The η Chamaeleontis cluster: A remarkable new nearby young open cluster

Eric E. Mamajek, Warrick A. Lawson, Eric D. Feigelson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

150 Scopus citations

Abstract

A cluster of young, X-ray-emitting stars is found in the vicinity of η Chamaeleontis from a deep ROSAT high-resolution imager observation. The 12 X-ray sources have prominent (R = 5-14) stellar counterparts, including two early-type stars (η Cha and RS Cha) and 10 Li-rich, Hα emission-line, late-type stars (K3-M5). Hipparcos astrometry reveals that η Cha, RS Cha, and nearby HD 75505 are comoving at d ≃ 97 pc. The late-type stars have all the properties of pre-main-sequence weak-lined T Tauri stars: high magnetic activity, high Li abundance, and (assuming d = 97 pc) bolometric luminosities 1-2 mag above the main sequence, with ages ranging from 2 to 18 Myr. As with the TW Hya association, the η Cha cluster is far from any significant molecular cloud and thus has mysterious origins. The cluster appears to share proper motions with other young stars in the Chamaeleon region and may be a compact extension of the Sco-Cen OB association.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)L77-L80
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume516
Issue number2 PART 2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 10 1999

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The η Chamaeleontis cluster: A remarkable new nearby young open cluster'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this