Abstract

Open clusters are laboratories for testing theories of binary evolution and dynamics against detailed observations. As part of the WIYN Open Cluster Study (WOCS), we are currently observing several open clusters spanning a wide range in age and metallicity, with primary goals of determining the binary frequencies and distributions of binary orbital parameters for their solar-type stars. Currently, the three WOCS clusters with the most complete data sets are M35 (0.15 Gyr), M67 (4 Gyr) and NGC 188 (7 Gyr). Despite the large differences in age, we find that all three of these rich clusters have remarkably similar solar-type binaries that are also consistent with comparable binaries in the Galactic field. These data have been critical for guiding our sophisticated open cluster N -body simulations, which enable us to investigate the dynamical evolution of rich binary populations and the production of exotic stars, like blue stragglers, within open clusters.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.