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Evolution of massive stars in very young clusters and associationsStatistics concerning the stellar content of young galactic clusters and associations which show well defined main sequence turnups have been analyzed in order to derive information about stellar evolution in high-mass galaxies. The analytical approach is semiempirical and uses natural spectroscopic groups of stars on the H-R diagram together with the stars' apparent magnitudes. The new approach does not depend on absolute luminosities and requires only the most basic elements of stellar evolution theory. The following conclusions are offered on the basis of the statistical analysis: (1) O-tupe main-sequence stars evolve to a spectral type of B1 during core hydrogen burning; (2) most O-type blue stragglers are newly formed massive stars burning core hydrogen; (3) supergiants lying redward of the main-sequence turnup are burning core helium; and most Wolf-Rayet stars are burning core helium and originally had masses greater than 30-40 solar mass. The statistics of the natural spectroscopic stars in young galactic clusters and associations are given in a table.
Document ID
19860032496
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Stothers, R. B.
(NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies New York, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
November 15, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 298
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
86A17234
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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