Open Cluster Working Group
We are part of the Department of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics at Masaryk University.
We are processing the Gaia Data Release 3 to study the kinematical and structural characteristics of a statistically significant sample of Galactic open clusters. By analyzing astrometric and photometric data, we aim to refine member lists and investigate key cluster parameters, including distance, age, reddening, and metallicity.
Our focus is on understanding the Galactic paths and structural properties, such as cluster mass, core and tidal radii, and ellipticities. Additionally, we are identifying tidal tails and lost members to better estimate Present Day Mass and Initial Mass Functions. Our dataset includes 780 open clusters across a broad range of ages, allowing us to explore their evolution and contribution to the Galactic field.
M35 Open Cluster and its Surrounding Dust. Copyright © 2015 Scott Rosen’s Astrophotography, Pine Mountain Club, CA, United States
Current Projects
The fate of Galactic open clusters
1/2023 – 12/2024
We will analyse the structures and contents of Galactic open clusters.
The project is funded by the Czech Science Foundation.
Recent Publications
2024
Estimation of radial velocities of BHB stars Journal Article
In: Bulgarian Astronomical Journal, vol. 41, pp. 55, 2024.
An all-sky catalogue of stellar reddening values Journal Article
In: arXiv e-prints, pp. arXiv:2407.21373, 2024.
A New Approach to Find the Böhm-Vitense gap Journal Article
In: Bulgarian Astronomical Journal, vol. 41, pp. 3, 2024.
Chemically peculiar stars on the pre-main sequence Journal Article
In: Astronomy & Astrophysics, vol. 687, pp. A176, 2024.
The astrophysical parameters of chemically peculiar stars from automatic methods Journal Article
In: Astronomy & Astrophysics, vol. 683, pp. L7, 2024.
2023
Uncovering new white dwarf-open cluster associations using Gaia DR3 Journal Article
In: Astronomy & Astrophysics, vol. 678, pp. A20, 2023.
Contacts
doc. Ernst Paunzen, Dr.rer.nat
epaunzen@physics.muni.cz
Masaryk University
Faculty of Science
Kotlářská 267/2, Veveří
Brno, Czech Republic