The luminosity function in NGC 2023

D. L. DePoy, E. A. Lada, Ian Gatley, R. Probst

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Sellgren has shown that the young stellar cluster within the molecular cloud associated with the reflection nebula NGC 2023 has a luminosity function consistent with the Salpeter IMF for stars brighter than K = 12 mag; extrapolation predicts that approximately 50 additional stars brighter than K = 15 mag, arguably of spectral types G through K, should be present. However, images of the cluster using a sensitive, two-dimensional, infrared array reveal no additional cluster members, which suggests that either no low-mass stars have formed or that they are still heavily shrouded in molecular "cocoons" left over from the star formation process. We propose a straightforward experimental resolution of the alternatives.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)L55-L58
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume356
Issue number2 PART 2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 20 1990
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

Keywords

  • Stars: formation
  • Stars: pre-main-sequence

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