Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2003-03-02
Mon.Not.Roy.Astron.Soc. 343 (2003) 1231
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
10 pages, 3 figures, submitted to MNRAS
Scientific paper
10.1046/j.1365-8711.2003.06763.x
We determine the initial mass function (IMF) of the ``thin disk'' by means of a direct comparison between synthetic stellar samples (for different matching choices of IMF, star formation rate SFR and depletion) and a complete (volume-limited) sample of single stars near the galactic plane (|z| < 25pc), selected from the Hipparcos catalogue (d < 100pc, M_v < +4.0). Our synthetic samples are computed from first principles: stars are created with a random distribution of mass M_* and age t_* which follow a given (genuine) IMF and SFR(t_*). They are then placed in the HR diagram by means of a grid of empirically well-tested evolution tracks. The quality of the match (synthetic versus observed sample) is assessed by means of star counts in specific regions in the HR diagram. 7 regions are located along the MS (main sequence, mass sensitive), while 4 regions represent different evolved (age-sensitive) stages of the stars. The counts of evolved stars, in particular, give valuable evidence of the history of the ``thin disk'' (apparent) star formation and lift the ambiguities in models restricted to MS star counts.
Pagel Bernard
Schröder Klaus-Peter
No associations
LandOfFree
Galactic archaeology: IMF and depletion in the "thin disk" 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 Galactic archaeology: IMF and depletion in the "thin disk", we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Galactic archaeology: IMF and depletion in the "thin disk" will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-381456