2022/02/01 by Lorenzo Spina, Laura Magrini, Katia Cunha · 1 citation
Physics and Astronomy · #astro-ph.GA #astro-ph.SR #msc:85-02
paper · pdf · doi:10.3390/universe8020087
published as Universe 2022, 8(2), 87 · Published in MDPI Universe as part of the Special Issue on Star Clusters
arxiv created 2022/02/01 · arxiv updated 2022/02/02
In this paper, we make use of data collected for open cluster members by high-resolution spectroscopic surveys and programmes (i.e., APOGEE, Gaia-ESO, GALAH, OCCASO, and SPA). These data have been homogenised and then analysed as a whole. The resulting catalogue contains [Fe/H] and orbital parameters for 251 Galactic open clusters. The slope of the radial metallicity gradient obtained through 175 open clusters with high-quality metallicity determinations is -0.064 ± 0.007 dex kpc-1. The radial metallicity distribution traced by open clusters flattens beyond R\rm Gal=12.1 ± 1.1 kpc. The slope traced by open clusters in the [Fe/H]-L\rm z diagram is -0.31 ± 0.02 103 dex km-1 kpc-1 s, but it flattens beyond L\rm z=2769 ± 177 km kpc s-1. In this paper, we also review some high-priority practical challenges around the study of open clusters that will significantly push our understanding beyond the state-of-the-art. Finally, we compare the shape of the galactic radial metallicity gradient to those of other spiral galaxies.