Sco OB2 Association Research Articles

Profile split of DIB 6196 in Sco OB2 association objects

ABSTRACT This paper describes the specific profile of the diffuse interstellar band (DIB) 6196 Å in objects belonging to the Sco OB2 association. The investigated feature is the narrowest known strong diffuse band. Reddened Sco OB2 association objects show slightly broadened and split (W-shaped) 6196 DIB profiles. The split cannot be explained by the presence of two (or more) clouds of different radial velocities along the line of sight because it is not observed in the much narrower identified atomic/molecular features. The observed DIB profile may (in some cases) be a composition of the band centre and its head of a still unknown molecule. Our estimation of the rotational temperature of C2 exhibits systematically higher values for objects with the observed split effect (Sco OB2 members). These split profiles are observed in both ζ and σ types of clouds, although in Sco OB2 objects only, suggesting that the phenomenon originates in some specific and currently unclear physical/chemical conditions inside the Sco OB2 association. It could be that a lower amount of small dust particles in Sco OB2 affects the flux of ultraviolet photons, providing a higher rotational temperature of DIB 6196 carriers, which is seen as a profile split.

The Scorpion Planet Survey: Wide-orbit Giant Planets Around Young A-type Stars

Abstract The first directly imaged exoplanets indicated that wide-orbit giant planets could be more common around A-type stars. However, the relatively small number of nearby A-stars has limited the precision of exoplanet demographics studies to ≳10%. We aim to constrain the frequency of wide-orbit giant planets around A-stars using the VLT/SPHERE extreme adaptive optics system, which enables targeting ≳100 A-stars between 100 and 200 pc. We present the results of a survey of 84 A-stars within the nearby ∼5–17 Myr old Sco OB2 association. The survey detected three companions—one of which is a new discovery (HIP 75056Ab), whereas the other two (HD 95086b and HIP 65426b) are now-known planets that were included without a priori knowledge of their existence. We assessed the image sensitivity and observational biases with injection and recovery tests combined with Monte Carlo simulations to place constraints on the underlying demographics. We measure a decreasing frequency of giant planets with increasing separation, with measured values falling between 10% and 2% for separations of 30–100 au, and 95% confidence-level upper limits of ≲45%–8% for planets on 30–100 au orbits, and ≲5% between 200 and 500 au. These values are in excellent agreement with recent surveys of A-stars in the solar neighborhood−supporting findings that giant planets out to separations of ≲100 au are more frequent around A-stars than around solar-type hosts. Finally, the relatively low occurrence rate of super-Jupiters on wide orbits, the positive correlation with stellar mass, and the inverse correlation with orbital separation are consistent with core accretion being their dominant formation mechanism.

The flare-activity of 2MASS J16111534–1757214 in the upper Scorpius association

ABSTRACT Flares are known to play an important role for the evolution of the atmospheres of young planets. In order to understand the evolution of planets, it is thus important to study the flare-activity of young stars. This is particularly the case for young M-stars, because they are very active. We study photometrically and spectroscopically the highly active M-star 2MASS J16111534–1757214. We show that it is a member of the Upper Sco OB association, which has an age of 5–10 Myrs. We also re-evaluate the status of other bona-fide M-stars in this region and identify 42 members. Analyzing the K2-light curves, we find that 2MASS J16111534–1757214 has, on average, one super-flare with $\rm E\ge 10^{35}$ erg every 620 h, and one with $\rm E\ge 10^{34}$ erg every 52 h. Although this is the most active M-star in the Upper Sco association, the power-law index of its flare-distribution is similar to that of other M-stars in this region. 2MASS J16111534–1757214 as well as other M-stars in this region show a broken power-law distribution in the flare-frequency diagram. Flares larger than $\rm E \ge 3\, 10^{34}$ erg have a power-law index $\rm \beta =-1.3\pm 0.1$ and flares smaller than that $\rm \beta =-0.8\pm 0.1$. We furthermore conclude that the flare-energy distribution for young M-stars is not that different from solar-like stars.

The Herschel view of the dense core population in the Ophiuchus molecular cloud

Context. Herschel observations of nearby clouds in the Gould Belt support a paradigm for low-mass star formation, starting with the generation of molecular filaments, followed by filament fragmentation, and the concentration of mass into self-gravitating prestellar cores. In the case of the Ophiuchus molecular complex, a rich star formation activity has been documented for many years inside the clumps of L1688, the main and densest cloud of the complex, and in the more quiescent twin cloud L1689 thanks to extensive surveys at infrared and other wavelengths. Aims. With the unique far-infrared and submillimeter continuum imaging capabilities of the Herschel Space observatory, the closeby (d = 139 pc) Ophiuchus cloud was extensively mapped at five wavelengths from 70 to 500 μm with the aim of providing a complete census of dense cores in this region, including unbound starless cores, bound prestellar cores, and protostellar cores. Methods. Taking full advantage of the high dynamic range and multi-wavelength nature of the Herschel data, we used the multi-scale decomposition algorithms getsources and getfilaments to identify an essentially complete sample of dense cores and filaments in the cloud and study their properties. Results. The densest clouds of the Ophiuchus complex, L1688 and L1689, which thus far are only indirectly described as filamentary regions owing to the spatial distribution of their young stellar objects, are now confirmed to be dominated by filamentary structures. The tight correlation observed between prestellar cores and filamentary structures in L1688 and L1689 supports the view that solar-type star formation occurs primarily in dense filaments. While the sub clouds of the complex show some disparities, L1689 being apparently less efficient than L1688 at forming stars when considering their total mass budgets, both sub clouds share almost the same prestellar core formation efficiency in dense molecular gas. We also find evidence in the Herschel data for a remarkable concentric geometrical configuration in L1688 which is dominated by up to three arc-like compression fronts and has presumably been created by shockwave events emanating from the Sco OB2 association, including the neighboring massive (O9V) star σ Sco. Conclusions. Our Herschel study of the well-documented Ophiuchus region has allowed us to further analyze the influence of several early-type (OB) stars surrounding the complex, thus providing positive feedback and enhancing star formation activity in the dense central part of the region, L1688.

A new look at Sco OB1 association with Gaia DR2

ABSTRACT We present and discuss photometric optical data in the area of the OB association Sco OB1 covering about 1 deg2. UBVI photometry is employed in tandem with Gaia DR2 data to investigate the three-dimensional structure and the star formation history of the region. By combining parallaxes and proper motions, we identify seven physical groups located between the young open cluster NGC 6231 and the bright nebula IC 4628. The most prominent group coincides with the sparse open cluster Trumpler 24. We confirm the presence of the intermediate-age star cluster VdB-Hagen 202, which is unexpected in this environment, and provide for the first time estimates of its fundamental parameters. After assessing individual groups membership, we derive mean proper motion components, distances, and ages. The seven groups belong to two different families. To the younger family (family I) belong several pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars as well. These are evenly spread across the field, and also in front of VdB-Hagen 202. VdB-Hagen 202, and two smaller, slightly detached, groups of similar properties form family II, which do not belong to the association, but are caught in the act of passing through it. As for the younger population, this forms an arc-like structure from the bright nebula IC 4628 down to NGC 6231, as previously found. Moreover, the PMS stars density seems to increase from NGC 6231 northward to Trumpler 24.

Stellar population of Sco OB2 revealed by Gaia DR2 data

Context. The Sco OB2 association is the nearest OB association, extending over approximately 2000 square degrees on the sky. Only its brightest and most massive members are already known (from HIPPARCOS) across its entire size, while studies of its lower mass population refer only to small portions of its extent. Aims. In this work we exploit the capabilities of Gaia DR2 measurements to search for Sco OB2 members across its entire size and down to the lowest stellar masses. Methods. We used both Gaia astrometric (proper motions and parallaxes) and photometric measurements (integrated photometry and colors) to select association members, using minimal assumptions derived mostly from the HIPPARCOS studies. Gaia resolves small details in both the kinematics of individual Sco OB2 subgroups and their distribution with distance from the Sun. We developed methods to explore the 3D kinematics of a stellar population covering large sky areas. Results. We find nearly 11 000 pre-main-sequence (PMS) members of Sco OB2 (with less than 3% field-star contamination), plus ∼3600 main-sequence (MS) candidate members with a larger (10–30%) field-star contamination. A higher confidence subsample of ∼9200 PMS (and ∼1340 MS) members is also selected (<1% contamination for the PMS), however this group is affected by larger (∼15%) incompleteness. We separately classify stars in compact and diffuse populations. Most members belong to one of several kinematically distinct diffuse populations, whose ensemble clearly outlines the shape of the entire association. Upper Sco is the densest region of Sco OB2. It is characterized by a complex spatial and kinematical structure and has no global pattern of motion. Other dense subclusters are found in Lower Centaurus-Crux and in Upper Centaurus-Lupus; the richest example of the latter, which has been recently identified, is coincident with the group near V1062 Sco. Most of the clustered stars appear to be younger than the diffuse PMS population, suggesting star formation in small groups that rapidly disperse and are diluted, reaching space densities lower than field stars while keeping memory of their original kinematics. We also find that the open cluster IC 2602 has a similar dynamics to Sco OB2, and its PMS members are currently evaporating and forming a diffuse (size ∼10°) halo around its double-peaked core.

Optical and UV surface brightness of translucent dark nebulae

Context. Dark nebulae display a surface brightness because dust grains scatter light of the general interstellar radiation field (ISRF). High-galactic-latitudes dark nebulae are seen as bright nebulae when surrounded by transparent areas which have less scattered light from the general galactic dust layer. Aims. Photometry of the bright dark nebulae LDN 1780, LDN 1642, and LBN 406 shall be used to derive scattering properties of dust and to investigate the presence of UV fluorescence emission by molecular hydrogen and the extended red emission (ERE). Methods. We used multi-wavelength optical photometry and imaging at ground-based telescopes and archival imaging and spectroscopic UV data from the spaceborn GALEX and SPEAR/FIMS instruments. In the analysis we used Monte Carlo RT and both observational data and synthetic models for the ISRF in the solar neighbourhood. The line-of-sight extinctions through the clouds have been determined using near infrared excesses of background stars and the 200/250 μm far infrared emission by dust as measured using the ISO and Herschel space observatories. Results. The optical surface brightness of the three target clouds can be explained in terms of scattered light. The dust albedo ranges from ~0.58 at 3500 Å to ~0.72 at 7500 Å. The spectral energy distribution of LDN 1780 is explained in terms of optical depth and background scattered light effects instead of the original published suggestion in terms of ERE. The far-ultraviolet surface brightness of LDN 1780 cannot be explained by scattered light only. In LDN 1780, H2 fluorescent emission in the wavelength range 1400–1700 Å has been detected and analysed. Conclusions. Our albedo values are in good agreement with the predictions of the dust model of Weingartner and Draine and with the THEMIS CMM model for evolved core-mantle grains. The distribution of H2 fluorescent emission in LDN 1780 shows a pronounced dichotomy with a strong preference for its southern side where enhanced illumination is impinging from the Sco OB2 association and the O star ζ Oph. A good correlation is found between the H2 fluorescence and a previously mapped 21-cm excess emission. The H2 fluorescence emission in LDN 1780 has been modelled using a PDR code; the resulting values for H2 column density and the total gas density are consistent with the estimates derived from CO observations and optical extinction along the line of sight.

The low-mass pre-main sequence population of Scorpius OB1

Context. The low-mass members of OB associations, expected to be a major component of their total population, are in most cases poorly studied because of the difficulty of selecting these faint stars in crowded sky regions. Our knowledge of many OB associations relies on only a relatively small number of massive members. Aims. We study here the Sco OB1 association, with the aim of a better characterization of its properties, such as global size and shape, member clusters and their morphology, age and formation history, and total mass. Methods. We use deep optical and near-infrared (NIR) photometry from the VPHAS+ and VVV surveys, over a wide area (2.6° × 2.6°), complemented by Spitzer infrared (IR) data, and Chandra and XMM-Newton X-ray data. A new technique is developed to find clusters of pre-main sequence M-type stars using suitable color-color diagrams, complementing existing selection techniques using narrow-band Hα photometry or NIR and ultraviolet (UV) excesses, and X-ray data. Results. We find a large population of approximately 4000 candidate low-mass Sco OB1 members whose spatial properties correlate well with those of Hα-emission, NIR-excess, UV-excess, and X-ray detected members, and unresolved X-ray emission. The low-mass population is spread among several interconnected subgroups: they coincide with the HII regions G345.45+1.50 and IC4628, and the rich clusters NGC 6231 and Trumpler 24, with an additional subcluster intermediate between these two. The total mass of Sco OB1 is estimated to be ~ 8500 M⊙. Indication of a sequence of star-formation events is found, from South (NGC 6231) to North (G345.45+1.50). We suggest that the diluted appearance of Trumpler 24 indicates that the cluster is now dissolving into the field, and that tidal stripping by NGC 6231 nearby contributes to the process.

The Pre-main Sequence Population of Sco-Cen Unveiled with Gaia DR2

We use Gaia DR2 data to isolate the pre-main sequence population corresponding to the Scorpius-Lupus-Centaurus-Crux area on the sky making use the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. A sample of $120\,911$ sources was selected with galactic coordinates $285^\circ\leq\ell\leq360^\circ$ and $-10^\circ\leq b\leq+32^\circ$, and parallaxes between $5$ and $12$~mas where the relative uncertainty in parallax was restricted to be $<10\%$. The pre-main sequence sources were isolated due to a clear separation between the pre-main and main sequences, well above the expected $0.75$ magnitude from a possible observed population of equal mass binaries. The final sample contains $14\,459$ young stellar objects. The traditional boundaries of the Sco OB2 association are well traced by clear concentrations of young stars where the Upper Scorpius region stands out as the densest concentration. The IC 2602 cluster is visible naturally near $(\ell,b)=(290^\circ,-5^\circ)$. An additional population located at ($b\sim5^\circ$ and $\ell\sim345^\circ$) with a mean distance of $\sim180\mathrm{pc}$ ($5$-$6$~mas) is observed. This is consistent with previous studies reported in the literature.

The Structure of the Young Star Cluster NGC 6231. I. Stellar Population

Abstract NGC 6231 is a young cluster (age ∼2–7 Myr) dominating the Sco OB1 association (distance ∼1.59 kpc) with ∼100 O and B stars and a large pre-main-sequence stellar population. We combine a reanalysis of archival Chandra X-ray data with multiepoch near-infrared (NIR) photometry from the VISTA Variables in the Vía Lactéa (VVV) survey and published optical catalogs to obtain a catalog of 2148 probable cluster members. This catalog is 70% larger than previous censuses of probable cluster members in NGC 6231. It includes many low-mass stars detected in the NIR but not in the optical and some B stars without previously noted X-ray counterparts. In addition, we identify 295 NIR variables, about half of which are expected to be pre-main-sequence stars. With the more complete sample, we estimate a total population in the Chandra field of 5700–7500 cluster members down to 0.08 (assuming a universal initial mass function) with a completeness limit at 0.5 . A decrease in stellar X-ray luminosities is noted relative to other younger clusters. However, within the cluster, there is little variation in the distribution of X-ray luminosities for ages less than 5 Myr. The X-ray spectral hardness for B stars may be useful for distinguishing between early-B stars with X-rays generated in stellar winds and B-star systems with X-rays from a pre-main-sequence companion (&gt;35% of B stars). A small fraction of catalog members have unusually high X-ray median energies or reddened NIR colors, which might be explained by absorption from thick or edge-on disks or being background field stars.

Constraints on interstellar dust models from extinction and spectro-polarimetry

We present polarisation spectra of seven stars in the lines-of-sight towards the Sco OB1 association. Our spectra were obtained within the framework of the Large Interstellar Polarization Survey carried out with the FORS instrument of the ESO VLT. We have modelled the wavelength-dependence of extinction and linear polarisation with a dust model for the diffuse interstellar medium which consists of a mixture of particles with size ranging from the molecular domain of 0.5 nm up to 350 nm. We have included stochastically heated small dust grains with radii between 0.5 and 6 nm made of graphite and silicate, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules (PAHs), and we have assumed that larger particles are prolate spheroids made of amorphous carbon and silicate. Overall, a dust model with eight free parameters best reproduces the observations, and is in agreement with cosmic abundance constraints. Reducing the number of free parameters leads to results that are inconsistent with the cosmic abundances of silicate and carbon. We found that aligned silicates are the dominant contributor to the observed polarisation, and that the polarisation spectra are best-fit by a lower limit of the equivolume sphere radius of aligned grains of 70–200 nm.

AChandraX-ray study of the young star cluster NGC 6231: low-mass population and initial mass function

NGC6231 is a massive young star cluster, near the center of the Sco OB1 association. While its OB members are well studied, its low-mass population has received little attention. We present high-spatial resolution Chandra ACIS-I X-ray data, where we detect 1613 point X-ray sources. Our main aim is to clarify global properties of NGC6231 down to low masses through a detailed membership assessment, and to study the cluster stars' spatial distribution, the origin of their X-ray emission, the cluster age and formation history, and initial mass function. We use X-ray data, complemented by optical/IR data, to establish cluster membership. The spatial distribution of different stellar subgroups also provides highly significant constraints on cluster membership, as does the distribution of X-ray hardness. We perform spectral modeling of group-stacked X-ray source spectra. We find a large cluster population down to ~0.3 Msun (complete to ~1 Msun), with minimal non-member contamination, with a definite age spread (1-8 Myrs) for the low-mass PMS stars. We argue that low-mass cluster stars also constitute the majority of the few hundreds unidentified X-ray sources. We find mass segregation for the most massive stars. The fraction of circumstellar-disk bearing members is found to be ~5%. Photoevaporation of disks under the action of massive stars is suggested by the spatial distribution of the IR-excess stars. We also find strong Halpha emission in 9% of cluster PMS stars. The dependence of X-ray properties on mass, stellar structure, and age agrees with extrapolations based on other young clusters. The cluster initial mass function, computed over ~2 dex in mass, has a slope Gamma~-1.14. The total mass of cluster members above 1 Msun is 2280 Msun, and the inferred total mass is 4380 Msun. We also study the peculiar, hard X-ray spectrum of the Wolf-Rayet star WR79.

EMPIRICAL ISOCHRONES FOR LOW MASS STARS IN NEARBY YOUNG ASSOCIATIONS

Absolute ages of young stars are important for many issues in pre-main sequence stellar and circumstellar evolution but are long recognized as difficult to derive and calibrate. In this paper, we use literature spectral types and photometry to construct empirical isochrones in HR diagrams for low-mass stars and brown dwarfs in the eta Cha, epsilon Cha, and TW Hya Associations and the beta Pic and Tuc-Hor Moving Groups. A successful theory of pre-main sequence evolution should match the shapes of the stellar loci for these groups of young stars. However, when comparing the combined empirical isochrones to isochrones predicted from evolutionary models, discrepancies lead to a spectral type (mass) dependence in stellar age estimates. Improved prescriptions for convection and boundary conditions in the latest models of pre-main sequence models lead to a significantly improved correspondence between empirical and model isochrones, with small offsets at low temperatures that may be explained by observational uncertainties or by model limitations. Independent of model predictions, linear fits to combined stellar loci of these regions provide a simple empirical method to order clusters by luminosity with a reduced dependence on spectral type. Age estimates calculated from various sets of modern models that reproduce Li depletion boundary ages of the beta Pic Moving Group also imply a ~4 Myr age for the low mass members of the Upper Sco OB Association, which is younger than the 11 Myr age that has been recently estimated for intermediate mass members.

Position Displacement of Diffuse Interstellar Bands 1 1This paper includes data gathered with the 6.5 m Magellan Telescopes located at Las Campanas Observatory (Chile).

We reconsider the already published phenomenon of the blue shift of diffuse interstellar bands, observed in spectra of HD34078 (AE Aur) and members of the Sco OB1 association, in particular HD152233. We have analyzed 29 diffuse bands. Some of them, already proven as blue-shifted in our earlier study, are now confirmed using another instrument: the 6.5 m Clay telescope equipped with the MIKE spectrograph. The high signal-to-noise ratio (over 600) of our spectra allowed us to reveal even small small-scale displacements of positions (both blue and redshifts) of diffuse bands along the considered lines of sight. In some cases, the magnitude of deviation exceeds 10 km s-1. Also, we prove that profiles of many diffuse bands in spectra of HD34078 suffer significant broadening. The origin of the observed phenomena is discussed.

Observations of 6–200 μm emission of the Ophiuchus cloud LDN 1688★

We examine two positions, ON1 and ON2, within the Ophiuchus cloud LDN 1688 using observations made with the ISOPHOT instrument aboard the ISO satellite. The data include mid-IR spectra (~6-12{\mu}m) and several photometric bands up to 200{\mu}m. The data probe the emission from molecular PAH-type species, transiently-heated Very Small Grains (VSGs), and large classical dust grains. We compare the observations to earlier studies, especially those carried out towards an isolated translucent cloud in Chamaeleon (Paper I). The spectra towards the two LDN 1688 positions are very similar to each other, in spite of position ON1 having a larger column density and probably being subjected to a stronger radiation field. The ratios of the mid-IR features are similar to those found in other diffuse and translucent clouds. Compared to paper I, the 7.7/11.3{\mu}m band ratios are lower, ~2.0, at both LDN 1688 positions. A continuum is detected in the ~10{\mu}m region. This is stronger towards the position ON1 but still lower than on any of the sightlines in Paper I. The far-infrared opacities are higher than for diffuse medium. The value of the position ON2, {\tau}200/N(H) = 3.9 x 10^{-25} cm^2/H, is twice the value found for ON1. The radiation field of LDN 1688 is dominated by the two embedded B type double stars, {\rho} Oph AB and HD 147889, with an additional contribution from the Upper Sco OB association. The strong heating is reflected in the high colour temperature, ~24 K, of the large grain emission. Radiative transfer modelling confirms a high level of the radiation field and points to an increased abundance of PAH grains. However, when the hardening of the radiation field caused by the local B-stars is taken into account, the observations can be fitted with almost no change to the standard dust models. However, all the examined models underestimate the level of the mid-IR continuum.

THESPITZERSURVEY OF INTERSTELLAR CLOUDS IN THE GOULD BELT. V. OPHIUCHUS NORTH OBSERVED WITH IRAC AND MIPS

We present Spitzer IRAC (2.1 deg2) and MIPS (6.5 deg2) observations of star formation in the Ophiuchus North (Oph N) molecular clouds. This fragmentary cloud complex lies on the edge of the Sco–Cen OB association, several degrees to the north of the well-known ρ Oph star-forming region, at an approximate distance of 130 pc. The Oph N clouds were mapped as part of the Spitzer Gould Belt project under the working name "Scorpius." In the regions mapped, selected to encompass all the cloud with visual extinction AV > 3, 11 young stellar object (YSO) candidates are identified, 8 from IRAC/MIPS color-based selection and 3 from Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) KS/MIPS colors. Adding to one source previously identified in L43, this increases the number of YSOcs identified in Oph N to 12. During the selection process, four color-based YSOcs were rejected as probable asymptotic giant branch stars and one as a known galaxy. The sources span the full range of YSOc classifications from Class 0/1 to Class III, and starless cores are also present. Twelve high extinction (AV > 10) cores are identified with a total mass of ∼100 M☉. These results confirm that there is little ongoing star formation in this region (instantaneous star formation efficiency <0.34%) and that the bottleneck lies in the formation of dense cores. The influence of the nearby Upper Sco OB association, including the 09V star ζ Oph, is seen in dynamical interactions and raised dust temperatures but has not enhanced levels of star formation in Oph N.

The Pipe Nebula as seen withHerschel: formation of filamentary structures by large-scale compression?

A growing body of evidence indicates that the formation of filaments in interstellar clouds is a key component of the star formation process. In this paper, we present new Herschel PACS and SPIRE observations of the B59 and Stem regions in the Pipe Nebula complex, revealing a rich, organized network of filaments. The asymmetric column density profiles observed for several filaments, along with the bow-like edge of B59, indicates that the Pipe Nebula is being compressed from its western side, most likely by the winds from the nearby Sco OB2 association. We suggest that this compressive flow has contributed to the formation of some of the observed filamentary structures. In B59, the only region of the entire Pipe complex showing star formation activity, the same compressive flow has likely enhanced the initial column density of the clump, allowing it to become globally gravitationally unstable. Although more speculative, we propose that gravity has also been responsible for shaping the converging filamentary pattern observed in B59. While the question of the relative impact of large-scale compression and gravity remains open in B59, large-scale compression appears to be a plausible mechanism for the initial formation of filamentary structures in the rest of the complex

Diffuse interstellar bands in Upper Scorpius: probing variations in the DIB spectrum due to changing environmental conditions

We study the effects of local environmental conditions affecting the diffuse interstellar band (DIB) carriers within the Upper Scorpius subgroup of the Sco OB2 association. We obtained optical spectra with FEROS, and measured the equivalent widths of five DIBs (at 5780, 5797, 6196, 6379, and 6613 Angstrom) as well as those of absorption lines of di-atomic molecules (CH, CH+, CN) and atoms (KI, CaI) towards 89 targets in the direction of Upper Scorpius. We construct a simple radiative transfer and chemical network model of the diffuse interstellar medium (ISM) sheet in front of Upp Sco to infer the effective radiation field. Both the interstellar radiation field strength, I_UV, and the molecular hydrogen fraction, f_H2, have been derived for 55 sightlines probing the Upp Sco ISM. We discuss the relations between DIB strengths, CH and CH+ line strengths, E(B-V), I_UV, and f_H2. The ratio between the 5780 and 5797 DIBs reveals a (spatial) dependence on the local environment in terms of cloud density and exposure to the interstellar radiation field, reflecting the molecular nature of these DIB carriers.

Multidimensional Bayesian membership analysis of the Sco OB2 moving group

We present a new high-mass membership of the nearby Sco OB2 association based on HIPPARCOS positions, proper motions and parallaxes and radial velocities taken from the Kharchenko et al. (2007) catalogue. The Bayesian membership selection method developed makes no distinction between subgroups of Sco OB2 and utilises linear models in calculation of membership probabilities. We select 436 members, 88 of which are new members not included in previous membership selections. We include the classical non members Alpha-Cru and Beta-Cru as new members as well as the pre-main-sequence stars HIP 79080 and 79081. We also show that the association is well mixed over distances of 8 degrees on the sky, and hence no determination can be made as to the formation process of the entire association.

Spectroscopic characterization of 78 DENIS ultracool dwarf candidates in the solar neighborhood and the Upper Scorpii OB association

Aims: Low-resolution optical spectroscopic observations for 78 very low-mass star and brown dwarf candidates that have been photometrically selected using the DENIS survey point source catalogue. Methods: Spectral types are derived for them using measurements of the PC3 index. They range from M6 to L4. H_alpha emission and NaI subordinate doublet (818.3 nm and 819.9 nm) equivalent widths are measured in the spectra. Spectroscopic indices of TiO, VO, CrH and FeH molecular features are also reported. Results: A rule-of-thumb criterion to select young very low-mass objects using the NaI doublet equivalent width is given. It is used to confirm seven new members of the Upper Sco OB association and two new members of the R Cr-A star-forming region. Four of our field objects are also classified as very young, but are not members of any known nearby young association. The frequency of lower-gravity young objects in our field ultracool sample is 8.5%. Our results provide the first spectroscopic classification for 38 ultracool dwarfs in the solar vicinity with spectrophotometric distances in the range 17 pc to 65 pc (3 of them are new L dwarfs within 20 pc).