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The properties of the interacting, eccentric orbit binary V1507 Cyg (HD187399) are examined with spectra that cover wavelengths from 0.63 to 0.68um. The spectrum of the brightest star is very similar to that of the B8 I star Beta Ori, although with absorption lines that show sub-structure consistent with a varying tidal field. The bulk of the Halpha emission in the spectrum appears to be associated with the brighter star. Evidence is presented that the period of the system has been stable over timescales of many decades, arguing against large-scale mass transfer at the current epoch. Absorption and emission lines are identified that originate in an expanding asymmetric envelope around the companion, and component masses of 6.4 +/- 0.9 and 14.0 +/- 0.9 solar are found, where the former applies to the brighter star and an inclination of 46 degrees has been assumed. The evolutionary state of V1507 Cyg is then that of a system in which mass transfer has progressed to the point where the mass ratio has been reversed, with the brighter star stripped of much of its initial mass. It is argued that the brighter star is an Alpha Cyg variable, and that it is those light variations that dominate the system light curve. V1507 Cyg is observed at or near the center of a diffuse HI bubble that is detected at 408 and 1420MHz. It is suggested that the eccentric orbit is the result of evolution in a hierarchical system., Comment: Accepted for publication in the Astronomical Journal

Information extracted from the GAIA Data Release 3 is used to examine the stellar contents within projected separations of 10 parsecs from eight close binary systems that are either classical W Serpentis systems or related objects. The goal is to search for remnant star clusters or moving groups with proper motions that are similar to those of the binaries. While some of the binary systems have proper motions that are distinct from those of the majority of stars within the search area, there is still a tendency for W Ser stars to be accompanied by companions with separations on parsec or larger scales. At least three candidate companions are identified within the search area for each system, although in the majority of cases the numbers are much higher. Evidence is presented that SX Cas is near the center of a diffuse cluster. Color-magnitude diagrams (CMDs) of the groupings associated with the binaries are compared with isochrones, and the majority of the groupings are found to have ages in excess of 1 Gyr, indicating that they have an intermediate age. The masses of stars at the main sequence turn-off of the groupings are estimated, and these provide insights into the initial mass of the donor star in each binary system. Images from the WISE Allsky survey are also used to search for circumsystem envelopes. Extended thermal emission is found around six systems in W2 (i.e. ~4.5um) images., Comment: To appear in the Astronomical Journal

Archival [3.6] and [4.5] images are used to identify and characterize variable stars in the Magellanic-type galaxies Holmberg II, NGC 2366, and IC 2574. Using parametric and non-parametric detection methods, 74 confirmed or suspected long period variables (LPVs) are found. The period distributions of the LPVs in NGC 2366 and IC 2574 are similar. While the period distribution of LPVs in Ho II is uncertain due to small number statistics there appears to be a deficiency of LPVs with periods between 550 and 650 days when compared with NGC 2366 and IC 2574. The LPVs are diffusely distributed on the sky, and do not follow the underlying light from unresolved stars, as expected if episodes of star formation within the past few hundred Myr have occurred throughout the galaxies, including their outer regions. Distances computed for Ho II and NGC 2366 from the period-luminosity relations (PLRs) agree to within ~0.1 magnitudes with those based on the tip of the red giant branch (RGB). Efforts to estimate an LPV-based distance modulus for IC 2574 are complicated by the presence of first overtone pulsators among LPVs with periods ~ 600 days, although the PLR at the long period end is consistent with the distance estimated from the RGB-tip. In addition to the LPVs, 10 candidate sgB[e] or luminous blue variables and 2 candidate red supergiant variables are also identified. Nine candidate sgB[e] stars that do not show evidence of variability are also identified based on their locations in the color-magnitude diagram., Comment: To appear in the Astronomical Journal

Spectra that cover 0.63 - 0.69um with a spectral resolution ~ 17000 are presented of the W Serpentis system V367 Cygni. Absorption lines of FeII and SiII that form in a circumsystem shell are prominent features, and the depths of these are stable with time, suggesting that the shell is smoothly distributed and well-mixed. Further evidence of uniformity comes from modest radial velocity variations measured in the deepest parts of the shell lines. It is suggested that motions previously attributed to rotation of the shell are instead artifacts of contamination from the donor star spectrum. A donor star spectrum is extracted that is consistent with that of an early to mid-A giant. The depths of metallic lines in the donor spectrum vary with orbital phase, suggesting that spot activity covers a large fraction of the surface of that star. A spectrum of the accretion disk that surrounds the second star is also extracted, and similarities are noted with the emission spectra of Herbig Ae/Be stars. In addition to variations with orbital phase, H$\alpha$ changes with time over timescales of no more than two orbits. A tentative detection of HeI 6678 emission is made near primary minimum, but not at other phases. Finally, projected emission from hot dust in and around V367 Cyg is more-or-less symmetric and extends over 28 arcsec, or 0.09 pc at the distance of the system -- V367 Cyg is thus expelling matter into a large volume of the surrounding space., Comment: To appear in the Astronomical Journal

Archival [3.6] and [4.5] images are used to identify and characterize variable stars in the Magellanic-type galaxies Holmberg II, NGC 2366, and IC 2574. Using parametric and non-parametric detection methods, 74 confirmed or suspected long period variables (LPVs) are found. The period distributions of the LPVs in NGC 2366 and IC 2574 are similar. While the period distribution of LPVs in Ho II is uncertain due to small number statistics there appears to be a deficiency of LPVs with periods between 550 and 650 days when compared with NGC 2366 and IC 2574. The LPVs are diffusely distributed on the sky, and do not follow the underlying light from unresolved stars, as expected if episodes of star formation within the past few hundred Myr have occurred throughout the galaxies, including their outer regions. Distances computed for Ho II and NGC 2366 from the period-luminosity relations (PLRs) agree to within ~0.1 magnitudes with those based on the tip of the red giant branch (RGB). Efforts to estimate an LPV-based distance modulus for IC 2574 are complicated by the presence of first overtone pulsators among LPVs with periods ~ 600 days, although the PLR at the long period end is consistent with the distance estimated from the RGB-tip. In addition to the LPVs, 10 candidate sgB[e] or luminous blue variables and 2 candidate red supergiant variables are also identified. Nine candidate sgB[e] stars that do not show evidence of variability are also identified based on their locations in the color-magnitude diagram., Comment: To appear in the Astronomical Journal

Images recorded with the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS) on Gemini South are combined with archival images from other facilities to search for variable stars in the southern portion of the nearby disk galaxy NGC 247. Fifteen new periodic and non-periodic variables are identified. These include three Cepheids with periods < 25 days, four semi-regular variables, one of which shows light variations similar to those of R CrB stars, five variables with intrinsic visible/red brightnesses and colors that are similar to those of luminous blue variables (LBVs), and three fainter blue variables, one of which may be a non-eclipsing close binary system. The S Doradus instability strip defines the upper envelope of a distinct sequence of objects on the (i', g'-i') color-magnitude diagram (CMD) of NGC 247. The frequency of variability with an amplitude > 0.1 magnitude in the part of the CMD that contains LBVs over the seven month period when the GMOS images were recorded is ~ 0.2. The light curve of the B[e] supergiant J004702.18--204739.9, which is among the brightest stars in NGC 247, is also examined. Low amplitude variations on day-to-day timescales are found, coupled with a systematic trend in mean brightness over a six month time interval., Comment: Accepted for publication in the Astronomical Journal

Images recorded with the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS) on Gemini South are combined with archival images from other facilities to search for variable stars in the southern portion of the nearby disk galaxy NGC 247. Fifteen new periodic and non-periodic variables are identified. These include three Cepheids with periods < 25 days, four semi-regular variables, one of which shows light variations similar to those of R CrB stars, five variables with intrinsic visible/red brightnesses and colors that are similar to those of luminous blue variables (LBVs), and three fainter blue variables, one of which may be a non-eclipsing close binary system. The S Doradus instability strip defines the upper envelope of a distinct sequence of objects on the (i', g'-i') color-magnitude diagram (CMD) of NGC 247. The frequency of variability with an amplitude > 0.1 magnitude in the part of the CMD that contains LBVs over the seven month period when the GMOS images were recorded is ~ 0.2. The light curve of the B[e] supergiant J004702.18--204739.9, which is among the brightest stars in NGC 247, is also examined. Low amplitude variations on day-to-day timescales are found, coupled with a systematic trend in mean brightness over a six month time interval., Comment: Accepted for publication in the Astronomical Journal

Observations that span a broad range of wavelengths are used to examine asymmetries in the disk of the nearby late-type spiral galaxy NGC 247. The northern spiral arm is over-luminous at all wavelengths when compared with other parts of the galaxy at similar galactocentric radii, while the density of very luminous red stars in the void that is immediately south of this arm matches that in other parts of the disk at the same galactocentric radius. Two bubbles with spatial extents of many kpc are identified in the disk, and many of the young stars in the southern disk of NGC 247 are located in the walls of one of these structures. Dynamical age estimates of these bubbles coincide with the last large-scale star formation event in the nucleus, suggesting that there was large-scale star formation throughout the disk of NGC 247 a few hundred Myr in the past. Morphological similarities are seen with the classical lop-sided galaxy NGC 4027, and it is concluded that NGC 247 is a significantly lop-sided spiral galaxy. The void in the northern disk is then the area between the main body of the disk and the northern arm viewed in projection. The implications of a lop-sided morphology for NGC 247 in the context of interactions with its nearby starburst galaxy companion NGC 253 are discussed., Comment: To appear in the Astronomical Journal

We discuss near-infrared (NIR) slit spectra of six early-type disk galaxies in the Virgo Cluster. While the depth of the CO(2,0) band is consistent with the centers of these galaxies having solar or slightly sub-solar luminosity-weighted metallicities, galaxy-to-galaxy variations in the depth of the NaI 2.21um doublet are found, with NaI2.21um lines in three galaxies (NGC 4491, NGC 4584, and NGC 4620) that are deeper than those predicted for a solar chemical mixture and a solar-neighborhood mass function. Considering the depth of the NaD lines found by Davidge (2018a), the deep NaI2.21um lines are tentatively attributed to a bottom-heavy mass function. This is counter to observed trends between mass function slope and velocity dispersion. Two of the three galaxies with deep NaI2.21um (NGC 4584 and NGC 4620) have Sersic exponents that are consistent with a classical bulge. As for NGC 4491, its central NIR spectrum contains prominent emission lines. The relative strengths of Brgamma and H_2S(1), the presence of [FeII] emission, and the mid-infrared spectral-energy distribution are all consistent with intense recent star formation near the center of that galaxy. Wavelengths that contain the Ballick-Ramsey C_2 band at 1.76um are matched by moderately metal-poor E-MILES model spectra with an age of 2 Gyr. It is concluded that these galaxies have evolved in a cluster environment for at least several Gyr., Comment: To appear in the Astronomical Journal

Long-slit near-infrared (NIR) spectra of the Galactic nuclear star cluster (NSC) are discussed. The spectra sample the major axis of the NSC out to its half light radius. The equivalent widths of NaI2.21um and CaI2.26um outside of the center of the NSC, where light from nuclear bulge stars contributes a large fraction to the total flux, are consistent with solar chemical mixtures. In contrast, the equivalent widths of NaI2.21um and CaI2.26um near the center of the NSC are larger than expected from models with solar chemical mixtures, even after light from the brightest evolved stars is removed. That NaI2.21um and CaI2.26um are deeper than predicted for solar chemical mixtures over a range of evolutionary states is consistent with previous studies that find that the majority of stars near the center of the NSC formed from material that had non-solar chemical mixtures. A spectrum of nebular emission and the youngest stars near the GC is also extracted. The equivalent widths of emission features in the extracted NIR spectrum are similar to those in the nuclear spectrum of NGC 253, and it is argued that this agreement is best achieved if the current episode of star formation near the center of the NSC has been in progress for at least a few Myr., Comment: To appear in the Astronomical Journal

We discuss near-infrared (NIR) slit spectra of six early-type disk galaxies in the Virgo Cluster. While the depth of the CO(2,0) band is consistent with the centers of these galaxies having solar or slightly sub-solar luminosity-weighted metallicities, galaxy-to-galaxy variations in the depth of the NaI 2.21um doublet are found, with NaI2.21um lines in three galaxies (NGC 4491, NGC 4584, and NGC 4620) that are deeper than those predicted for a solar chemical mixture and a solar-neighborhood mass function. Considering the depth of the NaD lines found by Davidge (2018a), the deep NaI2.21um lines are tentatively attributed to a bottom-heavy mass function. This is counter to observed trends between mass function slope and velocity dispersion. Two of the three galaxies with deep NaI2.21um (NGC 4584 and NGC 4620) have Sersic exponents that are consistent with a classical bulge. As for NGC 4491, its central NIR spectrum contains prominent emission lines. The relative strengths of Brgamma and H_2S(1), the presence of [FeII] emission, and the mid-infrared spectral-energy distribution are all consistent with intense recent star formation near the center of that galaxy. Wavelengths that contain the Ballick-Ramsey C_2 band at 1.76um are matched by moderately metal-poor E-MILES model spectra with an age of 2 Gyr. It is concluded that these galaxies have evolved in a cluster environment for at least several Gyr., Comment: To appear in the Astronomical Journal

Spectra that cover wavelengths from 0.6 to 1.1um are used to examine the behavior of emission and absorption features in a contiguous 22 x 300 arcsec region centered on the nearby dwarf galaxy NGC 55. Based on the relative strengths of various emission features measured over spatial scales of many tens of parsecs, it is concluded that the ionization states and sulphur abundances in most of the star-forming regions near the center of NGC 55 are similar. A large star-forming region is identified in the north west part of the disk at a projected distance of ~1 kpc from the galaxy center that has distinct ionization properties. Fossil star-forming regions are also identified using the depth of the near-infrared Ca triplet. One such area is identified near the intersection of the major and minor axes, and it is suggested that this area is a proto-nucleus. The spectra of bright unresolved sources that are blended stellar asterisms, compact HII regions, and star clusters are also discussed. The spectra of some of the HII regions contain Ca triplet absorption lines, signalling a concentration of stars in the resolution element that span many Myr. Six of the unresolved sources have spectroscopic characteristics that are indicative of C stars embedded in intermediate age clusters. The peculiar properties of NGC 55 have been well documented in the literature, and it is argued that these may indicate that NGC 55 is transforming into a dwarf lenticular galaxy., Comment: To appear in The Astronomical Journal

Spectra that cover wavelengths from 0.6 to 1.1um are used to examine the behavior of emission and absorption features in a contiguous 22 x 300 arcsec region centered on the nearby dwarf galaxy NGC 55. Based on the relative strengths of various emission features measured over spatial scales of many tens of parsecs, it is concluded that the ionization states and sulphur abundances in most of the star-forming regions near the center of NGC 55 are similar. A large star-forming region is identified in the north west part of the disk at a projected distance of ~1 kpc from the galaxy center that has distinct ionization properties. Fossil star-forming regions are also identified using the depth of the near-infrared Ca triplet. One such area is identified near the intersection of the major and minor axes, and it is suggested that this area is a proto-nucleus. The spectra of bright unresolved sources that are blended stellar asterisms, compact HII regions, and star clusters are also discussed. The spectra of some of the HII regions contain Ca triplet absorption lines, signalling a concentration of stars in the resolution element that span many Myr. Six of the unresolved sources have spectroscopic characteristics that are indicative of C stars embedded in intermediate age clusters. The peculiar properties of NGC 55 have been well documented in the literature, and it is argued that these may indicate that NGC 55 is transforming into a dwarf lenticular galaxy., Comment: To appear in The Astronomical Journal

The stellar contents of six intermediate mass early-type disk galaxies in the Virgo cluster are examined using deep long slit spectra. The isophotal and photometric properties of the galaxies at near- and mid-infrared wavelengths are also examined. Characteristic ages and metallicities are found by making comparisons with the strengths of lines measured from model spectra. The light from the central regions of these galaxies at visible/red wavelengths is not dominated by old populations. Rather, the central regions of four galaxies (NGC 4305, NGC 4306, NGC 4497, and NGC 4620) are dominated by populations with ages ~ 1.5 - 3 Gyr. Centrally-concentrated line emission is found in two of the galaxies (NGC 4491 and NGC 4584), and the relative strengths of Halpha and [SII]6746 are consistent with this emission originating in star-forming regions. The disks of these galaxies are dominated by populations that are at least 1 Gyr older than those near the centers, indicating that the quenching of star formation progressed from large radii inwards, and did not occur over a short timescale., Comment: To appear in the Astronomical Journal

Spectra of the intermediate age star cluster NGC 1978 and the dwarf irregular galaxies NGC 55 and NGC 3109 that span the 0.7 to 1.1um wavelength interval are discussed. The NGC 1978 spectra are used to examine stochastic effects on the integrated red light from an intermediate age cluster. The removal of either the brightest M giant or the brightest C star from the co-added NGC 1978 spectrum has minor effects on the equivalent withs of the Ca triplet. The most robust signature of C stars in the integrated cluster spectrum at these wavelengths is the CN band head near 0.79um. The equivalent widths of Ca triplet lines in the NGC 1978 spectrum and in the spectra of individual cluster stars are larger than expected for a scaled-solar abundance system, and it is suggested that these stars have been subject to extra mixing processes. Ca lines weaken with increasing distance from the disk plane in the NGC 55 spectra. Comparisons with models suggest that the red light from NGC 55 is dominated by stars with ages 1 - 2 Gyr, in agreement with star-forming histories (SFHs) obtained from the analysis of CMDs. The NGC 3109 observations sample three different parts of that galaxy but have a low signal-to-noise ratio. Comparisons with models suggest that the light from the NGC 3109 disk at red wavelengths is dominated by RSGs with ages of at most a few tens of Myr, in qualitative agreement with SFHs that are based on photometric measurements.

The stellar contents of six intermediate mass early-type disk galaxies in the Virgo cluster are examined using deep long slit spectra. The isophotal and photometric properties of the galaxies at near- and mid-infrared wavelengths are also examined. Characteristic ages and metallicities are found by making comparisons with the strengths of lines measured from model spectra. The light from the central regions of these galaxies at visible/red wavelengths is not dominated by old populations. Rather, the central regions of four galaxies (NGC 4305, NGC 4306, NGC 4497, and NGC 4620) are dominated by populations with ages ~ 1.5 - 3 Gyr. Centrally-concentrated line emission is found in two of the galaxies (NGC 4491 and NGC 4584), and the relative strengths of Halpha and [SII]6746 are consistent with this emission originating in star-forming regions. The disks of these galaxies are dominated by populations that are at least 1 Gyr older than those near the centers, indicating that the quenching of star formation progressed from large radii inwards, and did not occur over a short timescale., Comment: To appear in the Astronomical Journal

Spectra of the intermediate age star cluster NGC 1978 and the dwarf irregular galaxies NGC 55 and NGC 3109 that span the 0.7 to 1.1um wavelength interval are discussed. The NGC 1978 spectra are used to examine stochastic effects on the integrated red light from an intermediate age cluster. The removal of either the brightest M giant or the brightest C star from the co-added NGC 1978 spectrum has minor effects on the equivalent withs of the Ca triplet. The most robust signature of C stars in the integrated cluster spectrum at these wavelengths is the CN band head near 0.79um. The equivalent widths of Ca triplet lines in the NGC 1978 spectrum and in the spectra of individual cluster stars are larger than expected for a scaled-solar abundance system, and it is suggested that these stars have been subject to extra mixing processes. Ca lines weaken with increasing distance from the disk plane in the NGC 55 spectra. Comparisons with models suggest that the red light from NGC 55 is dominated by stars with ages 1 - 2 Gyr, in agreement with star-forming histories (SFHs) obtained from the analysis of CMDs. The NGC 3109 observations sample three different parts of that galaxy but have a low signal-to-noise ratio. Comparisons with models suggest that the light from the NGC 3109 disk at red wavelengths is dominated by RSGs with ages of at most a few tens of Myr, in qualitative agreement with SFHs that are based on photometric measurements.

Images and spectra recorded with the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph on Gemini South are used to investigate the stellar content of the open cluster Haffner 16. The (i', g'-i') color-magnitude diagram (CMD) constructed from these data samples the cluster main sequence (MS) and 5 magnitudes of the pre-MS (PMS). The isochrones do not track the PMS on the CMD, in the sense that the PMS has a shallower slope on the CMD than predicted by the models. Still, a dip in star counts that is associated with the relaxation of PMS stars onto the MS is identified near i' = 17. The depth and brightness of this feature - as well as the morphology of the cluster MS on the CMD - are matched by models with a slightly sub-solar metallicity that have an age ~ 20 Myr and a distance modulus of 12.3 +/- 0.2. A light profile of Haffner 16 is constructed in the WISE W1 filter which suggests that the cluster is surrounded by a diffuse stellar halo. Spectra are presented of candidate cluster MS and PMS stars selected according to location on the CMD. The spectra show characteristics that are suggestive of a sub-solar metallicity. Halpha emission is common among objects on the PMS locus on the CMD near i' = 18. It is suggested that the location of the Haffner 16 PMS on the CMD is affected by large-scale cool spot activity, likely induced by rapid stellar rotation., Comment: 30 pages total, with 23 figures. The format differs slightly from the published article

Images and spectra of the open cluster NGC 3105 have been obtained with GMOS on Gemini South. The (i', g'-i') color-magnitude diagram (CMD) constructed from these data extends from the brightest cluster members to g'~23. This is 4 - 5 mag fainter than previous CMDs at visible wavelengths and samples cluster members with sub-solar masses. Assuming a half-solar metallicity, comparisons with isochrones yield a distance of 6.6+/-0.3 kpc. An age of at least 32 Myr is found based on the photometric properties of the brightest stars, coupled with the apparent absence of pre-main sequence stars in the lower regions of the CMD. The luminosity function of stars between 50 and 70 arcsec from the cluster center is consistent with a Chabrier lognormal mass function. However, at radii smaller than 50 arcsec there is a higher specific frequency of the most massive main sequence stars than at larger radii. Photometry obtained from archival SPITZER images reveals that some of the brightest stars near NGC 3105 have excess infrared emission, presumably from warm dust envelopes. Halpha emission is detected in a few early-type stars in and around the cluster, building upon previous spectroscopic observations that found Be stars near NGC 3105. The equivalent width of the NaD lines in the spectra of early type stars is consistent with the reddening found from comparisons with isochrones. Stars with i'~18.5 that fall near the cluster main sequence have a spectral-type A5V, and a distance modulus that is consistent with that obtained by comparing isochrones with the CMD is found assuming solar neighborhood intrinsic brightnesses for these stars., Comment: To appear in The Astrophysical Journal

Images and spectra recorded with the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph on Gemini South are used to investigate the stellar content of the open cluster Haffner 16. The (i', g'-i') color-magnitude diagram (CMD) constructed from these data samples the cluster main sequence (MS) and 5 magnitudes of the pre-MS (PMS). The isochrones do not track the PMS on the CMD, in the sense that the PMS has a shallower slope on the CMD than predicted by the models. Still, a dip in star counts that is associated with the relaxation of PMS stars onto the MS is identified near i' = 17. The depth and brightness of this feature - as well as the morphology of the cluster MS on the CMD - are matched by models with a slightly sub-solar metallicity that have an age ~ 20 Myr and a distance modulus of 12.3 +/- 0.2. A light profile of Haffner 16 is constructed in the WISE W1 filter which suggests that the cluster is surrounded by a diffuse stellar halo. Spectra are presented of candidate cluster MS and PMS stars selected according to location on the CMD. The spectra show characteristics that are suggestive of a sub-solar metallicity. Halpha emission is common among objects on the PMS locus on the CMD near i' = 18. It is suggested that the location of the Haffner 16 PMS on the CMD is affected by large-scale cool spot activity, likely induced by rapid stellar rotation., Comment: 30 pages total, with 23 figures. The format differs slightly from the published article

Images and spectra of the open cluster NGC 3105 have been obtained with GMOS on Gemini South. The (i', g'-i') color-magnitude diagram (CMD) constructed from these data extends from the brightest cluster members to g'~23. This is 4 - 5 mag fainter than previous CMDs at visible wavelengths and samples cluster members with sub-solar masses. Assuming a half-solar metallicity, comparisons with isochrones yield a distance of 6.6+/-0.3 kpc. An age of at least 32 Myr is found based on the photometric properties of the brightest stars, coupled with the apparent absence of pre-main sequence stars in the lower regions of the CMD. The luminosity function of stars between 50 and 70 arcsec from the cluster center is consistent with a Chabrier lognormal mass function. However, at radii smaller than 50 arcsec there is a higher specific frequency of the most massive main sequence stars than at larger radii. Photometry obtained from archival SPITZER images reveals that some of the brightest stars near NGC 3105 have excess infrared emission, presumably from warm dust envelopes. Halpha emission is detected in a few early-type stars in and around the cluster, building upon previous spectroscopic observations that found Be stars near NGC 3105. The equivalent width of the NaD lines in the spectra of early type stars is consistent with the reddening found from comparisons with isochrones. Stars with i'~18.5 that fall near the cluster main sequence have a spectral-type A5V, and a distance modulus that is consistent with that obtained by comparing isochrones with the CMD is found assuming solar neighborhood intrinsic brightnesses for these stars., Comment: To appear in The Astrophysical Journal

We discuss images of the star clusters GLIMPSE C01 (GC01) and GLIMPSE C02 (GC02) that were recorded with the Subaru IRCS. Distortions in the wavefront were corrected with the RAVEN adaptive optics (AO) science demonstrator, allowing individual stars in the central regions of both clusters -- where the fractional contamination from non-cluster objects is lowest -- to be imaged. In addition to J, H, and K' images, both clusters were observed through a narrow-band filter centered near 3.05um; GC01 was also observed through two other narrow-band filters that sample longer wavelengths. Stars in the narrow-band images have a FWHM that is close to the telescope diffraction limit, demonstrating that open loop AO systems like RAVEN can deliver exceptional image quality. The near-infrared color magnitude diagram of GC01 is smeared by non-uniform extinction with a dispersion +/- 0.13 magnitudes in A_K. The Red Clump is identified in the K luminosity function (LF) of GC01, and a distance modulus of 13.6 is found. The K LF of GC01 is consistent with a system that is dominated by stars with an age > 1 Gyr. As for GC02, the K LF is flat for K > 16, and the absence of a sub-giant branch argues against an old age if the cluster is at a distance of ~ 7 kpc. Archival SPITZER [3.6] and [4.5] images of the clusters are also examined, and the red giant branch-tip is identified., Comment: To appear in the Astronomical Journal

We present the first results from an extended survey of the Andromeda galaxy (M31) using 41.1 h of observations by Spitzer-IRAC at 3.6 and 4.5$\,\mu$m. This survey extends previous observations to the outer disc and halo, covering total lengths of 4$.\!\!^\circ$4 and 6$.\!\!^\circ$6 along the minor and major axes, respectively. We have produced surface brightness profiles by combining the integrated light from background-corrected maps with stellar counts from a new catalogue of point sources. Using auxiliary catalogues we have carried out a statistical analysis in colour-magnitude space to discriminate M31 objects from foreground Milky Way stars and background galaxies. The catalogue includes 426,529 sources, of which 66 per cent have been assigned probability values to identify M31 objects with magnitude depths of [3.6]$\,=\,$19.0$\,\pm\,$0.2, [4.5]$\,=\,$18.7$\,\pm\,$0.2. We discuss applications of our data for constraining the stellar mass and characterising point sources in the outer radii., Comment: 12 pages, 9 figures, 5 tables; Updated to match published version; minor revisions from v1

We discuss integral field spectra of the compact star-forming complex that is the brightest near-infrared (NIR) source in the central regions of the starburst galaxy NGC 253. The spectra cover the H and K passbands and were recorded with the Gemini NIR Spectrograph during sub-arcsec seeing conditions. Absorption features in the spectrum of the star-forming complex are weaker than in the surroundings. An absorption feature is found near 1.78um that coincides with the location of a C2 bandhead. Emission lines of Brgamma, [FeII], and HeI2.06um do not track the NIR continuum light. Pockets of star-forming activity that do not have associated concentrations of red supergiants, and so likely have ages < 8 Myr, are found along the western edge of the complex, and there is evidence that one such pocket contains a rich population of Wolf-Rayet stars. Unless the star-forming complex is significantly more metal-poor than the surroundings, then a significant fraction of its total mass is in stars with ages < 8 Myr. If the present-day star formation rate is maintained then the time scale to double its stellar mass ranges from a few Myr to a few tens of Myr, depending on the contribution made by stars older than ~ 8 Myr. If -- as suggested by some studies -- the star-forming complex is centered on the galaxy nucleus, then the nucleus of NGC 253 is currently experiencing a phase of rapid growth in its stellar mass., Comment: To appear in the Astrophysical Journal

We discuss images of the star clusters GLIMPSE C01 (GC01) and GLIMPSE C02 (GC02) that were recorded with the Subaru IRCS. Distortions in the wavefront were corrected with the RAVEN adaptive optics (AO) science demonstrator, allowing individual stars in the central regions of both clusters -- where the fractional contamination from non-cluster objects is lowest -- to be imaged. In addition to J, H, and K' images, both clusters were observed through a narrow-band filter centered near 3.05um; GC01 was also observed through two other narrow-band filters that sample longer wavelengths. Stars in the narrow-band images have a FWHM that is close to the telescope diffraction limit, demonstrating that open loop AO systems like RAVEN can deliver exceptional image quality. The near-infrared color magnitude diagram of GC01 is smeared by non-uniform extinction with a dispersion +/- 0.13 magnitudes in A_K. The Red Clump is identified in the K luminosity function (LF) of GC01, and a distance modulus of 13.6 is found. The K LF of GC01 is consistent with a system that is dominated by stars with an age > 1 Gyr. As for GC02, the K LF is flat for K > 16, and the absence of a sub-giant branch argues against an old age if the cluster is at a distance of ~ 7 kpc. Archival SPITZER [3.6] and [4.5] images of the clusters are also examined, and the red giant branch-tip is identified., Comment: To appear in the Astronomical Journal

We present the first results from an extended survey of the Andromeda galaxy (M31) using 41.1 h of observations by Spitzer-IRAC at 3.6 and 4.5$\,\mu$m. This survey extends previous observations to the outer disc and halo, covering total lengths of 4$.\!\!^\circ$4 and 6$.\!\!^\circ$6 along the minor and major axes, respectively. We have produced surface brightness profiles by combining the integrated light from background-corrected maps with stellar counts from a new catalogue of point sources. Using auxiliary catalogues we have carried out a statistical analysis in colour-magnitude space to discriminate M31 objects from foreground Milky Way stars and background galaxies. The catalogue includes 426,529 sources, of which 66 per cent have been assigned probability values to identify M31 objects with magnitude depths of [3.6]$\,=\,$19.0$\,\pm\,$0.2, [4.5]$\,=\,$18.7$\,\pm\,$0.2. We discuss applications of our data for constraining the stellar mass and characterising point sources in the outer radii., Comment: 12 pages, 9 figures, 5 tables; Updated to match published version; minor revisions from v1

We discuss integral field spectra of the compact star-forming complex that is the brightest near-infrared (NIR) source in the central regions of the starburst galaxy NGC 253. The spectra cover the H and K passbands and were recorded with the Gemini NIR Spectrograph during sub-arcsec seeing conditions. Absorption features in the spectrum of the star-forming complex are weaker than in the surroundings. An absorption feature is found near 1.78um that coincides with the location of a C2 bandhead. Emission lines of Brgamma, [FeII], and HeI2.06um do not track the NIR continuum light. Pockets of star-forming activity that do not have associated concentrations of red supergiants, and so likely have ages < 8 Myr, are found along the western edge of the complex, and there is evidence that one such pocket contains a rich population of Wolf-Rayet stars. Unless the star-forming complex is significantly more metal-poor than the surroundings, then a significant fraction of its total mass is in stars with ages < 8 Myr. If the present-day star formation rate is maintained then the time scale to double its stellar mass ranges from a few Myr to a few tens of Myr, depending on the contribution made by stars older than ~ 8 Myr. If -- as suggested by some studies -- the star-forming complex is centered on the galaxy nucleus, then the nucleus of NGC 253 is currently experiencing a phase of rapid growth in its stellar mass., Comment: To appear in the Astrophysical Journal

Images obtained with the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph on Gemini South are used to examine the photometric properties and spatial distributions of main sequence (MS) and pre-main sequence (PMS) objects in the star cluster NGC 2401. The data sample several magnitudes fainter than previous studies, and a large population of candidate PMS (cPMS) stars are identified. The cPMS stars are traced out to 2.4 arcmin from the cluster center, and have a flatter spatial distribution than the brightest MS stars near the cluster center. The luminosity function of all MS and candidate PMS stars can be matched by a model that assumes a solar neighborhood mass function, suggesting that NGC 2401 has not yet shed significant numbers of members with masses in excess of 0.5 solar. The frequency of wide binaries among the MS stars is ~3 times higher than among the cPMS stars. It is argued that the difference in the spatial distributions of MS and PMS objects is not the consequence of secular dynamical evolution or structural evolution driven by near-catastrophic mass loss. Rather, it is suggested that the different spatial distributions of these objects is the fossil imprint of primordial sub-clustering that arises naturally if massive stars form preferentially in the highest density central regions of a protocluster., Comment: To appear in the PASP

Near-infrared (NIR) spectra that have an angular resolution of ~ 0.15 arcsec are used to examine the stellar content of the central regions of the nearby elliptical galaxy Maffei 1. The spectra were recorded at the Subaru Telescope, with wavefront distortions corrected by the RAVEN Multi-Object Adaptive Optics science demonstrator. The Ballick-Ramsey C_2 absorption bandhead near 1.76 microns is detected, and models in which 10 - 20% of the light near 1.8 microns originates from stars of spectral type C5 reproduce this feature. Archival NIR and mid-infrared images are also used to probe the structural and photometric properties of the galaxy. Comparisons with models suggest that an intermediate age population dominates the spectral energy distribution between 1 and 5 microns near the galaxy center. This is consistent not only with the presence of C stars, but also with the large HBeta index that has been measured previously for Maffei 1. The J-K color is more-or-less constant within 15 arcsec of the galaxy center, suggesting that the brightest red stars are well-mixed in this area., Comment: To appear in The Astrophysical Journal

Near-infrared (NIR) spectra that have an angular resolution of ~ 0.15 arcsec are used to examine the stellar content of the central regions of the nearby elliptical galaxy Maffei 1. The spectra were recorded at the Subaru Telescope, with wavefront distortions corrected by the RAVEN Multi-Object Adaptive Optics science demonstrator. The Ballick-Ramsey C_2 absorption bandhead near 1.76 microns is detected, and models in which 10 - 20% of the light near 1.8 microns originates from stars of spectral type C5 reproduce this feature. Archival NIR and mid-infrared images are also used to probe the structural and photometric properties of the galaxy. Comparisons with models suggest that an intermediate age population dominates the spectral energy distribution between 1 and 5 microns near the galaxy center. This is consistent not only with the presence of C stars, but also with the large HBeta index that has been measured previously for Maffei 1. The J-K color is more-or-less constant within 15 arcsec of the galaxy center, suggesting that the brightest red stars are well-mixed in this area., Comment: To appear in The Astrophysical Journal

Images obtained with the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph on Gemini South are used to examine the photometric properties and spatial distributions of main sequence (MS) and pre-main sequence (PMS) objects in the star cluster NGC 2401. The data sample several magnitudes fainter than previous studies, and a large population of candidate PMS (cPMS) stars are identified. The cPMS stars are traced out to 2.4 arcmin from the cluster center, and have a flatter spatial distribution than the brightest MS stars near the cluster center. The luminosity function of all MS and candidate PMS stars can be matched by a model that assumes a solar neighborhood mass function, suggesting that NGC 2401 has not yet shed significant numbers of members with masses in excess of 0.5 solar. The frequency of wide binaries among the MS stars is ~3 times higher than among the cPMS stars. It is argued that the difference in the spatial distributions of MS and PMS objects is not the consequence of secular dynamical evolution or structural evolution driven by near-catastrophic mass loss. Rather, it is suggested that the different spatial distributions of these objects is the fossil imprint of primordial sub-clustering that arises naturally if massive stars form preferentially in the highest density central regions of a protocluster., Comment: To appear in the PASP

Long slit spectra recorded with GMOS on Gemini South are used to examine the star-forming history of the lenticular galaxy NGC 5102. Structural and supplemental photometric information are obtained from archival Spitzer [3.6] images. Comparisons with model spectra point to luminosity-weighted metallicities that are consistent with the colors of resolved red giant branch stars in the disk. The nucleus has a luminosity-weighted age at visible wavelengths of ~1 Gyr, and the integrated light is dominated by stars that formed over a time period of only a few hundred Myr. For comparison, the luminosity-weighted ages of the bulge and disk are ~2 Gyr and ~10 Gyr, respectively. The g'-[3.6] colors of the nucleus and bulge are consistent with the spectroscopically-based ages. In contrast to the nucleus, models that assume star-forming activity spanning many Gyr provide a better match to the spectra of the bulge and disk than simple stellar population models. Isophotes in the bulge have a disky shape, hinting that the bulge was assembled from material with significant rotational support. The star-forming histories of the bulge and disk are consistent with the bulge forming from the collapse of a long-lived bar, and it is suggested that the progenitor of NGC 5102 was a barred disk galaxy that morphed into a lenticular galaxy through the buckling of its bar., Comment: To appear in the Astrophysical Journal

The properties of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars in the Local Group galaxy M32 are investigated using ground and space-based observations that span the 1 - 8um wavelength interval, with the goal of demonstrating the utility of infrared observations as probes of stellar content. Comparisons with isochrones indicate that the brightest resolved stars in M32 have ages of a few Gyr, and are younger on average than AGB stars with the same intrinsic brightness in the outer disk of M31. Accounting for stellar variability is shown to be essential for modelling AGB luminosity functions (LFs). Model LFs that assume the star-forming history measured by Monachesi et al. (2012, ApJ, 745, 97) and the variability properties of Galactic AGB stars match both the K and [5.8] LFs of M32. Models also suggest that the slope of the [5.8] LF between M_[5.8] = -8.5 and --10.0 is sensitive to the mix of stellar ages, and a sizeable fraction of the stars in M32 must have an age older than 7 Gyr in order to match the [5.8] LF. The structural properties of M32 in the infrared are also investigated. The effective radii that are computed from near-infrared and mid-infrared isophotes are similar to those measured at visible wavelengths, suggesting that the stellar content of M32 is well-mixed. However, isophotes at radii > 16 arcsec (> 60 parsecs) in the near and mid-infrared are flatter than those at visible wavelengths. The coefficient of the fourth-order cosine term in the fourier expansion of isophotes changes from `boxy' values at r < 16 arcsec to `disky' values at r > 48 arcsec in [3.6] and [4.5]. The mid-infrared colors near the center of M32 do not vary systematically with radius, providing evidence of a well-mixed stellar content in this part of the galaxy., Comment: To appear in The Astrophysical Journal

Observations of Galactic star clusters and objects in nearby moving groups recorded with Adaptive Optics (AO) systems on Gemini South are discussed. These include observations of open and globular clusters with the GeMS system, and high Strehl L' observations of the moving group member Sirius obtained with NICI. The latter data fail to reveal a brown dwarf companion with a mass in excess of 0.02 solar in an 18 x 18 arcsec^2 area around Sirius A. Potential future directions for AO studies of nearby star clusters and groups with systems on large telescopes are also presented., Comment: Invited review SPIE 9148-11; to appear in SPIE Proceedings

Images recorded with the Gemini South Adaptive Optics Imager (GSAOI) and corrected for atmospheric seeing by the Gemini Multiconjugate Adaptive Optics System (GeMS) are used to investigate the stellar contents of the young outer Galactic disk clusters Haffner 17, NGC 2401, and NGC 3105. Ages estimated from the faint end of the main sequence (MS) and the ridgeline of the pre-main sequence (PMS) on the (K, J-K) color-magnitude diagrams are consistent with published values that are based on the MS turn-off, with the GSAOI data favoring the younger end of the age range for NGC 2401 in the literature. The mass function (MF) of NGC 2401 is similar to that in the Solar neighborhood, and stars spanning a wide range of masses in this cluster have similar clustering properties on the sky. It is concluded that NGC 2401 is not evolved dynamically. In contrast, the MF of Haffner 17 differs significantly from that in the Solar neighborhood over all masses covered by these data, while the MF of NGC 3105 is deficient in objects with sub-solar masses when compared with the Solar neighborhood. Low mass objects in Haffner 17 and NGC 3105 are also more uniformly distributed on the sky than brighter, more massive, MS stars. This is consistent with both clusters having experienced significant dynamical evolution., Comment: ApJ in press

Long slit spectra recorded with GMOS on Gemini South are used to examine the star-forming history of the lenticular galaxy NGC 5102. Structural and supplemental photometric information are obtained from archival Spitzer [3.6] images. Comparisons with model spectra point to luminosity-weighted metallicities that are consistent with the colors of resolved red giant branch stars in the disk. The nucleus has a luminosity-weighted age at visible wavelengths of ~1 Gyr, and the integrated light is dominated by stars that formed over a time period of only a few hundred Myr. For comparison, the luminosity-weighted ages of the bulge and disk are ~2 Gyr and ~10 Gyr, respectively. The g'-[3.6] colors of the nucleus and bulge are consistent with the spectroscopically-based ages. In contrast to the nucleus, models that assume star-forming activity spanning many Gyr provide a better match to the spectra of the bulge and disk than simple stellar population models. Isophotes in the bulge have a disky shape, hinting that the bulge was assembled from material with significant rotational support. The star-forming histories of the bulge and disk are consistent with the bulge forming from the collapse of a long-lived bar, and it is suggested that the progenitor of NGC 5102 was a barred disk galaxy that morphed into a lenticular galaxy through the buckling of its bar., Comment: To appear in the Astrophysical Journal

Observations of Galactic star clusters and objects in nearby moving groups recorded with Adaptive Optics (AO) systems on Gemini South are discussed. These include observations of open and globular clusters with the GeMS system, and high Strehl L' observations of the moving group member Sirius obtained with NICI. The latter data fail to reveal a brown dwarf companion with a mass in excess of 0.02 solar in an 18 x 18 arcsec^2 area around Sirius A. Potential future directions for AO studies of nearby star clusters and groups with systems on large telescopes are also presented., Comment: Invited review SPIE 9148-11; to appear in SPIE Proceedings

The properties of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars in the Local Group galaxy M32 are investigated using ground and space-based observations that span the 1 - 8um wavelength interval, with the goal of demonstrating the utility of infrared observations as probes of stellar content. Comparisons with isochrones indicate that the brightest resolved stars in M32 have ages of a few Gyr, and are younger on average than AGB stars with the same intrinsic brightness in the outer disk of M31. Accounting for stellar variability is shown to be essential for modelling AGB luminosity functions (LFs). Model LFs that assume the star-forming history measured by Monachesi et al. (2012, ApJ, 745, 97) and the variability properties of Galactic AGB stars match both the K and [5.8] LFs of M32. Models also suggest that the slope of the [5.8] LF between M_[5.8] = -8.5 and --10.0 is sensitive to the mix of stellar ages, and a sizeable fraction of the stars in M32 must have an age older than 7 Gyr in order to match the [5.8] LF. The structural properties of M32 in the infrared are also investigated. The effective radii that are computed from near-infrared and mid-infrared isophotes are similar to those measured at visible wavelengths, suggesting that the stellar content of M32 is well-mixed. However, isophotes at radii > 16 arcsec (> 60 parsecs) in the near and mid-infrared are flatter than those at visible wavelengths. The coefficient of the fourth-order cosine term in the fourier expansion of isophotes changes from `boxy' values at r < 16 arcsec to `disky' values at r > 48 arcsec in [3.6] and [4.5]. The mid-infrared colors near the center of M32 do not vary systematically with radius, providing evidence of a well-mixed stellar content in this part of the galaxy., Comment: To appear in The Astrophysical Journal

Images recorded with the Gemini South Adaptive Optics Imager (GSAOI) and corrected for atmospheric seeing by the Gemini Multiconjugate Adaptive Optics System (GeMS) are used to investigate the stellar contents of the young outer Galactic disk clusters Haffner 17, NGC 2401, and NGC 3105. Ages estimated from the faint end of the main sequence (MS) and the ridgeline of the pre-main sequence (PMS) on the (K, J-K) color-magnitude diagrams are consistent with published values that are based on the MS turn-off, with the GSAOI data favoring the younger end of the age range for NGC 2401 in the literature. The mass function (MF) of NGC 2401 is similar to that in the Solar neighborhood, and stars spanning a wide range of masses in this cluster have similar clustering properties on the sky. It is concluded that NGC 2401 is not evolved dynamically. In contrast, the MF of Haffner 17 differs significantly from that in the Solar neighborhood over all masses covered by these data, while the MF of NGC 3105 is deficient in objects with sub-solar masses when compared with the Solar neighborhood. Low mass objects in Haffner 17 and NGC 3105 are also more uniformly distributed on the sky than brighter, more massive, MS stars. This is consistent with both clusters having experienced significant dynamical evolution., Comment: ApJ in press

The photometric properties of main sequence (MS) and pre-main sequence (PMS) stars in the young cluster Haffner 16 are examined using images recorded with the Gemini South Adaptive Optics Imager (GSAOI) and corrected for atmospheric blurring by the Gemini Multi-Conjugate Adapative Optics System (GeMS). A rich population of PMS stars is identified, and comparisons with isochrones suggest an age < 10 Myr assuming a distance modulus of 13.5 (D = 5 kpc). When compared with the solar neighborhood, Haffner 16 is roughly a factor of two deficient in objects with sub-solar masses. PMS objects in the cluster are also more uniformly distributed on the sky than bright MS stars. It is suggested that Haffner 16 is dynamically evolved, and that it is shedding protostars with sub-solar masses. Young low mass clusters like Haffner 16 are one possible source of PMS stars in the field. The cluster will probably evolve on time scales of ~ 100 - 1000 Myr into a diffuse moving group with a mass function that is very different from that which prevailed early in its life., Comment: To appear in the Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific

The stellar content of the open cluster NGC 2437 (Messier 46) is investigated using moderately deep u*,g', and r' MegaCam images. When compared with solar metallicity isochrones, the (g', u'-g') and (r', g'-r') CMDs are consistent with an age log(t_yr) = 8.35 +/- 0.15, a distance modulus 11.05 +/- 0.05, and a color excess E(B-V) = 0.115 +/- 0.035. The r' luminosity function (LF) of main sequence stars in the magnitude range r' < 17 (i.e. masses > 0.8 solar) has a shape that follows solar neighborhood star counts. However, at fainter magnitudes the cluster LF is flat, in contrast with what would be expected from solar neighborhood counts. The clustering properties of stars in NGC 2437 are investigated by examining the two-point angular correlation functions of main sequence stars in different brightness ranges. Main sequence stars fainter than r' = 17 are less centrally concentrated than brighter stars and are found over a larger area of the sky, suggesting that there is a corona of faint main sequence stars around NGC 2437. Based on the flat LF and extended spatial distribution of faint stars, it is concluded that NGC 2437 is actively shedding stars with masses < 0.8 solar., Comment: To appear in the PASP

The photometric properties of main sequence (MS) and pre-main sequence (PMS) stars in the young cluster Haffner 16 are examined using images recorded with the Gemini South Adaptive Optics Imager (GSAOI) and corrected for atmospheric blurring by the Gemini

The photometric properties of main sequence (MS) and pre-main sequence (PMS) stars in the young cluster Haffner 16 are examined using images recorded with the Gemini South Adaptive Optics Imager (GSAOI) and corrected for atmospheric blurring by the Gemini Multi-Conjugate Adapative Optics System (GeMS). A rich population of PMS stars is identified, and comparisons with isochrones suggest an age < 10 Myr assuming a distance modulus of 13.5 (D = 5 kpc). When compared with the solar neighborhood, Haffner 16 is roughly a factor of two deficient in objects with sub-solar masses. PMS objects in the cluster are also more uniformly distributed on the sky than bright MS stars. It is suggested that Haffner 16 is dynamically evolved, and that it is shedding protostars with sub-solar masses. Young low mass clusters like Haffner 16 are one possible source of PMS stars in the field. The cluster will probably evolve on time scales of ~ 100 - 1000 Myr into a diffuse moving group with a mass function that is very different from that which prevailed early in its life., Comment: To appear in the Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific

The stellar content of the open cluster NGC 2437 (Messier 46) is investigated using moderately deep u*,g', and r' MegaCam images. When compared with solar metallicity isochrones, the (g', u'-g') and (r', g'-r') CMDs are consistent with an age log(t_yr) = 8.35 +/- 0.15, a distance modulus 11.05 +/- 0.05, and a color excess E(B-V) = 0.115 +/- 0.035. The r' luminosity function (LF) of main sequence stars in the magnitude range r' < 17 (i.e. masses > 0.8 solar) has a shape that follows solar neighborhood star counts. However, at fainter magnitudes the cluster LF is flat, in contrast with what would be expected from solar neighborhood counts. The clustering properties of stars in NGC 2437 are investigated by examining the two-point angular correlation functions of main sequence stars in different brightness ranges. Main sequence stars fainter than r' = 17 are less centrally concentrated than brighter stars and are found over a larger area of the sky, suggesting that there is a corona of faint main sequence stars around NGC 2437. Based on the flat LF and extended spatial distribution of faint stars, it is concluded that NGC 2437 is actively shedding stars with masses < 0.8 solar., Comment: To appear in the PASP

The stellar contents of the open clusters King 12, NGC 7788, and NGC 7790 are investigated using MegaCam images. Comparisons with isochrones yield an age < 20 Myr for King 12, 20--40 Myr for NGC 7788, and 60 -- 80 Myr for NGC 7790 based on the properties of stars near the main sequence turn-off (MSTO) in each cluster. The reddening of NGC 7788 is much larger than previously estimated. The luminosity functions (LFs) of King 12 and NGC 7788 show breaks that are attributed to the onset of pre-main sequence (PMS) objects, and comparisons with models of PMS evolution yield ages that are consistent with those measured from stars near the MSTO. In contrast, the r' LF of main sequence stars in NGC 7790 is matched to r' = 20 by a model that is based on the solar neighborhood mass function. The structural properties of all three clusters are investigated by examining the two-point angular correlation function of blue main sequence stars. King 12 and NGC 7788 are each surrounded by a stellar halo that extends out to 5 arcmin (~ 3.4 parsecs) radius. It is suggested that these halos form in response to large-scale mass ejection early in the evolution of the clusters, as predicted by models. In contrast, blue main sequence stars in NGC 7790 are traced out to a radius of ~ 7.5 arcmin, with no evidence of a halo. It is suggested that all three clusters may have originated in the same star-forming complex, but not in the same giant molecular cloud., Comment: Astrophysical Journal, in press

We examine the star-forming history (SFH) of the M31 disk during the past few hundred Myr. The luminosity functions (LFs) of main sequence stars at distances R_GC > 21 kpc (i.e. > 4 disk scale lengths) are matched by models that assume a constant star formation rate (SFR). However, at smaller R_GC the LFs suggest that during the past ~10 Myr the SFR was 2 - 3 times higher than during the preceding ~100 Myr. The rings of cool gas that harbor a significant fraction of the current star-forming activity are traced by stars with ages ~100 Myr, indicating that (1) these structures have ages of at least 100 Myr, and (2) stars in these structures do not follow the same relation between age and random velocity as their counterparts throughout the disks of other spiral galaxies, probably due to the inherently narrow orbital angular momentum distribution of the giant molecular clouds in these structures. The distribution of evolved red stars is not azimuthally symmetric, in the sense that their projected density along the north east segment of the major axis is roughly twice that on the opposite side of the galaxy. The north east arm of the major axis thus appears to be a fossil star-forming area that dates to intermediate epochs. Such a structure may be the consequence of interactions with a companion galaxy., Comment: To appear in The Astrophysical Journal

The properties of a stellar grouping that is ~ 3.5 kpc to the north east of the center of M31 is examined. This structure has (1) a surface brightness that is lower than the surrounding disk, (2) a more-or-less round appearance, (3) a size of ~ 300 arcsec (~ 1 kpc), and (4) an integrated brightness M_K = 6.5. It is populated by stars with ages > 100 Myr and J-K colors that tend to be bluer than those of stars in the surrounding disk. Comparisons with model luminosity functions suggest that the star formation rate in this object has changed twice in the past few hundred Myr. Fitting a Sersic function to the light profile reveals a power-law index and effective surface brightness that are similar to those of dwarf galaxies with the same integrated brightness. Two possible origins for this object are considered: (1) it is a heretofore undiscovered satellite of M31 that is seen against/in/through the M31 disk, or (2) it is a fossil star-forming region in the M31 disk., Comment: To appear in The Astrophysical Journal Letters

We examine the star-forming history (SFH) of the M31 disk during the past few hundred Myr. The luminosity functions (LFs) of main sequence stars at distances R_GC > 21 kpc (i.e. > 4 disk scale lengths) are matched by models that assume a constant star formation rate (SFR). However, at smaller R_GC the LFs suggest that during the past ~10 Myr the SFR was 2 - 3 times higher than during the preceding ~100 Myr. The rings of cool gas that harbor a significant fraction of the current star-forming activity are traced by stars with ages ~100 Myr, indicating that (1) these structures have ages of at least 100 Myr, and (2) stars in these structures do not follow the same relation between age and random velocity as their counterparts throughout the disks of other spiral galaxies, probably due to the inherently narrow orbital angular momentum distribution of the giant molecular clouds in these structures. The distribution of evolved red stars is not azimuthally symmetric, in the sense that their projected density along the north east segment of the major axis is roughly twice that on the opposite side of the galaxy. The north east arm of the major axis thus appears to be a fossil star-forming area that dates to intermediate epochs. Such a structure may be the consequence of interactions with a companion galaxy., Comment: To appear in The Astrophysical Journal

The properties of a stellar grouping that is ~ 3.5 kpc to the north east of the center of M31 is examined. This structure has (1) a surface brightness that is lower than the surrounding disk, (2) a more-or-less round appearance, (3) a size of ~ 300 arcsec (~ 1 kpc), and (4) an integrated brightness M_K = 6.5. It is populated by stars with ages > 100 Myr and J-K colors that tend to be bluer than those of stars in the surrounding disk. Comparisons with model luminosity functions suggest that the star formation rate in this object has changed twice in the past few hundred Myr. Fitting a Sersic function to the light profile reveals a power-law index and effective surface brightness that are similar to those of dwarf galaxies with the same integrated brightness. Two possible origins for this object are considered: (1) it is a heretofore undiscovered satellite of M31 that is seen against/in/through the M31 disk, or (2) it is a fossil star-forming region in the M31 disk., Comment: To appear in The Astrophysical Journal Letters

The stellar contents of the open clusters King 12, NGC 7788, and NGC 7790 are investigated using MegaCam images. Comparisons with isochrones yield an age < 20 Myr for King 12, 20--40 Myr for NGC 7788, and 60 -- 80 Myr for NGC 7790 based on the properties of stars near the main sequence turn-off (MSTO) in each cluster. The reddening of NGC 7788 is much larger than previously estimated. The luminosity functions (LFs) of King 12 and NGC 7788 show breaks that are attributed to the onset of pre-main sequence (PMS) objects, and comparisons with models of PMS evolution yield ages that are consistent with those measured from stars near the MSTO. In contrast, the r' LF of main sequence stars in NGC 7790 is matched to r' = 20 by a model that is based on the solar neighborhood mass function. The structural properties of all three clusters are investigated by examining the two-point angular correlation function of blue main sequence stars. King 12 and NGC 7788 are each surrounded by a stellar halo that extends out to 5 arcmin (~ 3.4 parsecs) radius. It is suggested that these halos form in response to large-scale mass ejection early in the evolution of the clusters, as predicted by models. In contrast, blue main sequence stars in NGC 7790 are traced out to a radius of ~ 7.5 arcmin, with no evidence of a halo. It is suggested that all three clusters may have originated in the same star-forming complex, but not in the same giant molecular cloud., Comment: Astrophysical Journal, in press