Properties of the Open Cluster System
Abstract
A system of weigths corresponding to the precision of open cluster data is described. Using these weights, some properties of open clusters can be studied more accurately than was possible earlier. It is clear that there are three types of objects: unbound clusters, bound clusters in the thin disk, and older bound clusters. Galactic gradients of metallicity, longevity, and linear diameter are studied. Distributions at right angles to the galactic plane are discussed in the light of the different cluster types. The clumping of clusters in complexes is studied. An estimate of the selection effects influencing the present material of open cluster data is made in order to evaluate the role played by open clusters in the history of the galactic disk.
- Publication:
-
The Astronomical Journal
- Pub Date:
- March 1988
- DOI:
- 10.1086/114676
- Bibcode:
- 1988AJ.....95..771J
- Keywords:
-
- Galactic Structure;
- Metallic Stars;
- Open Clusters;
- Stellar Evolution;
- Ubv Spectra;
- Algorithms;
- Color-Magnitude Diagram;
- Computational Astrophysics;
- Disk Galaxies;
- H Beta Line;
- Astrophysics;
- STARS: STELLAR STATISTICS;
- CLUSTERS: OPEN;
- GALAXIES: THE GALAXY