Young stellar objects from the LAMOST and ZTF surveys: Physical properties, classification, and light curve analysis

¹ CAS Key Laboratory of Optical Astronomy, National Astronomical Observatories, Beijing 100101, PR China
e-mail: zyx@bao.ac.cn
² National Astronomical Observatories, Beijing 100101, PR China
³ University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China

Received: 28 December 2023
Accepted: 14 March 2024

Abstract

Context. The study of young stellar objects (YSOs) not only enhances our understanding of star formation and stellar evolution, but also contributes to broader areas of astrophysics, including planetary science, galactic dynamics, and astrochemistry.

Aims. We aimed to comprehensively analyse 657 YSOs and provide their physical parameter measurements using data from Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) g- and r-band light curves and the Gaia, WISE, 2MASS, and LAMOST databases. Specifically, we sought to identify periodicity in the light curves and classify the YSOs based on the Q – M variability plane, which enabled us to quantify flux asymmetry and quasi-periodicity.

Methods. To achieve our objectives, we conducted a meticulous examination of the light curves obtained from the ZTF and estimated the physical parameters of the YSOs. These parameters were discerned by integrating stellar model atmosphere grids, photometric data, Gaia DR3 parallaxes, and pre-main-sequence evolutionary tracks. We employed the Q – M variability plane to classify the YSOs and determine the presence of periodic patterns. Additionally, we analysed the distribution of variability slope angles in the colour-magnitude diagram (CMD) to discern patterns associated with extinction-driven and accretion-related variability.

Results. Our analysis revealed significant findings regarding the variability patterns and physical characteristics of the YSOs. Among the 657 objects analysed, 37 exhibited periodic variability and 2 displayed multi-period behaviour. Furthermore, we identified distinct variability patterns, including quasi-periodic symmetry, quasi-periodic dipping, aperiodic dipping, bursting behaviour, stochastic variability, and long-timescale variations. Notably, the distribution of variability slope angles in the CMD varied between dippers and bursters, indicating different underlying variability drivers. Additionally, we observed that YSOs classified as classical T Tauri stars and weak-line T Tauri stars exhibited contrasting light curve characteristics, with Class II YSOs displaying asymmetry and Class III YSOs showing (quasi-)periodic variations. These findings underscore the importance of considering variability patterns when classifying and determining the nature of YSOs.