Spatio-temporal progression of star formation in the Carina OB1 association
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The Carina OB1 association, harboring the famous Carina Nebula near its center, is the most massive, well-studied OB association in our Galaxy. Containing several massive star clusters with different ages, it shows a complex spatio-temporal structure. We explore the formation history and kinematic evolution of the eight most massive clusters in Car OB1. We determine the cluster ages, stellar populations, the initial massive star content, and the number of supernova explosions since the time of each cluster’s formation. Using DR3 astrometry, we determine the 3D configuration of the association and perform a traceback analysis of the cluster positions over the last $ ≈ 13$ Myr. Gaia The traceback analysis places the birth location of the oldest ($ ≃ 13$;Myr) cluster NGC 3293 in the Carina spiral arm. Approximately four Myr later, a series of ≃ 11 supernova explosions started in NGC 3293. We construct a possible scenario in which the expanding bubble driven by these supernova explosions interacted with the southern part of the original cloud complex and led to the sequential formation of the younger clusters in the central Carina Nebula. Our scenario suggests that the sequence of $ ≈ 16 ± 4$ supernova explosions in the association during the last 10;Myr played an important role in creating the massive clusters in Car OB1. However, the supernova feedback does not dominate the large-scale expansion of the association; the general expansion rather seems to reflect the initial kinematics of the original unbound cloud complex.
Source: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Authors: C. Göppl, T. Preibisch
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,865
OpenAlex ID: W7220693172