The binary star population of the young cluster NGC 1818 in the Large Magellanic Cloud

Rebecca A.W. Elson, Steinn Sigurdsson, Melvyn Davies, Jarrod Hurley, Gerard Gilmore

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

63 Scopus citations

Abstract

We determine the binary star fraction as a function of radius in NGC 1818, a young rich cluster in the Large Magellanic Cloud, using Hubble Space Telescope images in bands F336W (∼U) and F555W (∼V). Our sample includes binaries with A/primary ∼2-5.5 M⊙ and Msecondary ≳ 0.7Mprimary. The binary fraction increases towards the cluster centre, from ∼20 ± 5 per cent in the outer parts, to ∼35 ± 5 per cent inside the core. This increase is consistent with dynamical mass segregation and need not be primordial. We compare our results with expectations from N-body models, and discuss the implications for the formation and early evolution of such clusters.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)857-862
Number of pages6
JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Volume300
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 1998

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The binary star population of the young cluster NGC 1818 in the Large Magellanic Cloud'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this