Bibcode
King, I. R.; Bedin, L. R.; Cassisi, S.; Milone, A. P.; Bellini, A.; Piotto, G.; Anderson, J.; Pietrinferni, A.; Cordier, D.
Bibliographical reference
The Astronomical Journal, Volume 144, Issue 1, article id. 5 (2012).
Advertised on:
7
2012
Citations
80
Refereed citations
74
Description
We revisit the problem of the split main sequence (MS) of the globular
cluster ω Centauri, and report the results of two-epoch Hubble
Space Telescope observations of an outer field, for which proper motions
give us a pure sample of cluster members, and an improved separation of
the two branches of the MS. Using a new set of stellar models covering a
grid of values of helium and metallicity, we find that the best possible
estimate of the helium abundance of the bluer branch of the MS is Y =
0.39 ± 0.02. For the cluster center, we apply new techniques to
old observations: we use indices of photometric quality to select a
high-quality sample of stars, which we also correct for differential
reddening. We then superpose the color-magnitude diagram of the outer
field on that of the cluster center, and suggest a connection of the
bluer branch of the MS with one of the more prominent among the many
sequences in the subgiant region. We also report a group of undoubted
cluster members that are well to the red of the lower MS.
Based on observations with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, obtained
at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by AURA,
Inc., under NASA contract NAS 5-26555.
Related projects
Milky Way and Nearby Galaxies
The overall aim of the project is to study the morphology, stellar populations, kinematics and dynamics (including formation and evolution) of the Milky Way and its satellite galaxies and other Local Group galaxies. The project can be divided into two main lines: I. Structure of the Milky Way and nearby galaxies. The detailed study of the
Martín
López Corredoira