On the bimodal distribution of stellar rotation in young open clusters


Abstract in English

Observations of young open clusters show a bimodal distribution of stellar rotation. Sun-like stars in those clusters group into two main sub-populations of fast and slow rotators. Beyond an age of about 500 Myrs, the two populations converge towards a single peak distribution of angular velocities. I argue that this evolution of stellar rotation in open clusters results from a brief episode of enhanced angular momentum loss by strong stellar wind during the early evolution of rapidly rotating Sun-like stars

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