Blue Straggler Stars in the Globular Cluster Omega Centauri
Mentor: Charles Oravec, Physics Department
Major: Physics, Mathematics
Funding: Undergraduate Research Center Summer Research Fellowship
Abstract:
Faint blue straggler stars (FBSS) in the galactic globular cluster (GC) Omega Centauri were analyzed using data from P.B. Stetson's catalogue of GC photometry crossmatched with proper motions from Gaia DR2. Based on stellar evolution modelling and analysis of UV excesses, the FBSS were found to exhibit an origin consistent with formation in the metal-rich (MR/a)anomalous sub-population in Omega Centauri, as opposed to the luminous blue straggler stars (LBSS) which have an origin more consistent with the metal-poor and metal-intermediate populations (MP and MInt).
Watch my research presentation below.
Questions or comments? Contact me at: pelia@oxy.edu