paper

Faint open clusters with 2MASS: BH 63, Lyngå2, Lyngå12 and King 20

arXiv:astro-ph/0609277 · doi:10.1051/0004-6361:20065443

Abstract

Structural and dynamical parameters of faint open clusters are probed with quality 2MASS-photometry and analytical procedures developed for bright clusters. We derive fundamental parameters of the faint open clusters Lynga2, BH63, Lyng12 and King20, the last three of which have no prior determinations. We also focus on the structure and dynamical state of these clusters. 2MASS photometry with errors smaller than 0.2mag are used to build CMDs, RDPs, CMDs, luminosity and mass functions. Colour-magnitude filters are used to isolate probable member stars. Field-star decontamination is applied to Lynga2, Lynga12 and King20. Reddening values are in the range 0.22-1.9, with BH63 the most reddened object. Ages of Lynga2, King20, Lynga12 and BH63 are ~90, ~200, ~560 and 700Myr, respectively. The RDPs of Lynga12 and King20 are well-represented by King profiles. Total stellar masses (extrapolating the MFs to stars with 0.08Mo) range from ~340Mo (BH63) to ~2300Mo (Lynga12). Observed masses are \~1/4$ of these values. In all clusters the core mass function is flatter than the halo's. Faint open clusters can be probed with 2MASS when associated with colour-magnitude filters and field-star decontamination. BH63 appears to be in an advanced dynamical state, both in the core and halo. To a lesser degree the same applies to King20. Marginal evidence of dynamical evolution is present in the cores of Lynga2 and Lynga12.

11 pages, 8 figures. Astronomy & Astrophysics, accepted, 04/09/2006

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