Spitzer Observations of the Lambda Orionis cluster. II. Disks around solar-type and low mass stars

TL;DR

This study uses Spitzer infrared observations to analyze the disk properties of solar-type and low-mass stars in the 5-million-year-old Lambda Orionis cluster, revealing how disk presence varies with stellar mass.

Contribution

It provides the first comprehensive infrared survey of disks around stars in the Lambda Orionis cluster, highlighting the dependence of disk fraction on stellar mass.

Findings

Disk fraction varies from 6% for K-type to 27% for M5 or later stars.

Identified 49 stars with disks, including optically thick, evolved, and transitional disks.

Disk presence in the cluster aligns with other 5 Myr old stellar groups.

Abstract

We present IRAC/MIPS Spitzer Space Telescope observations of the solar type and the low mass stellar population of the young (~5 Myr) Lambda Orionis cluster. Combining optical and 2MASS photometry, we identify 436 stars as probable members of the cluster. Given the distance (450 pc) and the age of the cluster, our sample ranges in mass from 2 solar mass to objects below the substellar limit. With the addition of the Spitzer mid-infrared data, we have identified 49 stars bearing disks in the stellar cluster. Using spectral energy distribution (SED) slopes, we place objects in several classes: non-excess stars (diskless), stars with optically thick disks, stars with ``evolved disks''( with smaller excesses than optically thick disk systems), and ``transitional disks'' candidates (in which the inner disk is partially or fully cleared). The disk fraction depends on the stellar mass, ranging from ~6% for K type stars (Rc-J<2) to ~27% for stars with spectral type M5 or later (Rc-J>4). We confirm the dependence of disk fraction on stellar mass in this age range found in other studies. Regarding clustering levels, the overall fraction of disks in the Lambda Orionis cluster is similar to those reported in other stellar groups with ages normally quoted as ~5 Myr.