Young Stars and Their Circumstellar Disks in the σ Orionis Cluster

Abstract

The sigma Orionis cluster is a young association evolving under the disruptive influence of its massive O-star namesake. We are analysing this cluster as part of a program to characterise the influence of O-stars on the early stages of stellar evolution. At an age of approximately 4 Myr, this cluster is at a crucial stage in terms of disk evolution and therefore it is a key case to better constrain disk dissipation timescales. We have obtained RI photometry and optical spectroscopy of the sigma Ori cluster; we have analysed the Li I and Na I features to establish cluster membership. We have thus gathered a unique sample of spectroscopically confirmed low-mass cluster members and brown dwarfs. Disk frequencies from K-band excesses from 2MASS suggest that less than 7% of the very low-mass sigma Ori members have disks, in stark contrast with even younger clusters (e.g. Trapezium). However, near-infrared disk frequencies have to be taken with caution. We are currently undertaking an L-band (imaging) and mid-infrared (imaging and spectroscopy) program to identify and probe the properties of circumstellar disks around young stars in this cluster. Preliminary results indicate that at least 30% of cluster members have circumstellar disks.