Kinematics of the Local Spiral Structure Revealed by Young Stars in Gaia DR3

Abstract

Abstract Using young open clusters and O–B2-type stars in Gaia Data Release 3, we investigate the kinematics of the local spiral structure. In general, the young sources in the outer spiral arms may present larger peculiar motions than those in the inner spiral arms. The young open clusters appear to have smaller peculiar motions than the O–B2-type stars, and the sources in both the Perseus and Local Arms may show an inward motion toward the Galactic center and rotate slower than Galactic rotation. Meanwhile, the sources in the Carina Arm may move in the opposite direction from the Sun to the Galactic center and rotate marginally faster than Galactic rotation. In addition, using young open clusters and O–B2-type stars, we have improved the distance estimations of kinematic methods for several regions near the Sun.