2026A&A...707A.275J -
Astronomy and Astrophysics, volume 707A275 (2026/3-1)
A rotation-based census of blue lurker candidates in open clusters.
JADHAV V.V., RAO K.K. and REGGIANI E.
Abstract (from CDS):
Aims. We have compiled a list of blue lurker (BL) candidates in open clusters using the available rotation catalogs. Blue lurkers are rejuvenated main-sequence stars hidden among normal main-sequence stars on color-magnitude diagrams of star clusters. In comparison to BLs, blue straggler stars, which formed via similar mass transfers or mergers, occupy a distinct space in color-magnitude diagrams.
Methods. Blue lurkers can be identified by their unusually faster rotation compared to similar mass stars, which is a signature of recent accretion, or by the presence of a companion (e.g., an extremely low mass white dwarf), which can only be formed by mass donation. We searched for fast-rotating stars on the main sequence of open clusters using Kepler, TESS, and spectroscopic rotation indicators, such as rotation periods and v sin i measurements.
Results. We identified 97 new BL candidates across 35 open clusters, almost tripling the previously known sample of 36. Based on the estimated completeness of ≈3%, thousands of BLs are likely hidden within the cluster population. Detailed spectroscopic and time series analyses will be essential to confirming their mass-transfer histories.
Abstract Copyright:
© The Authors 2026
Journal keyword(s):
methods: observational - catalogs - binaries: general - blue stragglers - stars: rotation - open clusters and associations: general
VizieR on-line data:
<Available at CDS (J/A+A/707/A275): cluster.dat table1.dat>
Simbad objects:
4
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