How do disks and planetary systems in high-mass open clusters differ from those around field stars?

TL;DR

This study uses simulations to show that high-mass open clusters significantly reduce disk sizes around young stars due to stellar interactions, leading to smaller planetary systems compared to field stars.

Contribution

The paper provides the first detailed simulation-based analysis of how stellar interactions in high-mass clusters influence disk and planetary system sizes.

Findings

80-90% of disks are smaller than 50 AU in high-mass clusters

Close fly-bys reduce disk sizes to 18-27 AU early on

Planetary systems in such clusters are likely smaller with fewer wide-orbit planets

Abstract

Only star clusters that are sufficiently compact and massive survive largely unharmed beyond 10 Myr. However, their compactness means a high stellar density which can lead to strong gravitational interactions between the stars. As young stars are often initially surrounded by protoplanetary disks and later on potentially by planetary systems, the question arises to what degree these strong gravitational interactions influence planet formation and the properties of planetary systems. Here, we perform simulations of the evolution of compact high-mass clusters like Trumpler 14 and Westerlund 2 from the embedded to the gas-free phase and study the influence of stellar interactions. We concentrate on the development of the mean disk size in these environments. Our simulations show that in high-mass open clusters $80-90\%$ of all disks/planetary systems should be smaller than 50 AU just due to the strong stellar interactions in these environments. Already in the initial phases, 3-4 close fly-bys lead to typical disk sizes within the range of 18-27 AU. Afterwards, the disk sizes are altered only to a small extent. Our findings agree with the recent observation that the disk sizes in the once dense environment of the Upper Scorpio OB association, NGC~2362, and h/$\chi$Persei are at least three times smaller in size than, for example, in Taurus. We conclude that the observed planetary systems in high-mass open clusters should also be on average smaller than those found around field stars; in particular, planets on wide orbits are expected to be extremely rare in such environments.