The substructure and halo population of the Double Cluster $h$ and $\chi$ Persei

Abstract

In order to study the stellar population and possible substructures in the outskirts of Double Cluster $h$ and $\chi$ Persei, we investigate using the GAIA DR2 data a sky area of about 7.5 degrees in radius around the Double Cluster cores. We identify member stars using various criteria, including their kinematics (viz, proper motion), individual parallaxes, as well as photometric properties. A total of 2186 member stars in the parameter space were identified as members. Based on the spatial distribution of the member stars, we find an extended halo structure of $h$ and $\chi$ Persei, about 6 - 8 times larger than their core radii. We report the discovery of filamentary substructures extending to about 200 pc away from the Double Cluster. The tangential velocities of these distant substructures suggest that they are more likely to be the remnants of primordial structures, instead of a tidally disrupted stream from the cluster cores. Moreover, the internal kinematic analysis indicates that halo stars seems to be experiencing a dynamic stretching in the RA direction, while the impact of the core components is relatively negligible. This work also suggests that the physical scale and internal motions of young massive star clusters may be more complex than previously thought.