the Magellanic clouds. The main sequence of NGC~2818 is extremely narrow, with a width of $\sim0.01$ magnitudes (G$_{\rm BP} - $ G$_{\rm RP}$…
We present the analysis of the colour-magnitude diagram (CMD) morphology of the ~ 800 Myr old star cluster NGC1831 in the Large Magellanic Cloud, exploiting deep, high-resolution photometry obtained using the Wide Field Camera 3 onboard the Hubble Space Telescope. We perform a simultaneous analysis of the wide upper main sequence and main sequence turn-off observed in the cluster, to verify whether these features are due to an extended star formation or a range of stellar rotation rates, or a combination of these two effects. Comparing the observed CMD with Monte Carlo simulations of synthetic…
The color-magnitude diagrams (CMDs) of intermediate-age star clusters (less than ~ 2 Gyr) are much more complex than those predicted by coeval, nonrotating stellar evolution models. Their observed extended main sequence turnoffs (eMSTOs) could result from variations in stellar age, stellar rotation, or both. The physical interpretation of eMSTOs is largely based on the complex mapping between stellar models -- themselves functions of mass, rotation, orientation, and binarity -- and the CMD. In this paper, we compute continuous probability densities in three-dimensional color, magnitude, and vs…
In addition to the extended main-sequence turnoffs widely found in young and intermediate-age (~ 600 Myr-2 Gyr-old) star clusters, some younger clusters even exhibit split main sequences (MSs). Different stellar rotation rates are proposed to account for the bifurcated MS pattern, with red and blue MSs (rMS and bMS) populated by fast and slowly rotating stars, respectively. Using photometry from Gaia Early Data Release 3, we report a Galactic open cluster with a bifurcated MS, NGC 2422 ( ~ 90 Myr). We exclude the possibilities that the bifurcated MS pattern is caused by photometric noise or di…
Precision CCD uvbyCaHbeta photometry is presented of the old cluster, M67, covering one square degree with typical internal precision at the 0.005-0.020 mag level to V~17. The photometry is calibrated using standards over a wide range in luminosity and temperature from NGC 752 and zeroed to the standard system via published photoelectric observations. Relative to NGC 752, differential offsets in reddening and metallicity are derived using astrometric members, supplemented by radial-velocity information. From single-star members, offsets in the sense (M67 - NGC 752) are Delta E(b-y) = -0.005 +/…
Main sequence turnoff ages in young open clusters are complicated by turnoffs that are sparse, have high binarity fractions, can be affected by differential reddening, and typically include a number of peculiar stars. Furthermore, stellar rotation can have a significant effect on a star's photometry and evolutionary timescale. In this paper we analyze in 12 nearby open clusters, ranging from ages of 50 Myr to 350 Myr, how broadband UBV color-color relations can be used to identify turnoff stars that are Be stars, blue stragglers, certain types of binaries, or those affected by differential red…
HYDRA spectra of 287 stars in the field of NGC 2506 from the turnoff through the giant branch are analyzed. With previous data, 22 are identified as probable binaries; 90 more are classified as potential non-members. Spectroscopic analyses of ~60 red giants and slowly rotating turnoff stars using line equivalent widths and a neural network approach lead to [Fe/H] = -0.27 +/- 0.07 (s.d.) and [Fe/H] = -0.27 +/- 0.06 (s.d.), respectively. Li abundances are derived for 145 probable single-star members, 44 being upper limits. Among turnoff stars outside the Li-dip, A(Li) = 3.04 +/- 0.16 (s.d.), wit…
We present a far-ultraviolet (FUV) study of the globular cluster M30 (NGC 7099). The images were obtained using the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS/SBC, F150LP, FUV) and the Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2, F300W, UV) which were both on board the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The FUV-UV colour-magnitude diagram (CMD) shows a main sequence (MS) turnoff at FUV $\approx$ 22 mag and FUV-UV $\approx$ 3 mag. The MS extends 4 mag below the turnoff, and a prominent horizontal branch (HB) and blue straggler (BS) sequence can be seen. A total of 1218 MS stars, 185 red giant branch stars, 47 BS sta…
Using {\sl Gaia} Data Release 2 photometry, we report the detection of extended main-sequence turnoff (eMSTO) regions in the color--magnitude diagrams (CMDs) of the $\sim 14$ Myr-old double clusters $h$ and $χ$ Persei (NGC 869 and NGC 884). We find that stars with masses below $\sim$1.3 $M_{\odot}$ in both $h$ and $χ$ Persei populate narrow main sequences (MSs), while more massive stars define the eMSTO, closely mimicking observations of young Galactic and Magellanic Cloud clusters (with ages older than $\sim$30 Myr). Previous studies based on clusters older than $\sim$30 Myr find that rapidly…
The Open Cluster Chemical Abundances and Mapping Survey: IX. Measuring the Effects of Stellar Diffusion in the Open Clusters NGC 752 and Ruprecht 147 using APOGEE
Universidade Federal de Sergipe(塞尔希培联邦大学);Texas Christian University(德克萨斯基督教大学);Maunakea Spectroscopic Explorer, Canada-France-Hawaii-Telescope(莫纳克天文光谱仪,加拿大法国夏威夷望远镜);Steward Observatory, University of Arizona(亚利桑那大学斯图尔德天文台);Observatório Nacional/MCTIC(国家天文台/巴西科技与创新部);University of Florida(佛罗里达大学)
WIYN/Hydra spectra (R $\sim$ 13,500, signal-to-noise pixel$^{-1}$ = 50-1000) of a 400 $\unicode{x212B}$ region around Li 6708 $\unicode{x212B}$ are used to determine radial and rotational velocities for 287 photometrically selected candidate members of the open cluster M48. The sample ranges from turnoff A stars to late-K dwarfs and eight giants. We combine our $V_{\rm{RAD}}$ measurements and power spectrum analysis with parallax and proper motion data from Gaia DR2 to evaluate membership and multiplicity. We classify 152 stars as single cluster members, 11 as binary members, 16 as members of …
Many young and intermediate age massive stellar clusters host bimodal distributions in the rotation rates of their stellar populations, with a dominant peak of rapidly rotating stars and a secondary peak of slow rotators. The origin of this bimodal rotational distribution is currently debated and two main theories have been put forward in the literature. The first is that all/most stars are born as rapid rotators and that interacting binaries brake a fraction of the stars, resulting in two populations. The second is that the rotational distribution is a reflection of the early evolution of pre…
Spectroscopy of 333 NGC 6819 stars and Gaia astrometry are used to map Li evolution from the giant branch tip to 0.5 mag below the Li dip. Isochrone comparison with [Fe/H] = -0.04, based upon neural network spectroscopic analysis, produces an age of 2.25 (2.4) Gyr for E(B-V) = 0.16 (0.14) and (m-M) = 12.40 (12.29). Despite originating outside the Li dip, only 10% of single subgiants/giants have measurable Li. Above the Li dip, the limiting A(Li) for single stars is 3.2 +/- 0.1 but the lower range is comparable to that found within the dip. The F-dwarf Li dip profile agrees with the Hyades/Prae…
The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) UV Legacy Survey of Galactic Globular Clusters (GCs) has investigated multiple stellar populations by means of the "chromosome map" (ChM) diagnostic tool that maximises the separation between stars with different chemical composition. One of the most challenging features revealed by ChMs analysis is the apparent inhomogeneity among stars belonging to the first population, a phenomenon largely attributed to He variations. However, this explanation is not supported by the uniformity in p-capture elements of these stars. The HST survey has revealed that the GC NGC…
We report on the white dwarf cooling sequence of the old globular cluster NGC 6752, which is chemically complex and hosts a blue horizontal branch. This is one of the last globular cluster white dwarf (WD) cooling sequences accessible to imaging by the Hubble Space Telescope. Our photometry and completeness tests show that we have reached the peak of the luminosity function of the WD cooling sequence, at a magnitude m_F606W=29.4+/-0.1, which is consistent with a formal age of ~14Gyr. This age is also consistent with the age from fits to the main-sequence turnoff (13-14Gyr), reinforcing our con…
Broad, extended main sequence turnoffs seen in the majority of the intermediate-age (1-3 Gyr) LMC star clusters, have been interpreted as the result of an extended star formation history and/or the effect of extreme stellar rotation. A more fundamental explanation may be given by stellar variability. For clusters in these age range, the instability strip crosses the upper main sequence producing a number of variable stars (known as Delta Scuti) which, if nor properly taken into account, could appear as an extended turnoff. First results of a variability program in the LMC cluster NGC 1846 reve…
NGC 6910 is the northern hemisphere open cluster known to be rich in $β$ Cephei-type stars. Using four-season photometry obtained in Białków (Poland) and Xinglong (China) observatories, we performed variability survey of NGC 6910. As the result, we found over 100 variable stars in the field of the cluster, including many stars showing variability due to pulsations and binarity. Thanks to the spectroscopic observations, we also detected changes in the profiles of spectral lines of $β$ Cep stars, caused by pulsations.
Extended main sequence turn-offs (eMSTOs) are a common feature in color-magnitude diagrams (CMDs) of young and intermediate-age star clusters in the Magellanic Clouds. The nature of eMSTOs is still debated. The most popular scenarios are extended star formation and ranges of stellar rotation rates. Here we study implications of a kink feature in the main sequence (MS) of young star clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). This kink shows up very clearly in new \emph{Hubble Space Telescope} observations of the 700-Myr-old cluster NGC 1831, and is located below the region in the CMD where m…
As part of the Swift/UVOT Stars Survey, we present near-ultraviolet point-source photometry for 103 Galactic open clusters. These data, taken over the span of the mission, provide a unique and unprecedented set of near-ultraviolet point-source photometry on simple stellar populations. After applying membership analysis fueled mostly by GAIA DR2 proper motions, we find that 49 of these 103 have clear precise CMDs amenable to investigation. We compare the CMDs to theoretical isochrones and find good agreement between the theoretical isochrones and the CMDs. The exceptions are the fainter parts o…
Evidence for Extended Star Formation in the Old, Metal-Rich Open Cluster, NGC 6791?
NGC 6791是一个古老的富含金属的星团,通常被认为是一个盘状疏散星团。它的红巨星分支是广泛的颜色,但迄今为止,没有证据表明它的恒星之间的金属分布。主层序的关闭区域也比宽波段光度误差所预期的要宽。颜色-星等图的分析揭示了集群的核心和外围之间的颜色梯度,我们评估了这种趋势的潜在解释。虽然二进制和光度误差似乎不太可能,但不能排除整个星团表面的变红变化。我们认为,这种颜色趋势的一个可行的替代解释是由于星团形成时间延长而导致的年龄分布; NGC 6791内部区域的恒星似乎比外部区域的恒星平均年龄大1 Gyr。
Recent studies have revealed that the onset age for the presence of multiple stellar populations (MPs) in star clusters seems to correspond to the disappearance of the extended main-sequence turnoff (eMSTO) in young clusters, a pattern associated with stellar rotations. A speculative suggestion is that MPs might be caused by the magnetic brake, a stellar evolutionary effect linked to the rotation. In this work, we use the young massive cluster NGC 419 as a testbed. We examined if its magnetically baked MS stars would exhibit MPs. Using the deep ultraviolet and visible images observed through t…