SCYON Abstract

Received on June 2 2009

A study of the Galactic plane towards l = 305o

AuthorsG. Baume (1), G. Carraro (2), and Y. Momany (2)
Affiliation(1) Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas (UNLP), Instituto de Astrofísica de La Plata (CONICET, UNLP), Paseo del Bosque s/n, La Plata, Argentina
(2) ESO, Alonso de Cordova 3107, Vitacura, Santiago de Chile, Chile
Accepted byMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Contactgbaume@fcaglp.unlp.edu.ar
URLhttp://fcaglp.fcaglp.unlp.edu.ar/~gbaume/
Links Danks 1 / Danks 2

Abstract

We present optical (UBVIc) observations of a rich and complex field in the Galactic plane towards l ~ 305o and b ~ 0o. Our analysis reveals a significantly high interstellar absorbtion (Av ~ 10) and an abnormal extinction law in this line of sight. Availing a considerable number of color combinations, the photometric diagrams allow us to derive new estimates of the fundamental parameters of the two open clusters Danks 1 and Danks 2. Due to the derived abnormal reddening law in this line of sight, both clusters appear much closer (to the Sun) than previously thought. Additionally, we present the optical colors and magnitudes of the WR 48a star and its main parameters were estimated. The properties of the two embedded clusters DBS2003 130 and 131, are also addressed. We identify a number of Young Stellar Objects which are probable members of these clusters. This new material is then used to revisit the spiral structure in this sector of the Galaxy showing evidence of populations associated with the inner Galaxy Scutum-Crux arm.