arXiv subjects

Martin A. Hendry

Publications and source records attributed to Martin A. Hendry.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv1993

A New Method for Estimating the Distance to Young Open Clusters

We present a new technique for estimating the distance to young open clusters. The method requires accurate measurement of the axial rotation period of late-type members of the cluster: rotation periods are first combined with projected rotation velocities and an estimate of the angular diameter for each star -- obtained using the Barnes-Evans relation between colour and surface brightness. A 'best' cluster distance estimate is then determined using standard techniques from the theory of order statistics which are in common use in the general statistics literature. It is hoped that this new method will prove a useful adjoint to more traditional distance methods, and will provide a better %determination of the distance scale within the solar neighbourhood. (Figures / preprint available on request)

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arXiv1993

What Do We Mean by Malmquist Bias?

In this paper we review the two main approaches to the problem of Malmquist bias which have been adopted in the cosmology literature, and show how these two formulations of the problem represent fundamentally different views of the nature of probability. We discuss the assumptions upon which both approaches are based and indicate some of their limitations. In particular we identify a basic flaw in the definition of homogeneous and inhomogeneous Malmquist corrections as they have frequently been applied in the literature, and indicate how this flaw may be corrected. (Figures available on request).

astro-ph↗

arXiv1993

Optimal Galaxy Distance Estimators

The statistical properties of galaxy distance estimators are studied and a rigorous framework is developed for identifying and removing the effects of Malmquist bias due to obsevational selection. The prescription of Schechter (1980) for defining unbiased distance estimators is extended to more general -- and more realistic -- cases. The derivation of `optimal' unbiased distance estimators of minimum dispersion, by utilising information from additional -- suitably correlated -- observables, is discussed and the results applied to a calibrating sample from the Fornax cluster, as used in the Mathewson spiral galaxy redshift survey. The optimal distance estimator derived from I-band magnitude, diameter and 21cm line width has an intrinsic scatter which is 25 \% smaller than that of the Tully-Fisher relation quoted for this calibrating sample. (Figures are available on request).

astro-ph↗

arXiv1993

New Distance Measurements to the $α$ Persei and Pleiades Clusters

We apply the new distance measuring technique of Hendry, O'Dell and Collier- Cameron, 1993, to the Pleiades and $α$ Persei clusters. The method relies on knowledge of the periods, rotation velocities and angular diameters of a sample of late-type stars within each cluster. The angular diameters were found by recalibrating the Barnes-Evans surface brightness relation. Applying our new distance method we derive a Pleiades distance in very good agreement with previous ZAMS fitting determinations, whereas our $α$ Persei distance appears substantially greater. In response to this greater distance, we apply a recent semi-empirical main-seqeunce fitting technique to $α$ Persei and confirm the findings of our new distance indicator. (Figures / preprint available on request)

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