Search for Possibly Evolutionary Linked Globular and Open Clusters

Abstract

Based on a large sample of 133 Galactic globular clusters we obtained a new estimate of the frequency of globular-cluster impacts onto the Galactic plane, which we found to be equal to three events per 1 Myr. Our computations involving new kinematical data do not support the well-known hypothesis about the possible origin of the open cluster Stephenson 2 as a result of the massive globular cluster ω Cen crossing the Galactic disk. Our results also do not support the well-known hypothesis that the globular cluster NGC6397 could trigger the formation of the open cluster NGC6231.We found for the first time six globular clusters, which could have triggered the formation of an open cluster when crossing the Galactic plane. These are the globular clusters NGC104, NGC2808, NGC6362, NGC6540, NGC6749, and NGC6752. For each of these clusters we identify one or several open clusters, which were possibly born via such scenario. In our opinion, of greatest interest are the pairs NGC104–Ruprecht 129, and NGC6362–Pismis 11.