The open star clusters of M31 and its spiral structure

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (59) References (22) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS The open star clusters of M31 and its spiral structure. Hodge, P. W. Abstract This paper examines the properties of the 403 open star clusters in M31, most of which are small young objects similar to the Pleiades and h and Chi Persei. Their mean diameter is 20 pc. A crude age function for the younger stars is derived from the brightest stars; it differs from that of the LMC in the sense of a relative paucity of the very youngest clusters. The distribution of the young open clusters within M31 closely resembles the distribution of H I; there is a strong concentration of clusters to intermediate distances. An interesting difference in the distribution of young clusters and young stars, on the one hand, and the general intensity in the disk, on the other, is pointed out and briefly discussed. A comparison of the open clusters' positions with various spiral-arm patterns favors a gravitationally distorted two-armed trailing model. Publication: The Astronomical Journal Pub Date: June 1979 DOI: 10.1086/112476 Bibcode: 1979AJ.....84..744H Keywords: Andromeda Galaxy; Astronomical Maps; Galactic Structure; Open Clusters; Hydrogen Clouds; Pleiades Cluster; Star Distribution; Stellar Evolution; Stellar Magnitude; Astrophysics; Andromeda Nebula:Open Clusters; Andromeda Nebula:Spiral Structure full text sources ADS | data products NED (11)