In the last decades, the early pre main sequence stellar rotational evolution
picture has been constrained by studies targeting different young regions at a
variety of ages. Observational studies suggest a mass-rotation dependence, and
for some mass ranges a connection between rotation and the presence of a
circumstellar disk. Not still fully explored, though, is the role of
environmental conditions on the rotational regulation.
We investigate the rotational properties of candidate members of the young
massive association Cygnus OB2. The Stetson variability index, Lomb-Scargle
periodogram, Saunders statistics, string/rope length method, and visual
verification of folded light curves were applied to select 1224 periodic
variable stars. Completeness and contamination of the periodic sample was
derived from Monte Carlo simulations, out of which 894 periods were considered
reliable. Our study was considered reasonably complete for periods from 2 to 30
days.
The general rotational scenario seen in other young regions is confirmed by
Cygnus OB2 period distributions, with disked stars rotating on average slower
than non-disked stars. A mass-rotation dependence was also verified, but as in
NGC 6530, lower mass stars are rotating on average slower than higher mass
stars, with an excess of slow rotators among the lower mass population. The
effect of the environment on the rotational properties of the association was
investigated by re-analysing the results while taking into account the incident
UV radiation arising from O stars in the association. Results compatible with
the disk-locking scenario were verified for stars with low UV incidence, but no
statistical significant relation between rotation and disk presence was
verified for stars with high UV incidence suggesting that massive stars can
have an important role on regulating the rotation of nearby low mass stars.Comment: Submitted on December 23, 201