Stellar Photometric Variability in the Open Cluster M37 Field on Time-Scales of Minutes to Days

  • 발행 : 2012.04.03

초록

We present a comprehensive re-analysis of stellar photometric variability in the field of open cluster M37, using our new high-precision light curves. This dataset provides a rare opportunity to explore different types of variability between short (-minutes) and long (-one month) time-scales. To investigate the variability properties of -30,000 objects, we developed new algorithms for detecting periodic, aperiodic, and sporadic variability in their light curves. About 7.5% (2,284) of the total sample exhibits convincing variations that are induced by flares, pulsations, eclipses, starspots and, in some cases, unknown causes. The benefits of our new photometry and analysis package are evident. The discovery rate of new variables is increased by 63% in comparison with the existing catalog of variables, and 51 previously identified variables were found to be false positives resulting from time-dependent systematic effects. Based on extended and improved catalog of variables, we will review the basic properties (e.g., periodicity, amplitude, type) of the variability and how different they are for different spectral types and for cluster memberships.

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