RACE-OC Project Research Articles

Photometric study of HD 155555C in the [formula omitted] Pictoris Association

We are carrying out a series of photometric monitoring to measure the rotation periods of members in the young β Pictoris Association, as part of the RACE-OC project (Rotation and ACtivity Evolution in Open Clusters). In this paper, we present the results for HD 155555C which is believed to be physically associated to the spectroscopic binary V824 Ara (HD 155555) and thus constituting a triple system. We collected B, V, and R-band photometric data timeseries and discovered from periodogram analysis the rotation period P=4.43d. Combined with stellar radius and projected rotational velocity, we find this star almost equator-on with an inclination i≃90°. The rotational properties of HD 155555C fit well into the period distribution of other β Pic members, giving further support to the suggested membership to the association and to its physical association to V824 Ara. A comparison with pre-main-sequence isochrones from various models allows us to estimate an age of 20±15Myr for this triple system.

RACE-OC project: Rotation and variability of young stellar associations within 100 pc

Our goal is to determine the rotational and magnetic-related activity properties of stars at different stages of evolution. We have focussed our attention on 6 young loose stellar associations within 100 pc and ages in the range 8-70 Myr: TW Hydrae (~8 Myr), beta Pictoris (~10 Myr), Tucana/Horologium, Columba, Carina (~30 Myr), and AB Doradus (~70 Myr). Additional data on alpha Persei and the Pleiades from the literature is also considered. Rotational periods of stars showing rotational modulation due to photospheric magnetic activity (i.e. starspots) have been determined applying the Lomb-Scargle periodogram technique to photometric time-series obtained by the All Sky Automated Survey (ASAS). The magnetic activity level has been derived from the amplitude of the V lightcurves. We detected the rotational modulation and measured the rotation periods of 93 stars for the first time, and confirmed the periods of 41 stars already known from the literature. For further 10 stars we revised the period determinations by other authors. The sample was augmented with periods of 21 additional stars retrieved from the literature. In this way, for the first time we were able to determine largest set of rotation periods at ages of ~8, ~10 and ~30 Myr, as well as increase by 150\% the number of known periodic members of AB Dor.The analysis of the rotation periods in young stellar associations, supplemented by Orion Nebula Cluster (ONC) and NGC2264 data from the literature, has allowed us to find that in the 0.6 - 1.2 solar masses range the most significant variations of the rotation period distribution are the spin-up between 9 and 30 Myr and the spin-down between 70 and 110 Myr. Variations between 30 and 70 Myr are rather doubtful, despite the median period indicates a significant spin-up.

RACE-OC project: rotation and variability in the open cluster M 11 (NGC 6705)

Rotation and magnetic activity are intimately linked in main-sequence stars of G or later spectral types. The presence and level of magnetic activity depend on stellar rotation, and rotation itself is strongly influenced by strength and topology of the magnetic fields. Open clusters represent especially useful targets to investigate the rotation/activity/age connection. The open cluster M11 has been studied as a part of the RACE-OC project (Rotation and ACtivity Evolution in Open Clusters), which is aimed at exploring the evolution of rotation and magnetic activity in the late-type members of open clusters with different ages. Photometric observations of the open cluster M11 were carried out in June 2004 using LOAO 1m telescope. The rotation periods of the cluster members are determined by Fourier analysis of photometric data time series. We further investigated the relations between the surface activity, characterized by the light curve amplitude, and rotation. We have discovered a total of 75 periodic variables in the M11 FoV, of which 38 are candidate cluster members. Specifically, among cluster members we discovered 6 early-type, 2 eclipsing binaries and 30 bona-fide single periodic late-type variables. Considering the rotation periods of 16 G-type members of the almost coeval 200-Myr M34 cluster, we could determine the rotation period distribution from a more numerous sample of 46 single G stars at an age of about 200-230 Myr and determine a median rotation period P=4.8d. A comparison with the younger M35 cluster (~150 Myr) and with the older M37 cluster (~550 Myr) shows that G stars rotate slower than younger M35 stars and faster than older M37 stars. The measured variation of the median rotation period is consistent with the scenario of rotational braking of main-sequence spotted stars as they age.

RACE-OC project: rotation and variability in the open cluster NGC 2099 (M 37)

Context. Rotation and solar-type magnetic activity are closely related to each other in main-sequence stars of G or later spectral types. The presence and level of magnetic activity depend on star's rotation, and rotation itself is strongly influenced by strength and topology of the magnetic fields. Open clusters represent especially useful targets to investigate the connection between rotation and activity.