On the highly reddened members in six young galactic star clusters: A multiwavelength study

Abstract

The spectral and reddening properties of 211 highly reddened proper-motion members with V<15 mag in six young galactic star clusters are investigated using low-resolution spectroscopic, broad-band UBVRIJHK and mid-infrared (IR) data. We report emission features in Caɪɪ HK and Hɪ lines for a sample of 29 stars including 11 stars reported for the first time and also provide either a new or more reliable spectral class for a sample of 24 stars. Ca ɪɪ triple width measurements are used to indicate the presence of an accretion disc for a dozen stars and to indicate luminosity of couple of stars. On the basis of spectral features, near-IR excesses, dereddened colour-colour diagrams and mid-IR spectral indices we identify a group of 28 pre-main-sequence cluster members including five highly probable Herbig Ae/Be and six classical T Tauri stars.