Is the young star cluster NGC 376 dissolving in the field of the SMC?

Details Is the young star cluster NGC 376 dissolving in the field of the SMC? Is the young star cluster NGC 376 dissolving in the field of the SMC?

2011-06-29

arxiv.org/abs/1106.5974v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Galaxy Astrophysics

17 pages, 10 figures, accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal

Scientific paper

We use deep images acquired with the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) on board of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) in the filters F555W and F814W to characterize the properties of NGC 376, a young star cluster located in the wing of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). Using isochrone fitting we derive for NGC 376 an age of 28+/-7 Myr, in good agreement with previous studies. The high spatial resolution ACS data allow us to determine the center of gravity of the cluster and to construct extended surface brightness and radial density profiles. Neither of these profiles can be fitted with a theoretical model, suggesting that the cluster is not in virial equilibrium. Considering the young age of the cluster, we speculate that the distortion of the radial profiles may be the result of the rapid gas dispersal that follows the initial phase of star formation. The cluster shows clear evidence of dynamical mass segregation. From the properties of the radial profiles and the present day mass function (PDMF) we conclude that NGC 376 appears to have already lost nearly 90% of its initial stellar mass, probably as a consequence of the sudden gas dispersal that follows the early phase of star formation (SF).

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Is the young star cluster NGC 376 dissolving in the field of the SMC? does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Is the young star cluster NGC 376 dissolving in the field of the SMC?, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Is the young star cluster NGC 376 dissolving in the field of the SMC? will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-359709