The OmegaWhite survey for short-period variable stars – VI. Open clusters

Abstract

Using light curves with ∼3 min cadence and a duration of 2 hrs made using the OmegaWhite survey, we present the results of a search for short-period variable stars in the field of 20 open clusters. We identified 92 variable stars in these fields. Using a range of cluster member catalogues and Gaia EDR3 data, we have determined that 10 are cluster members and 2 more are probable members. Based on their position on the Gaia HRD and their photometric periods, we find that most of these are δ Sct stars. We obtained low-resolution optical spectroscopy of some of these cluster members and field stars. We discuss the cluster variable stars in the context of δ Sct stars in other open clusters.