An in-depth analysis of the differentially expanding star cluster Stock 18 (Villafranca O-036) using Gaia DR3 and ground-based data

TL;DR

This study provides a detailed analysis of the very young star cluster Stock 18 using Gaia DR3 and ground-based data, revealing its early dynamical state, ejection of massive stars, and implications for the population of free-floating objects in the Milky Way.

Contribution

It offers the first detailed dynamical and structural analysis of Stock 18, highlighting its early expansion and star ejection processes, and contributes to understanding young cluster evolution.

Findings

Stock 18 is approximately 1 million years old.

Most massive stars were ejected early via dynamical interactions.

The cluster's initial compact state has implications for free-floating objects.

Abstract

(ABRIDGED) CONTEXT: The Villafranca project is combining Gaia data with ground-based surveys to analyze Galactic stellar groups with OB stars. AIMS: We want to analyze Stock 18 within the Villafranca project, a very young stellar cluster with a symmetrical and compact H II region around it. METHODS: We analyze the core, massive-star population, extinction, distance, membership, internal dynamics, density profile, age, IMF, total mass, stellar variability, and Galactic location of Stock 18 with Gaia data and ground-based spectroscopy. RESULTS: Stock 18 is a very young (~1.0 Ma) cluster located at a distance of 2.91+-0.10 kpc dominated by the GLS 13 370 system, whose primary is an O9 V star. We propose that Stock 18 was in a very compact state (~0.1 pc) about 1.0 Ma ago and that most massive stars were ejected at that time without significantly affecting the less massive stars as a result of multi-body dynamical interactions. Given its age close to 1.0 Ma, the dynamical interactions took place very soon after massive star formation. Well defined expanding stellar clusters have been observed before but none as young as this one. The IMF is top heavy but if we discard the ejected ones it becomes nearly canonical. Therefore, this is another example in addition to the one we previously found (the Bermuda cluster) of (a) a very young cluster with an already evolved PDMF (b) that has significantly contributed to the future population of free-floating compact objects. If confirmed in more clusters, the number of such compact objects may be higher in the Milky Way than previously thought. Stock 18 has a variable extinction with an average value of R_5495 higher than the canonical one of 3.1. The cluster is above our Galactic mid-plane and has a distinct motion with respect to its surrounding old population, which is possibly an influence of the Perseus spiral arm.