Spitzer 24 μm observations of open cluster 1C 2391 and debris disk evolution of FGK stars

Nick Siegler, James Muzerolle, Erick T. Young, George H. Rieke, Eric E. Mamajek, David E. Trilling, Nadya Gorlova, Kate Y.L. Su

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

78 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present 24 μm Spitzer MIPS photometric observations of the ∼50 Myr open cluster IC 2391. Thirty-four cluster members ranging in spectral type from B3 to M5 were observed in the central square degree of the cluster. Excesses indicative of debris disks were discovered around one A star, six FGK stars, and possibly one M dwarf. For the cluster members observed to their photospheric limit, we find a debris disk frequency of 107% -3 for B-A stars and 31+13%-9 for FGK stars using a 15% relative excess threshold. Relative to a model of decaying excess frequency, the frequency of debris disks around A-type stars appears marginally low for the cluster's age while that of FGK stars appears consistent. Scenarios that may qualitatively explain this result are examined. We conclude that planetesimal activity in the terrestrial region of FGK stars is common in the first ∼50 Myr and decays on timescales of ∼100 Myr. Despite luminosity differences, debris disk evolution does not appear to depend strongly on stellar mass.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)580-594
Number of pages15
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume654
Issue number1 I
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2007

Keywords

  • Infrared: stars
  • Open clusters and associations: individual (IC 2391)
  • Planetary systems: protoplanetary disks

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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