Dissolving star cluster candidates

Citation
E. Bica et al., Dissolving star cluster candidates, ASTRON ASTR, 366(3), 2001, pp. 827-833
Citations number
33
Categorie Soggetti
Space Sciences
Journal title
ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS
ISSN journal
00046361 → ACNP
Volume
366
Issue
3
Year of publication
2001
Pages
827 - 833
Database
ISI
SICI code
0004-6361(200102)366:3<827:DSCC>2.0.ZU;2-J
Abstract
We present a list of 34 neglected entries from star cluster catalogues loca ted at relatively high galactic latitudes (\b\ > 15 degrees) which appear t o be candidate late stages of star cluster dynamical evolution. Although un derpopulated with respect to usual open clusters, they still present a high number density contrast as compared to the galactic field. This was verifi ed by means of (i) predicted model counts from different galactic subsystem s in the same direction, and (ii) Guide Star Catalog equal solid angle coun ts for the object and surrounding fields. This suggests that the objects ar e physical systems, possibly star clusters in the process of disruption or their fossil remains. The sample will be useful for followup studies in vie w of verifying their physical nature.