Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jan 2010
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010iaus..266..203i&link_type=abstract
Star clusters: basic galactic building blocks throughout time and space, Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union, IA
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
2
Globular Clusters: General, Open Clusters And Associations: General, Galaxy: Bulge, Galaxy: Disk, Galaxy: Structure, Infrared: General
Scientific paper
Many attempts have been made to carry out a complete observational census of Milky Way star clusters based on recent near- and mid-infrared surveys. However, more clusters are still being discovered, indicating that existing catalogs are incomplete. We attempt to estimate the total number of supermassive (SM; Mcl ≥ 104 M&sun;) clusters in the Galaxy, and to improve the yield from the automated cluster searches. Assuming that the ‘local’ census of SM clusters is complete, and that their surface density accross the disk follows that of the stars, we predict that the Milky Way contains ≥81 ± 21 SM clusters. We apply a cluster-detection algorithm to the 2mass Point Source Catalog after a preliminary color and/or magnitude selection of the point sources to improves the surface-density cluster-to-field contrast. Our algorithm identified 94 new candidates, and re-identified 34 known clusters. During the visual inspection, we detected an additional 41 new candidates, and re-identified 32 known objects. Preliminary characterization suggests that the new list may contain red-supergiant, open and globular clusters.
Borissova Jordanka
Figer Don
Ivanov George R.
Ivanov Valentin Dimitrov
Kurtev Radostin
No associations
LandOfFree
Infrared surveys of Galactic star clusters 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 Infrared surveys of Galactic star clusters, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Infrared surveys of Galactic star clusters will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1447454