We present a chemical analysis of seven red giants in the open cluster NGC 3114. Our main goal is to investigate the chemical composition of this cluster, which is not yet available in the literature. We employed the FEROS spectrograph on the ESO 2.2m telescope. Atmospheric parameters and metallicity were derived from the measured equivalent widths of several iron lines using the spectral code moog and Kurucz model atmospheres. We obtained the abundances of O, Al, Ca, Mg, Si, Ti, Ni, Cr, Sc, Y, Zr, La, Ce and Nd by measuring the equivalent widths of the absorption lines of these elements. A mean metallicity of [Fe/H] = 0.05 ± 0.13 relative to the Sun was determined from the data of the red-giant members. This result is in good agreement with the Galactic-disk radial distribution of iron traced by open clusters. We did not find any intrinsic star-to-star scatter in the [element/Fe] ratios for the stars in this cluster. We compare our results with investigations of other open clusters. An age of 8.2 Gyr is derived from isochrone fits.

We explore the multiwavelength properties of three nearby starburst galaxies: NGC 3079, NGC 7673, and Mrk 08. We established that each of these galaxies has similar rest-frame far-ultraviolet (FUV) morphologies as Lyman-break galaxies (LBGs) at z ~ 1.5 and 4, when the age of the Universe was ~ 4.3 and ~ 1.6 Gyr, respectively. LBGs are at an important stage in galaxy evolution when the Universe had a peak in the star-formation-rate density. Many LBGs are primarily composed of star-forming clumps, i.e., stellar clusters, with a significant lack of older stellar populations. Here, we present the comparison of the spectral-energy distributions (SEDs) of three nearby starburst galaxies with those of typical LBGs. From our nearby sample, each object has been artificially redshifted to observe what the galaxies would look like at z ~ 1 to 4 in the rest-frame FUV. NGC 3079 is an edge-on Seyfert 2 galaxy. It has a bright bulge and is interacting with two other galaxies, with extended Hi only along NGC 3079. The redshifting process changes its appearance, so that at high z it looks like a chain galaxy with multiple knots of star formation and no bulge. NGC 7673 has extended Hi and the star formation is mostly within the inner optical region in the multiple star-forming clumps defining the galaxy morphology. In the FUV, the galaxy looks highly compact with little detail resolved. As it is artificially redshifted, the galaxy continues to look more spherical. Mrk 8 is a merging pair, with the two galaxies observable in the visible spectrum. It is classified as a Wolf–Rayet galaxy, which suggests a very young burst, and is composed of several large star-forming regions. The FUV image does not resolve the separate galaxies, and the appearance remains similar for each redshift. We use the Gini coefficient, M20, and the Sérsic index to quantify the morphologies. The SEDs of the objects have similarities with LBG stellar population models. Because these local galaxies can be studied in more detail, they act as a bridge between nearby observations of starburst galaxies and high-z starburst galaxies such as LBGs.

We present CCD photometry in the Washington-system C and T1 passbands down to T1 ~ 22.5 mag in the fields of NGC 1697, SL 133, NGC 1997, SL 663, and OHSC 28, five mostly unstudied star clusters in the LMC. Cluster radii were estimated from star counts in appropriately sized boxes distributed throughout the entire observed fields. We perform a detailed analysis of field-star contamination and derive cluster colour–magnitude diagrams (CMDs). Based on the best fits of isochrones computed by the Padova group to the (C − T1, T1) CMDs, the δ(T1) index and the ‘standard giant-branch’ procedure, we derive metallicities and ages for the five clusters. With the exception of NGC 1697 (age = 0.7 Gyr, [Fe/H] = 0.0 dex), the remaining four clusters are of intermediate age (from 2.2 to 3.0 Gyr) and relatively metal poor ([Fe/H] = −0.7 dex). We combine our sample with clusters with ages and metallicities on a similar scale and examine relationships between position in the LMC, age and metallicity. We confirm previous results that clusters younger than ~ 1 Gyr were formed during an outside-in process; this occurred after a burst of cluster formation that took place mainly in the outer disk and peaked ~ 2 Gyr ago. Finally, the cluster and field age–metallicity relations (AMRs) show evidence for a metallicity offset but do overlap, particularly on the upper-envelope side of the cluster AMR.

We present CCD BVIKC photometry in the field of the open cluster NGC 2587. We developed a new method to clean statistically the colour–magnitude diagrams. NGC 2587 is found to be slightly younger than the Hyades and probably of solar metallicity. From 18 probable members with measured proper motions, we derived the following mean cluster values: μα = −4.3 ± 3.6 mas yr−1 and μδ = −2.5 ± 3.4 mas yr−1. Colour excesses, E(B − V) = 0.10 and E(V − I) = 0.15 mag, and a heliocentric distance of 3.7 ± 0.7 kpc are obtained. The interstellar extinction in the cluster direction is found to follow the normal reddening law.

I present results of a search for cataclysmic variables (CVs) and chromospherically active binaries (ABs) as counterparts to X-ray sources detected with Chandra in six Galactic globular clusters (GCs): M 4, M 28, M 30, M 71, M 80, and NGC 6752. Binary systems play a critical role in the evolution of GCs, serving as an internal energy source countering the tendency of GC cores to collapse. Theoretical studies predict dozens of CVs in the cores of some GCs (e.g., 130 for M 28, 40 for M 30). A number of such binaries are also expected outside the core radius. However, few CVs are known so far in GCs. Using the 4.1m SOAR telescope, I have found 25 stars with Hα excess in the observed clusters. Six are candidate CVs, five are candidate active binaries. The other 14 objects with Hα excess are probably foreground/background stars or extragalactic sources.

Stars in the very early stages of their formation are characterized by strong infrared excess and X-ray emission. We present the results of the survey of Orion A in both the infrared and X-rays obtained with the Spitzer and XMM/Newton observatories. We study the spectral-energy distribution class of the young stellar object (YSO) population using infrared colors from 2mass and Spitzer (IRAC and MIPS) and by means of X-ray fluxes, luminosities and plasma temperatures. We discuss clustering properties and spatial segregation among different infrared YSO classes to trace their formation history.

The origin and evolution of stellar rotation has proven to be both important and challenging. Data obtained in star clusters has already provided key constraints on the role of protostellar disks and the timescales for angular-momentum loss and internal transport. Recent data sets also provide empirical support for the idea that a wide range of rotation rates converge on the main sequence. We evaluate the prospects for rotation–mass–age relationships and the role of open clusters in calibrating them.

massclean is a new, sophisticated and robust stellar cluster image and photometry simulation package. This package can create color–magnitude diagrams and standard FITS images in any of the traditional optical and near-infrared bands based on cluster characteristics input by the user, including but not limited to distance, age, mass, radius and extinction. At the limit of very distant, unresolved clusters, we have checked the integrated colors created in massclean against those from other simple stellar population models, with consistent results. Because the algorithm populates the cluster with a discrete number of tenable stars, it can be used as part of a Monte Carlo method to derive the probabilistic range of characteristics (integrated colors, for example) consistent with a given cluster mass and age. We present the first ever mass-dependent integrated colors as a function of age, derived from over 100 000 Monte Carlo runs, which can be used to improve the current age-determination methods for stellar clusters.

We test a membership method to select embedded young stellar objects (YSOs) from a Galactic molecular cloud with ongoing massive star formation using multiband analysis. We select and discuss the embedded stellar population in the molecular cloud associated with IRAS 18235−1205, a small, geometrically well-defined Galactic molecular cloud. The IRAS source has infrared fluxes characteristic of an UCHii region, CS(J = 2 − 1) emission, and methanol and water maser emission, suggesting that this region is a good candidate for studies of young, massive star formation. The selection method of embedded stellar populations is based on the spatial distribution of 13CO(J = 1 − 0) and Spitzer/MIPS 24 μm point sources. Photometric analysis using near/mid-infrared images are used to test our selection criteria. Three objects are associated with the IRAS source; two have a characteristic spectral-energy distribution (SED) of a Class I/0 object (protostar) and the third has an SED of Class II.

Starburst clusters are spectacular young and dense stellar systems containing copious numbers of massive O-type and Wolf–Rayet stars. These objects depict a stellar population comprising stars over the entire mass range, making them ideal objects to study cluster formation and evolution as well as to test and calibrate stellar evolutionary models. Among the Galactic spiral-arm starburst clusters, NGC 3603 Young Cluster (YC), which is located in the Carina spiral arm, is the youngest and most compact one. Galactic starburst clusters also serve as templates for extragalactic super star clusters as observed, e.g., in the Antennae galaxies. Based on two epochs (obtained 10 yr apart) of high-quality astrometric HST/WFPC2 observations, we derive individual proper motions for several hundred stars. The proper motions enable us to distinguish cluster members from field stars, and to derive a first estimate of the internal cluster dynamics. Photometry of the clean sample of cluster stars allows us to create color–magnitude diagrams (CMDs) that are not contaminated by field stars, and to compare the sequence of cluster members with different sets of theoretical isochrones and evolutionary tracks. We clearly identify a lower-mass pre-main-sequence and a higher-mass main-sequence stellar population in NGC 3603. A particular focus of our comparison with theoretical isochrones is the exact shape and extent of the pre-main-sequence/main-sequence transition region in NGC 3603 YC. The proper motions also contain dynamical information. From this, we derive a velocity dispersion, which leads to the first dynamical mass estimate of the NGC 3603 cluster. We also investigate whether or not NGC 3603 YC is virialized, and study evidence for primordial versus dynamical mass segregation. Past and future evolution of NGC 3603 YC can be studied and will tell us about the clusters ‘fate’ and its long-term survival chances.

Nonradial pulsations (NRPs) are a proposed mechanism for the formation of decretion disks around Be stars. They are important tools to study the internal structure of stars. NGC 3766 has an unusually large fraction of transient Be stars, so it is an excellent location to study the formation mechanism of Be-star disks. High-resolution spectroscopy can reveal line-profile variations from NRPs, allowing measurements of both the degree, l, and azimuthal order, m. However, spectroscopic studies require large amounts of time with large telescopes to achieve the necessary high signal-to-noise ratio and time-domain coverage. On the other hand, multicolor photometry can be performed more easily with small telescopes to measure l only. Here, we present representative light curves of Be stars and nonemitting B stars in NGC 3766 from the CTIO 0.9m telescope in an effort to study NRPs in this cluster.

We have carried out a comparative analysis of the evolution of integrated photometric parameters of young star-forming complexes in spiral and irregular galaxies and Galactic open clusters. We find that when the interstellar extinction is properly taken into account, the extragalactic complexes observed as giant Hii regions and open clusters in the Milky Way form a single evolutionary sequence of objects evolving at different stages.

During the past decade, the number known shallow-amplitude, yet totally eclipsing, extreme-mass-ratio binaries has increased from one (AW UMa, which is now in doubt) to about a dozen. Statistics are accumulating that will tell us the nature of these once rare systems. These individual interacting field binaries are believed to be the progenitors of FK Comae-type fast-rotating subgiants, which are similar to the cluster stars called ‘variable blue stragglers.’ We review our recent observations and new analyses of the individual systems, V409 Hya, GSC 1283 0053 Ori, GSC 2537 520 CVn, using the 2007 Wilson Code and summarize results from our previous observations (V802 Aql, V902 Sgr) and those from the literature (e.g., CK Boo, GR Vir, HV Aqr, UY UMa, EM Pis, CU Tau, TV Mus) to disclose a preliminary picture of the character of this interesting class of binary stars.

We study the internal spatial structure of 16 open clusters in the Milky Way spanning a wide range of ages. For this, we use the minimum-spanning-tree method (the Q parameter, which enables one to classify the stellar distribution as either radially or fractally clustered), King-profile fitting, and the correlation dimension (Dc) for those clusters with fractal patterns. On average, clusters with fractal-like structure are younger than those exhibiting radial stellar-density profiles. There is a significant correlation between Q and the cluster age measured in crossing-time units. For fractal clusters, there is a significant correlation between fractal dimension and age. These results support the idea that stars in newly born clusters likely follow the fractal patterns of their parent molecular clouds, and eventually evolve towards more centrally concentrated structures. However, stellar clusters as old as ~ 100 Myr can exist that have not totally destroyed their fractal structure. Finally, we have found the intriguing result that the lowest fractal dimensions obtained for the open clusters seem to be considerably smaller than the average value measured in Galactic molecular cloud complexes.

We present positions and magnitudes of stars and star clusters in a 1° × 1° area centered on M33. The survey is based on deep archival ground-based images using the MegaPrime camera on the 3.6m Canada–France–Hawaii telescope. We provide u′, g′, r′, i′, z′ magnitudes by performing standard profile-fitting photometry of these images and apply image classification algorithms such as SExtractor. We also present a catalog of extended sources by applying visual-inspection classification. This complete catalog provides promising targets for deep photometry with HST and for high-resolution spectroscopy to study the structure and star-formation history of the disk and halo of M33.

We study the population of compact stellar clusters in M 81 using the HST/ACS images in the filters F435W, F606W and F814W that cover a total field of view of approximately 340 square arcmin, the largest area covered to date for this galaxy. We present details about the selection criteria, which were based on both morphological and photometrical features. The extracted sample of compact stellar clusters shows the presence of two cluster populations, a blue cluster group (young) with more than 300 objects, and a red cluster group (old) containing 138 objects. Surprisingly, the young group lacks clusters more massive than 10 000 M⊙ which are present in large numbers in its neighbor M 82. The luminosity function of the young group follows a power-law distribution with an index of 2.0. The luminosity function of the red group closely resembles that of the globular clusters in the Milky Way. Assuming an age of 5 Gyr, these red clusters have masses between 0.1 and 10 × 106 M⊙.

To study the evolution of binary star clusters, we have imaged seven systems in the Small Magellanic Cloud with the SOAR 4m telescope using B and V filters. The sample contains pairs with well-separated components (d < 30 pc) as well as systems that apparently have merged, as evidenced by their unusual structures. By employing isochrone fitting to their color–magnitude diagrams, we have determined reddening values, ages and metallicities, and by fitting King models to their radial stellar-density profiles we estimated core radii. Disturbances of the density profiles are interpreted as evidence of interactions. Properties such as the distances between their components and their age differences are addressed in terms of the timescales involved, to assess the physical connection of the system. In two cases, the age difference is more than 50 Myr, which suggests a chance alignment, capture or sequential star formation.

The light elements Li, O, Na, Al, and Mg are known to show star-to-star variations in the globular clusters 47 Tuc and NGC 6752. We have investigated the behavior of the α element sulfur, for which no previous measurements exist in any Galactic globular cluster. We used high-resolution UVES spectra of Si multiplet 1 around 923 nm, and determined S abundances by means of ATLAS static plano-parallel models. NLTE corrections were applied and 3D corrections were also computed from co5bold 3D hydrodynamical models. Sulfur has been measured in four subgiant stars in NGC 6752, leading to an average value of [S/Fe] = +0.49 ± 0.15 dex, consistent with what is observed in field stars of similar metallicity. In 47 Tuc, we measured S in four turnoff (TO) and five subgiant (SG) stars, for an average value of [S/Fe] = 0.18 ± 0.14 dex. While the measurement errors are consistent with a constant value among all cluster stars analyzed, we detected a highly significant correlation with sodium abundance, as well as a tentative one with silicon. The sulfur–sodium correlation is difficult to explain in terms of nucleosynthesis. Given its high statistical significance, it is also difficult to dismiss it as fortuitous. Until better data for more stars are available, the question as to its origin remains open.

Star formation appears to be clumped into a hierarchy of structures, from giant molecular clouds down to individual cores and clusters, which are often hierarchical themselves, showing significant substructure. This has been demonstrated for our Galaxy through the application of sophisticated statistical methods, in particular the nearest-neighbour density and the minimum spanning tree (MST), to different star-forming regions. Here we present our analysis of clustered star formation as demonstrated through the detection of structures of young stellar populations in the dwarf star-forming galaxy NGC 6822.

NGC 4852 is a moderately compact cluster centered at α2000 = 13 : 00 : 09; δ = −59 : 36 : 48, located near the center of an Hα superring. This cluster forms part of an extended region including young stellar aggregates inside a circle with a radius of 3 degrees, where many show an abundance of emission line stars. In the field of this cluster, two stars of known type exist: Wray 15–1039 (emission-line object) and CD −58:4845 (emission-line star). We do not yet know whether the Be phase is transient or whether it is just what randomly happens in some hot stars. It appears that Be star may be found even in clusters as old as 70 Myr with a high occurrence rate in clusters of 25–27 Myr old. A recent photometric survey in NGC 4852 down to V = 22 – 23 mag established that NGC 4852 is about 200 – 250 Myr old, located at 1.1 kpc from the Sun and with a mean E(B − V) = 0.45 mag. Since the presence of potential Be-type stars in the cluster area suggests it may be a very young object instead of moderately old, we decided to carry out spectroscopy for 33 selected stars and CCD UBVI photometry for the bright objects in the cluster area. This way, we attempt to clarify their evolutionary state and include them in the framework of emission-line stars and open clusters. From our analysis, we agree with the cluster distance and reddening determined by earlier studies, but we derive that the age of NGC 4852 is younger than 40 Myr.