Monoceros OB4: a new association in Gaia DR2

Paula Stella Teixeira (Lead / Corresponding author), João Alves, Aurora Sicilia-Aguilar, Alvaro Hacar, Alexander Scholz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
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Abstract

We use Gaia DR2 data to survey the classic Monoceros OB1 region and look for the existence of a dispersed young population, co-moving with the cloud complex. An analysis of the distribution of proper motions reveals a 20-30 Myr association of young stars, about 300-400 pc away from the far side of the Mon OB1 complex, along the same general line-of-sight. We characterize the new association, Monoceros OB4, and estimate it contains between 1400 and 2500 stars, assuming a standard IMF, putting it on par in size with NGC\,2264. We find from the internal proper motions that Mon OB4 is unbound and expanding. Our results seem to unveil a larger and more complex Monoceros star formation region, suggesting an elongated arrangement that seems to be at least 300 x 60 pc.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)L17-L21
Number of pages5
JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
Volume504
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 31 Mar 2021

Keywords

  • ISM: individual objects: Monoceros OB1 cloud complex
  • Stars: pre-main sequence
  • Galaxy: open clusters and association: general

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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