A Tale of Three Cities : OmegaCAM discovers multiple sequences in the color-magnitude diagram of the Orion Nebula Cluster
As part of the Accretion Discs in H$\alpha$ with OmegaCAM (ADHOC) survey, we imaged in r, i and H-alpha a region of 12x8 square degrees around the Orion Nebula Cluster. Thanks to the high-quality photometry obtained, we discovered three well-separated pre-main sequences in the color-magnitude diagram. The populations are all concentrated towards the cluster's center. Although several explanations can be invoked to explain these sequences we are left with two competitive, but intriguing, scenarios: a population of unresolved binaries with an exotic mass ratio distribution or three populations with different ages. Independent high-resolution spectroscopy supports the presence of discrete episodes of star formation, each separated by about a million years. The stars from the two putative youngest populations rotate faster than the older ones, in agreement with the evolution of stellar rotation observed in pre-main sequence stars younger than 4 Myr in several star forming regions. Whatever the final explanation, our results prompt for a revised look at the formation mode and early evolution of stars in clusters.
Item Type | Article |
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Uncontrolled Keywords | astro-ph.SR; astro-ph.GA |
Date Deposited | 26 Jul 2024 18:19 |
Last Modified | 26 Jul 2024 18:19 |
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Read more research from the creator(s):
- Beccari, G.
- Petr-Gotzens, M.G.
- Boffin, H.M.J.
- Romaniello, M.
- Fedele, D.
- Carraro, G.
- Marchi, G. De
- de Wit, W.J.
- Drew, J. E.
- Kalari, V. M.
- Manara, Carlo Felice
- Martin, Eduardo L.
- Mieske, S.
- Panagia, N.
- Testi, L.
- Vink, Jorick S.
- Walsh, J. R.
- Wright, N. J.
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