The Chandra Carina Complex Project view of Trumpler 16

Scott J. Wolk, Patrick S. Broos, Konstantin V. Getman, Eric D. Feigelson, Thomas Preibisch, Leisa K. Townsley, Junfeng Wang, Keivan G. Stassun, Robert R. King, Mark J. McCaughrean, Anthony F.J. Moffat, Hans Zinnecker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Scopus citations

Abstract

Trumpler 16 is a well-known rich star cluster containing the eruptive supergiant η Carinae and located in the Carina star-forming complex. In the context of the Chandra Carina Complex Project, we study Trumpler 16 using new and archival X-ray data. A revised X-ray source list of the Trumpler 16 region contains 1232 X-ray sources including 1187 likely Carina members. These are matched to 1047 near-infrared counterparts detected by the HAWK-I instrument at the Very Large Telescope allowing for better selection of cluster members. The cluster is irregular in shape. Although it is roughly circular, there is a high degree of sub-clustering, with no noticeable central concentration and an extension to the southeast. The high-mass stars show neither evidence of mass segregation nor evidence of strong differential extinction. The derived power-law slope of the X-ray luminosity function for Trumpler 16 reveals a much steeper function than the Orion Nebula Cluster, implying a different ratio of solar- to higher-mass stars. We estimate the total Trumpler 16 pre-main-sequence population to be >6500 Class II and Class III X-ray sources. An overall K-excess disk frequency of 8.9% is derived using the X-ray-selected sample, although there is some variation among the sub-clusters, especially in the southeastern extension. X-ray emission is detected from 29 high-mass stars with spectral types between B2 and O3.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number12
JournalAstrophysical Journal, Supplement Series
Volume194
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2011

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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