The mass of the open star cluster M35 as derived from proper motions

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (64) References (29) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS The Mass of the Open Star Cluster M35 as Derived from Proper Motions Leonard, Peter J. T. ; Merritt, David Abstract Proper-motion studies of several open and globular clusters have yielded accurate, two-component (radial and tangential) velocity dispersion profiles for the brighest stars in these systems. It is shown that velocity dispersions derived from proper motions, unlike those derived from radial velocities, contain enough information to determine the shape and amplitude of the velocity ellipsoid at all radii in a spherical cluster. This information, in turn, is sufficient to yield the cluster potential without any additional assumptions about the kinematics or the mass-to-light ratio. Proper-motion data for the open star cluster M35 imply a dynamical mass within the central 3.75 pc between 1600 and 3200 solar masses (95 percent confidence), consistent with the mass of a realistic stellar population within the same radius. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: April 1989 DOI: 10.1086/167287 Bibcode: 1989ApJ...339..195L Keywords: Open Clusters; Stellar Motions; Velocity Distribution; Density Distribution; Doppler Effect; Mass To Light Ratios; Radial Velocity; Stellar Luminosity; Stellar Mass; Astrophysics; CLUSTERS: OPEN; STARS: STELLAR DYNAMICS full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (4)