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Description
A fine structure related to the kinematic peculiarities of three components of the Scorpius-Centaurus association (LCC = Lower Centaurus-Crux, UCL = Upper Centaurus-Lupus, and US = Upper Scorpius) has been revealed in the UV-velocity distribution of Gould Belt stars. We have been able to identify the most likely members of these groups by applying the method of analyzing the two-dimensional probability density function of stellar UV velocities that we developed. A kinematic analysis of the identified structural components has shown that, in general, the center-of-mass motion of the LCC, UCL, and US groups follows the motion characteristic of the Gould Belt, notably its expansion. The entire Scorpius-Centaurus complex is shown to possess a proper expansion with an angular velocity parameter of 46+/-8km/s/kpc for the kinematic center with l_0_=-40{deg} and R_0_=110pc found. Based on this velocity, we have estimated the characteristic expansion time of the complex to be 21+/-4Myr. The proper rotation velocity of the Scorpius-Centaurus complex is lower in magnitude, is determined less reliably, and depends markedly on the data quality.
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