XMM-Newton observations of the young open cluster Blanco 1. I. X-ray spectroscopy and photometry

Abstract

We present an X-ray study of the high metallicity young open cluster Blanco 1 based on XMM-Newton data. X-ray spectroscopy of cluster members is presented for the first time as well as new X-ray distribution functions of late-type stars. We detected all known dF and dG stars in the EPIC field and 80% and 90% of dK and dM stars, respectively. The X-ray spectral analysis of the X-ray brightest cluster stars and X-ray color analysis of a larger sample show that a model with two temperatures (at about 0.3 and 1 keV) explains the quiescent activity phase spectra.

We discuss also the nature of unidentified X-ray sources in the observed region and their X-ray spectral properties.

Based on observations obtained with XMM-Newton, an ESA science mission with instruments and contributions directly funded by ESA Member States and NASA.

Appendix B is only available in electronic form at http://www.edpsciences.org