skip to main content


Title: Time-series photometry and multiwavelength characterization of the young stellar cluster Mon R2
ABSTRACT

Using the Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network (LCOGT), we have obtained multi-epoch photometry of the young cluster Mon R2. We have monitored over 6000 sources with i-band between 13 and 23 mag within a 26 × 26 arcmin2 field of view. For each star, we collected ∼1500 photometric points covering a temporal window of 23 d. Based on these data, we have measured rotation-modulated of 136 stars and identified around 90 additional variables, including 14 eclipsing binary candidates. Moreover, we found 298 other variables with photometric high-scatter. In addition, we have obtained r-band and Hα narrow-band photometry of the cluster with LCOGT and low-resolution optical spectroscopy of 229 stars with GMOS-Gemini. We used the Gaia data from the periodic stars and objects with Hα or IR-excesses, which are mostly low-mass pre-main sequence stars (<1 M⊙) in the cluster to estimate the distance (825 ± 51 pc) and the mean proper motions (μαcos(δ) = −2.75 mas yr−1 and μδ = 1.15 mas yr−1) of its members. This allows us to use the Gaia data to identify additional Mon R2 member candidates. We also used Pan-STARRS photometry from our LCOGT sources to construct a more precise H-R diagram, from which we estimate the mean age of the cluster and identify other possible members including eleven spectroscopy brown dwarf with M7 to M9 GMOS spectral types. Finally, we combined our membership lists with Spitzer infrared photometry to investigate the incidence of stars with discs and the effect these have on stellar rotation.

 
more » « less
NSF-PAR ID:
10431556
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ;
Publisher / Repository:
Oxford University Press
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Volume:
524
Issue:
2
ISSN:
0035-8711
Page Range / eLocation ID:
p. 1826-1854
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
More Like this
  1. Abstract We announce the second data release (DR2) of the NOIRLab Source Catalog (NSC), using 412,116 public images from CTIO-4 m+DECam, the KPNO-4 m+Mosaic3, and the Bok-2.3 m+90Prime. NSC DR2 contains over 3.9 billion unique objects, 68 billion individual source measurements, covers ≈35,000 square degrees of the sky, has depths of ≈23 mag in most broadband filters with ≈1%–2% photometric precision, and astrometric accuracy of ≈7 mas. Approximately 1.9 billion objects within ≈30,000 square degrees of sky have photometry in three or more bands. There are several improvements over NSC DR1. DR2 includes 156,662 (61%) more exposures extending over 2 more years than in DR1. The southern photometric zero-points in griz are more accurate by using the Skymapper DR1 and ATLAS-Ref2 catalogs, and improved extinction corrections were used for high-extinction regions. In addition, the astrometric accuracy is improved by taking advantage of Gaia DR2 proper motions when calibrating the astrometry of individual images. This improves the NSC proper motions to ∼2.5 mas yr −1 (precision) and ∼0.2 mas yr −1 (accuracy). The combination of sources into unique objects is performed using a DBSCAN algorithm and mean parameters per object (such as mean magnitudes, proper motion, etc.) are calculated more robustly with outlier rejection. Finally, eight multi-band photometric variability indices are calculated for each object and variable objects are flagged (23 million objects). NSC DR2 will be useful for exploring solar system objects, stellar streams, dwarf satellite galaxies, quasi-stellar objects, variable stars, high proper-motion stars, and transients. Several examples of these science use cases are presented. The NSC DR2 catalog is publicly available via the NOIRLab’s Astro Data Lab science platform. 
    more » « less
  2. Abstract We present photometric evidence for multiple stellar populations (MPs) in 14 globular clusters (GCs) toward the southern Galactic bulge. The photometric data come as part of the Blanco DECam Bulge Survey, which is a deep, wide-field near-UV-near-IR ( ugriz Y) survey of the southern Galactic bulge. Here, we present the first systematic study of bulge GC multiple populations with deep photometry including the u band, which is a crucial indicator of the abundance of CNO-bearing molecules in stellar atmospheres. We identify cluster members using Gaia EDR3 proper motion measurements, and then isolate red giant branch stars using r versus u − r color–magnitude diagrams. We find evidence suggesting all 14 clusters host at least two populations, and NGC 6441, NGC 6626, and NGC 6656 appear to have at least three populations. Many of these clusters are not part of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) surveys nor do they have comprehensive spectroscopic analyses so we are presenting the first evidence of MPs in several clusters. Not only do we find a strong anticorrelation between the fraction of first-generation stars and cluster absolute V magnitude, but the correlation coefficient and cluster-to-cluster scatter are similar to the results obtained from HST. Our ground-based data extend to much larger radial distances than similar HST observations, enabling a reliable estimate of the global fraction of first-generation stars in each cluster. This study demonstrates that ground-based u -band photometry as provided by DECam will prove powerful in the study of multiple populations in resolved GCs. 
    more » « less
  3. Abstract

    Orbital characteristics based on Gaia Early Data Release 3 astrometric parameters are analyzed for ∼4000 metal-poor stars ([Fe/H] ≤ −0.8) compiled from the Best and Brightest survey. Selected as metal-poor candidates based on broadband near- and far-IR photometry, 43% of these stars had medium-resolution (1200 ≲R≲ 2000) validation spectra obtained over a 7 yr campaign from 2014 to 2020 with a variety of telescopes. The remaining stars were chosen based on photometric metallicity determinations from the Huang et al. recalibration of the Sky Mapper Southern Survey. Dynamical clusters of these stars are obtained from the orbital energy and cylindrical actions using theHDBSCANunsupervised learning algorithm. We identify 52 dynamically tagged groups (DTGs) with between five and 21 members; 18 DTGs have at least 10 member stars. Milky Way (MW) substructures such as Gaia-Sausage-Enceladus, the Metal-Weak Thick-Disk, Thamnos, the Splashed Disk, and the Helmi Stream are identified. Associations with MW globular clusters are determined for eight DTGs; no recognized MW dwarf galaxies were associated with any of our DTGs. Previously identified dynamical groups are also associated with our DTGs, with emphasis placed on their structural determination and possible new identifications. Chemically peculiar stars are identified as members of several DTGs, with six DTGs that are associated withr-process-enhanced stars. We demonstrate that the mean carbon andα-element abundances of our DTGs are correlated with their mean metallicity in an understandable manner. Similarly, we find that the mean metallicity, carbon, andα-element abundances are separable into different regions of the mean rotational-velocity space.

     
    more » « less
  4. Context . The Gl 486 system consists of a very nearby, relatively bright, weakly active M3.5 V star at just 8 pc with a warm transiting rocky planet of about 1.3 R ⊕ and 3.0 M ⊕ . It is ideal for both transmission and emission spectroscopy and for testing interior models of telluric planets. Aims . To prepare for future studies, we aim to thoroughly characterise the planetary system with new accurate and precise data collected with state-of-the-art photometers from space and spectrometers and interferometers from the ground. Methods . We collected light curves of seven new transits observed with the CHEOPS space mission and new radial velocities obtained with MAROON-X at the 8.1 m Gemini North telescope and CARMENES at the 3.5 m Calar Alto telescope, together with previously published spectroscopic and photometric data from the two spectrographs and TESS. We also performed near-infrared interferometric observations with the CHARA Array and new photometric monitoring with a suite of smaller telescopes (AstroLAB, LCOGT, OSN, TJO). This extraordinary and rich data set was the input for our comprehensive analysis. Results . From interferometry, we measure a limb-darkened disc angular size of the star Gl 486 at θ LDD = 0.390 ± 0.018 mas. Together with a corrected Gaia EDR3 parallax, we obtain a stellar radius R * = 0.339 ± 0.015 R ⊕ . We also measure a stellar rotation period at P rot = 49.9 ± 5.5 days, an upper limit to its XUV (5-920 A) flux informed by new Hubble /STIS data, and, for the first time, a variety of element abundances (Fe, Mg, Si, V, Sr, Zr, Rb) and C/O ratio. Moreover, we imposed restrictive constraints on the presence of additional components, either stellar or sub-stellar, in the system. With the input stellar parameters and the radial-velocity and transit data, we determine the radius and mass of the planet Gl 486 b at R p = 1.343 −0.062 +0.063 R ⊕ and M p = 3.00 −0.12 +0.13 M ⊕ , with relative uncertainties of the planet radius and mass of 4.7% and 4.2%, respectively. From the planet parameters and the stellar element abundances, we infer the most probable models of planet internal structure and composition, which are consistent with a relatively small metallic core with respect to the Earth, a deep silicate mantle, and a thin volatile upper layer. With all these ingredients, we outline prospects for Gl 486 b atmospheric studies, especially with forthcoming James Webb Space Telescope ( Webb ) observations. 
    more » « less
  5. ABSTRACT

    We present the results of the UBVIC variability survey in the young open cluster NGC 6611 based on observations obtained during 34 nights spanning one year. In total, we found 95 variable stars. Most of these stars are classified as periodic and irregular pre-main sequence (PMS) stars. The analysis of the JHKS 2MASS photometry and four-colour IRAC photometry revealed 165 Class II young stellar sources, 20 of which are irregular variables and one is an eclipsing binary. These classifications, complemented by JHK UKIDSS photometry and riHα VPHAS photometry, were used to identify 24 candidates for classical T Tauri stars and 30 weak-lined T Tauri stars. In addition to the PMS variables, we discovered eight δ Scuti candidates. None of these were previously known. Furthermore, we detected 17 eclipsing binaries where two were previously known. Based on the proper motions provided by the Gaia EDR3 catalogue, we calculated the cluster membership probabilities for 91 variable stars. For 61 variables, a probability higher than 80 per cent was determined, which makes them cluster members. Only 25 variables with a probability less than 20 per cent were regarded to be non-members.

     
    more » « less