Up: Photometry of dissolving star
We have presented the first CCD UBVI observation of the Probable
Open Cluster Remnants NGC 7036 and NGC 7772.
Our analysis suggests that:
- NGC 7036 and NGC 7772 are two examples of intermediate-age
open clusters
in advanced stages of dynamical evolution.
- NGC 7036 is a 3-4 Gyr open cluster located 1 kpc far from the Sun.
However, we stress the fact that this cluster still remains a
somewhat doubtful case, due to the absence of clear features in the CMDs.
- NGC 7772 is a less doubtful case. We showed that the cluster underwent
strong low mass star depletion. What remains is a group of 14 stars 1.5
Gyr old and located 1.5 kpc away from the Sun.
It is worth noting that the present results must be considered
with some caution, and that the list of members must be better
constrained by determining individual star radial velocities and proper
motions. In this way these objects can become templates for N-body
simulation aimed at investigating the dynamical evolution of open
star clusters and the origin of the field star population
Acknowledgements
I am deeply indebted to Nando Patat and Sandro Villanova for numerous
very useful conversations. I acknowledge Giorgio Martonara
and Franco Bocchi for the kind night assistance.
This study made use of the Simbad database.
Up: Photometry of dissolving star
Copyright ESO 2002