Clustering stellar pairs to detect extended stellar structures
Abstract
Gaia data allows for search for extended stellar structures in phase (coordinates plus velocities) space. We describe a method of using DBSCAN clustering algorithm, which is used to group closely-packed-together data points, to a list of preliminary selected pairs of stars, with parameters expected to be found within stellar streams and comoving groups: loose structures in which stars are not gravitationally bound, but do share motion and evolutionary properties. To test our approach, we construct a model population of background stars, and use pair-constructing and clustering algorithms on it. Results show that transitioning to a list of pairs sharply reveals structures not presented in background model, which then become more apparent targets in coordinate-velocity phase space for DBSCAN algorithm thanks to now increased relative density of the extended stellar structure.
- Publication:
-
The Predictive Power of Computational Astrophysics as a Discover Tool
- Pub Date:
- January 2023
- DOI:
- 10.1017/S1743921322001697
- Bibcode:
- 2023IAUS..362..150S
- Keywords:
-
- stars: kinematics;
- galaxies: structure;
- galaxies: star clusters