Abstract

Contributed Talk - Splinter MassiveStars

Tuesday, 10 September 2024, 14:25   (S23)

Probing Stellar Multiplicity in Galactic Massive Star Clusters with NACO

Chinmaya Nagar, Lucas Labadie, Florian Peißker, Emma Bordier, Esteban Morales-Häfelin
1, 2, 3) I. Physikalisches Institut, Universität zu Köln; 4) Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie

The occurrence of stellar multiples is a ubiquitous phenomenon that is known to occur during the formation of massive stars. The characterisation of stellar mul- tiplicity (rate, separation, and mass ratios) is a crucial input for star formation theories. It raises questions about the emergence of multiplicity during the birth of such stars. Additionally, it aids in investigating the impact of their natal clusters on the multiplicity rates. We use 28” × 28” K-band images of four Galactic massive star clusters, taken with NACO, to determine the multiplicity fraction (MF) and companion fraction (CF) of the stars in these clusters. We identify stars down to a K-band magnitude of ≈ 19. To achieve this, all point sources in different fields of the clusters are identified using a combination of smoothing filters and the source detection tool, Starfinder. Some of the cluster members were identified in previous studies by using data from the VVV survey. We carry out and report on the preliminary statistical analysis of the MF and CF of these cluster members.