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The answer is negative.

  • A space $X$ is star countable if for every open cover $\cal U$, there is a countable subset $Y\subset X$ such that $\bigcup\{U\in {\cal U}\mid U\cap Y\neq\emptyset\}=X$.

  • The space $X$ has calibre $\aleph_1$ if for every uncountable list of nonempty open sets $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\lt\omega_1$, there is an uncountable sublist $I_0\subset \omega_1$, such that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_0}U_\alpha\neq\emptyset$.

According to corollary 1.34 of the paper On the extent of star-countable spaces, it is claimed that $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ is not star countable for sufficiently large cardinals $\kappa$.

Meanwhile, let's argue that $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ has calibre $\aleph_1$. In fact, it suffices to argue that the class of spaces with calibre $\aleph_1$ is closed under arbitrary products. And I have now revised my answer to give the proof of this more general fact, which Henno says in the comments is well-known (and he evidently runs in quality circles).

Theorem. The product $\Pi_{i\in I}X_i$ of any family of spaces $X_i$ with calibre $\aleph_1$ has calibre $\aleph_1$.

Proof. First, note that finite products of calibre $\aleph_1$ spaces has calibre $\aleph_1$ by the argument given in this MO question on finite products of calibre $\aleph_1$this MO question on finite products of calibre $\aleph_1$. Suppose that $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\lt\omega_1$ is an uncountable family of open sets in the product. By shrinking the sets, we may assume without loss of generality that each $U_\alpha$ is a basic open set, having some finite support $I_\alpha\subset I$. If uncountably many $U_\alpha$ have the same finite support $J$, then by since $\prod_{i\in J}X_i$ is a finite product and hence has calibre $\aleph_1$, it follows that there is an uncountable subfamily of these $U_\alpha$ with nonempty intersection, witnessing this instance of calibre $\aleph_1$ for the product. So we are left with the case where there are uncountably many different supports appearing for the supports of the various $U_\alpha$. Thus, we have an uncountable family of finite sets $I_\alpha$. By the $\Delta$-system lemma, there is an uncountable subfamily $I_0\subset \omega_1$, such that the supports of $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\in I_0$ form a $\Delta$-system with finite root $J_0$, meaning that any two such supports intersect exactly to $J_0$. Since again $\prod_{i\in J_0}X_i$ has calibre $\aleph_1$, it follows that there is an uncountable subfamily $I_1\subset I_0$ such that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_1}U_\alpha\upharpoonright J_0$ is not empty. Since it is a $\Delta$-system, it also follows that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_1}U_\alpha$ is not empty in the original space, since the remaining parts of the supports do not conflict with each other, and so $\prod_{i\in I}X_i$ has calibre $\aleph_1$, as desired. QED

In particular, $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ has calibre $\aleph_1$, but is not star countable, thereby answering the first (original) question.

Perhaps $\mathbb{N}^\kappa$ for uncountable $\kappa$ may be a simpler counterexample, since the theorem also shows it to have calibre $\aleph_1$, and we know at least that it is not Lindelöf by the argument of this MO question on Linedelöfness and compactnessthis MO question on Linedelöfness and compactness. Is it star-countable? I'm not currently sure, but if not, then it may be a simpler counterexample.

But perhaps one needs $\kappa$ to be very large to make this conclusion, in which case even $\mathbb{N}^\kappa$ may not answer the second question.

The answer is negative.

  • A space $X$ is star countable if for every open cover $\cal U$, there is a countable subset $Y\subset X$ such that $\bigcup\{U\in {\cal U}\mid U\cap Y\neq\emptyset\}=X$.

  • The space $X$ has calibre $\aleph_1$ if for every uncountable list of nonempty open sets $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\lt\omega_1$, there is an uncountable sublist $I_0\subset \omega_1$, such that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_0}U_\alpha\neq\emptyset$.

According to corollary 1.34 of the paper On the extent of star-countable spaces, it is claimed that $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ is not star countable for sufficiently large cardinals $\kappa$.

Meanwhile, let's argue that $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ has calibre $\aleph_1$. In fact, it suffices to argue that the class of spaces with calibre $\aleph_1$ is closed under arbitrary products. And I have now revised my answer to give the proof of this more general fact, which Henno says in the comments is well-known (and he evidently runs in quality circles).

Theorem. The product $\Pi_{i\in I}X_i$ of any family of spaces $X_i$ with calibre $\aleph_1$ has calibre $\aleph_1$.

Proof. First, note that finite products of calibre $\aleph_1$ spaces has calibre $\aleph_1$ by the argument given in this MO question on finite products of calibre $\aleph_1$. Suppose that $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\lt\omega_1$ is an uncountable family of open sets in the product. By shrinking the sets, we may assume without loss of generality that each $U_\alpha$ is a basic open set, having some finite support $I_\alpha\subset I$. If uncountably many $U_\alpha$ have the same finite support $J$, then by since $\prod_{i\in J}X_i$ is a finite product and hence has calibre $\aleph_1$, it follows that there is an uncountable subfamily of these $U_\alpha$ with nonempty intersection, witnessing this instance of calibre $\aleph_1$ for the product. So we are left with the case where there are uncountably many different supports appearing for the supports of the various $U_\alpha$. Thus, we have an uncountable family of finite sets $I_\alpha$. By the $\Delta$-system lemma, there is an uncountable subfamily $I_0\subset \omega_1$, such that the supports of $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\in I_0$ form a $\Delta$-system with finite root $J_0$, meaning that any two such supports intersect exactly to $J_0$. Since again $\prod_{i\in J_0}X_i$ has calibre $\aleph_1$, it follows that there is an uncountable subfamily $I_1\subset I_0$ such that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_1}U_\alpha\upharpoonright J_0$ is not empty. Since it is a $\Delta$-system, it also follows that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_1}U_\alpha$ is not empty in the original space, since the remaining parts of the supports do not conflict with each other, and so $\prod_{i\in I}X_i$ has calibre $\aleph_1$, as desired. QED

In particular, $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ has calibre $\aleph_1$, but is not star countable, thereby answering the first (original) question.

Perhaps $\mathbb{N}^\kappa$ for uncountable $\kappa$ may be a simpler counterexample, since the theorem also shows it to have calibre $\aleph_1$, and we know at least that it is not Lindelöf by the argument of this MO question on Linedelöfness and compactness. Is it star-countable? I'm not currently sure, but if not, then it may be a simpler counterexample.

But perhaps one needs $\kappa$ to be very large to make this conclusion, in which case even $\mathbb{N}^\kappa$ may not answer the second question.

The answer is negative.

  • A space $X$ is star countable if for every open cover $\cal U$, there is a countable subset $Y\subset X$ such that $\bigcup\{U\in {\cal U}\mid U\cap Y\neq\emptyset\}=X$.

  • The space $X$ has calibre $\aleph_1$ if for every uncountable list of nonempty open sets $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\lt\omega_1$, there is an uncountable sublist $I_0\subset \omega_1$, such that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_0}U_\alpha\neq\emptyset$.

According to corollary 1.34 of the paper On the extent of star-countable spaces, it is claimed that $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ is not star countable for sufficiently large cardinals $\kappa$.

Meanwhile, let's argue that $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ has calibre $\aleph_1$. In fact, it suffices to argue that the class of spaces with calibre $\aleph_1$ is closed under arbitrary products. And I have now revised my answer to give the proof of this more general fact, which Henno says in the comments is well-known (and he evidently runs in quality circles).

Theorem. The product $\Pi_{i\in I}X_i$ of any family of spaces $X_i$ with calibre $\aleph_1$ has calibre $\aleph_1$.

Proof. First, note that finite products of calibre $\aleph_1$ spaces has calibre $\aleph_1$ by the argument given in this MO question on finite products of calibre $\aleph_1$. Suppose that $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\lt\omega_1$ is an uncountable family of open sets in the product. By shrinking the sets, we may assume without loss of generality that each $U_\alpha$ is a basic open set, having some finite support $I_\alpha\subset I$. If uncountably many $U_\alpha$ have the same finite support $J$, then by since $\prod_{i\in J}X_i$ is a finite product and hence has calibre $\aleph_1$, it follows that there is an uncountable subfamily of these $U_\alpha$ with nonempty intersection, witnessing this instance of calibre $\aleph_1$ for the product. So we are left with the case where there are uncountably many different supports appearing for the supports of the various $U_\alpha$. Thus, we have an uncountable family of finite sets $I_\alpha$. By the $\Delta$-system lemma, there is an uncountable subfamily $I_0\subset \omega_1$, such that the supports of $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\in I_0$ form a $\Delta$-system with finite root $J_0$, meaning that any two such supports intersect exactly to $J_0$. Since again $\prod_{i\in J_0}X_i$ has calibre $\aleph_1$, it follows that there is an uncountable subfamily $I_1\subset I_0$ such that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_1}U_\alpha\upharpoonright J_0$ is not empty. Since it is a $\Delta$-system, it also follows that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_1}U_\alpha$ is not empty in the original space, since the remaining parts of the supports do not conflict with each other, and so $\prod_{i\in I}X_i$ has calibre $\aleph_1$, as desired. QED

In particular, $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ has calibre $\aleph_1$, but is not star countable, thereby answering the first (original) question.

Perhaps $\mathbb{N}^\kappa$ for uncountable $\kappa$ may be a simpler counterexample, since the theorem also shows it to have calibre $\aleph_1$, and we know at least that it is not Lindelöf by the argument of this MO question on Linedelöfness and compactness. Is it star-countable? I'm not currently sure, but if not, then it may be a simpler counterexample.

But perhaps one needs $\kappa$ to be very large to make this conclusion, in which case even $\mathbb{N}^\kappa$ may not answer the second question.

Added theorem on products of calibre aleph_1 spaces; added 2 characters in body
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Joel David Hamkins
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A space $X$ is star countable if for every open cover $\cal U$, there is a countable subset $Y\subset X$ such that $\bigcup\{U\in {\cal U}\mid U\cap Y\neq\emptyset\}=X$.

  • A space $X$ is star countable if for every open cover $\cal U$, there is a countable subset $Y\subset X$ such that $\bigcup\{U\in {\cal U}\mid U\cap Y\neq\emptyset\}=X$.

  • The space $X$ has calibre $\aleph_1$ if for every uncountable list of nonempty open sets $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\lt\omega_1$, there is an uncountable sublist $I_0\subset \omega_1$, such that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_0}U_\alpha\neq\emptyset$.

Meanwhile, let's argue that $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ has calibre $\aleph_1$. In fact, it suffices to argue that the class of spaces with calibre $\aleph_1$ is closed under arbitrary products. And I have now revised my answer to give the proof of this more general fact, which Henno says in the comments is well-calibreknown (and he evidently runs in quality circles).

Theorem. The product $\Pi_{i\in I}X_i$ of any family of spaces $X_i$ with calibre $\aleph_1$ has calibre $\aleph_1$.

Proof. First, note that finite products of calibre $\aleph_1$ spaces has calibre $\aleph_1$ by the argument given in this MO question on finite products of calibre $\aleph_1$. Suppose that we have open sets $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\lt\aleph_1$$\alpha\lt\omega_1$ is an uncountable family of open sets in the product. By shrinking the sets, we may assume without loss of generality that each $U_\alpha$ is a basic open set. Consider the, having some finite support $I_\alpha\subset\kappa$ of $U_\alpha$$I_\alpha\subset I$. If uncountably many $U_\alpha$ have the same finite support $J$, then by since $\mathbb{R}^J$ $\prod_{i\in J}X_i$ is separablea finite product and hence has calibre $\aleph_1$-calibre, it follows that there is an uncountable subfamily of these $U_\alpha$ with nonempty intersection, witnessing this instance of calibre $\aleph_1$ for the product. So we may assume thatare left with the case where there are uncountably many different supports appearing for the supports of the various $U_\alpha$. NowThus, bywe have an uncountable family of finite sets $I_\alpha$. By the $\Delta$-system lemma$\Delta$-system lemma, it follows that there is an uncountable subfamily $I\subset\aleph_1$$I_0\subset \omega_1$, such that the supports of $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\in I$$\alpha\in I_0$ form a $\Delta$-system with finite root $J_0$, meaning that any two such supports intersect exactly to $J_0$. Since again $\mathbb{R}^{J_0}$ is separable$\prod_{i\in J_0}X_i$ has calibre $\aleph_1$, it follows again that $\mathbb{R}^{J_0}$ is $\aleph_1$-calibre and so there is an uncountable subfamily $I_0\subset I$$I_1\subset I_0$ such that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_0}U_\alpha\upharpoonright J_0$$\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_1}U_\alpha\upharpoonright J_0$ is not empty. Since it is a $\Delta$-system, it also follows that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_0}U_\alpha$$\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_1}U_\alpha$ is not empty in the original space, since the remaining parts of the supports do not conflict with each other, and so $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ is $\prod_{i\in I}X_i$ has calibre $\aleph_1$-calibre, as desired. QED

It may be thatIn particular, $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ has calibre $\aleph_1$, but is not star countable, thereby answering the first (original) question.

Perhaps $\mathbb{N}^\kappa$ for uncountable $\kappa$ ismay be a simpler counterexample, since a $\Delta$-system argumentthe theorem also shows that it isit to have calibre $\aleph_1$-calibre, butand we know at least that it is not Lindelöf by the argument of this MO question on Linedelöfness and compactness. Is it star-countable? I'm not currently sure, but if not, then it may be a simpler counterexample.

But perhaps one needs $\kappa$ to be very large to make this conclusion, in which case even $\mathbb{N}^\kappa$ may not answer the second question.

A space $X$ is star countable if for every open cover $\cal U$, there is a countable subset $Y\subset X$ such that $\bigcup\{U\in {\cal U}\mid U\cap Y\neq\emptyset\}=X$.

Meanwhile, let's argue that $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ has $\aleph_1$-calibre. Suppose that we have open sets $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\lt\aleph_1$. By shrinking the sets, we may assume without loss of generality that each $U_\alpha$ is a basic open set. Consider the support $I_\alpha\subset\kappa$ of $U_\alpha$. If uncountably many $U_\alpha$ have the same support $J$, then since $\mathbb{R}^J$ is separable and hence $\aleph_1$-calibre, it follows that there is an uncountable subfamily with nonempty intersection. So we may assume that there are uncountably many different supports appearing for the supports of the various $U_\alpha$. Now, by the $\Delta$-system lemma, it follows that there is an uncountable subfamily $I\subset\aleph_1$, such that the supports of $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\in I$ form a $\Delta$-system with finite root $J_0$, meaning that any two such supports intersect exactly to $J_0$. Since again $\mathbb{R}^{J_0}$ is separable, it follows again that $\mathbb{R}^{J_0}$ is $\aleph_1$-calibre and so there is an uncountable subfamily $I_0\subset I$ such that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_0}U_\alpha\upharpoonright J_0$ is not empty. Since it is a $\Delta$-system, it follows that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_0}U_\alpha$ is not empty in the original space, and so $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ is $\aleph_1$-calibre, as desired.

It may be that $\mathbb{N}^\kappa$ for uncountable $\kappa$ is a simpler counterexample, since a $\Delta$-system argument shows that it is $\aleph_1$-calibre, but it is not Lindelöf by the argument of this MO question on Linedelöfness and compactness. Is it star-countable? I'm not currently sure, but if not, then it may be a simpler counterexample.

  • A space $X$ is star countable if for every open cover $\cal U$, there is a countable subset $Y\subset X$ such that $\bigcup\{U\in {\cal U}\mid U\cap Y\neq\emptyset\}=X$.

  • The space $X$ has calibre $\aleph_1$ if for every uncountable list of nonempty open sets $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\lt\omega_1$, there is an uncountable sublist $I_0\subset \omega_1$, such that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_0}U_\alpha\neq\emptyset$.

Meanwhile, let's argue that $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ has calibre $\aleph_1$. In fact, it suffices to argue that the class of spaces with calibre $\aleph_1$ is closed under arbitrary products. And I have now revised my answer to give the proof of this more general fact, which Henno says in the comments is well-known (and he evidently runs in quality circles).

Theorem. The product $\Pi_{i\in I}X_i$ of any family of spaces $X_i$ with calibre $\aleph_1$ has calibre $\aleph_1$.

Proof. First, note that finite products of calibre $\aleph_1$ spaces has calibre $\aleph_1$ by the argument given in this MO question on finite products of calibre $\aleph_1$. Suppose that $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\lt\omega_1$ is an uncountable family of open sets in the product. By shrinking the sets, we may assume without loss of generality that each $U_\alpha$ is a basic open set, having some finite support $I_\alpha\subset I$. If uncountably many $U_\alpha$ have the same finite support $J$, then by since $\prod_{i\in J}X_i$ is a finite product and hence has calibre $\aleph_1$, it follows that there is an uncountable subfamily of these $U_\alpha$ with nonempty intersection, witnessing this instance of calibre $\aleph_1$ for the product. So we are left with the case where there are uncountably many different supports appearing for the supports of the various $U_\alpha$. Thus, we have an uncountable family of finite sets $I_\alpha$. By the $\Delta$-system lemma, there is an uncountable subfamily $I_0\subset \omega_1$, such that the supports of $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\in I_0$ form a $\Delta$-system with finite root $J_0$, meaning that any two such supports intersect exactly to $J_0$. Since again $\prod_{i\in J_0}X_i$ has calibre $\aleph_1$, it follows that there is an uncountable subfamily $I_1\subset I_0$ such that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_1}U_\alpha\upharpoonright J_0$ is not empty. Since it is a $\Delta$-system, it also follows that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_1}U_\alpha$ is not empty in the original space, since the remaining parts of the supports do not conflict with each other, and so $\prod_{i\in I}X_i$ has calibre $\aleph_1$, as desired. QED

In particular, $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ has calibre $\aleph_1$, but is not star countable, thereby answering the first (original) question.

Perhaps $\mathbb{N}^\kappa$ for uncountable $\kappa$ may be a simpler counterexample, since the theorem also shows it to have calibre $\aleph_1$, and we know at least that it is not Lindelöf by the argument of this MO question on Linedelöfness and compactness. Is it star-countable? I'm not currently sure, but if not, then it may be a simpler counterexample.

But perhaps one needs $\kappa$ to be very large to make this conclusion, in which case even $\mathbb{N}^\kappa$ may not answer the second question.

deleted 38 characters in body
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Joel David Hamkins
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The answer is negative.

A space $X$ is star countable if for every open cover $\cal U$, there is a countable subset $Y\subset X$ such that $\bigcup\{U\in {\cal U}\mid U\cap Y\neq\emptyset\}=X$.

According to corollary 1.34 of the paper On the extent of star-countable spaces, it is claimed that $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ is not star countable for sufficiently large cardinals $\kappa$.

Meanwhile, let's argue that $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ has $\aleph_1$-calibre. Suppose that we have open sets $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\lt\aleph_1$. By shrinking the sets, we may assume without loss of generality that each $U_\alpha$ is a basic open set. Consider the support $I_\alpha\subset\kappa$ of $U_\alpha$. If uncountably many $U_\alpha$ have the same support $J$, then since $\mathbb{R}^J$ is separable and hence $\aleph_1$-calibre, it follows that there is an uncountable subfamily with nonempty intersection. So we may assume that there are uncountably many different supports appearing for the supports of the various $U_\alpha$. Now, by the $\Delta$-system lemma, it follows that there is an uncountable subfamily $I\subset\aleph_1$, such that the supports of $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\in I$ form a $\Delta$-system with finite root $J_0$, meaning that any two such supports intersect exactly to $J_0$. Since again $\mathbb{R}^{J_0}$ is separable, it follows again that $\mathbb{R}^{J_0}$ is $\aleph_1$-calibre and so there is an uncountable subfamily $I_0\subset I$ such that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_0}U_\alpha\upharpoonright J_0$ is not empty. Since it is a $\Delta$-system, it follows that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_0}U_\alpha$ is not empty in the original space, and so $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ is $\aleph_1$-calibre, as desired.

Please comment if I have made a mistake. It may be that even $\mathbb{N}^\kappa$ for uncountable $\kappa$ is a simpler counterexample, since a $\Delta$-system argument shows that it is $\aleph_1$-calibre, but it is not Lindelöf by the argument of this MO question on Linedelöfness and compactness. Is it star-countable? I'm not currently sure, but if not, then it may be a simpler counterexample.

The answer is negative.

A space $X$ is star countable if for every open cover $\cal U$, there is a countable subset $Y\subset X$ such that $\bigcup\{U\in {\cal U}\mid U\cap Y\neq\emptyset\}=X$.

According to corollary 1.34 of the paper On the extent of star-countable spaces, it is claimed that $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ is not star countable for sufficiently large cardinals $\kappa$.

Meanwhile, let's argue that $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ has $\aleph_1$-calibre. Suppose that we have open sets $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\lt\aleph_1$. By shrinking the sets, we may assume without loss of generality that each $U_\alpha$ is a basic open set. Consider the support $I_\alpha\subset\kappa$ of $U_\alpha$. If uncountably many $U_\alpha$ have the same support $J$, then since $\mathbb{R}^J$ is separable and hence $\aleph_1$-calibre, it follows that there is an uncountable subfamily with nonempty intersection. So we may assume that there are uncountably many different supports appearing for the supports of the various $U_\alpha$. Now, by the $\Delta$-system lemma, it follows that there is an uncountable subfamily $I\subset\aleph_1$, such that the supports of $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\in I$ form a $\Delta$-system with finite root $J_0$, meaning that any two such supports intersect exactly to $J_0$. Since again $\mathbb{R}^{J_0}$ is separable, it follows again that $\mathbb{R}^{J_0}$ is $\aleph_1$-calibre and so there is an uncountable subfamily $I_0\subset I$ such that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_0}U_\alpha\upharpoonright J_0$ is not empty. Since it is a $\Delta$-system, it follows that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_0}U_\alpha$ is not empty in the original space, and so $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ is $\aleph_1$-calibre, as desired.

Please comment if I have made a mistake. It may be that even $\mathbb{N}^\kappa$ for uncountable $\kappa$ is a counterexample, since a $\Delta$-system argument shows that it is $\aleph_1$-calibre, but it is not Lindelöf by the argument of this MO question on Linedelöfness and compactness. Is it star-countable? I'm not currently sure, but if not, then it may be a simpler counterexample.

The answer is negative.

A space $X$ is star countable if for every open cover $\cal U$, there is a countable subset $Y\subset X$ such that $\bigcup\{U\in {\cal U}\mid U\cap Y\neq\emptyset\}=X$.

According to corollary 1.34 of the paper On the extent of star-countable spaces, it is claimed that $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ is not star countable for sufficiently large cardinals $\kappa$.

Meanwhile, let's argue that $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ has $\aleph_1$-calibre. Suppose that we have open sets $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\lt\aleph_1$. By shrinking the sets, we may assume without loss of generality that each $U_\alpha$ is a basic open set. Consider the support $I_\alpha\subset\kappa$ of $U_\alpha$. If uncountably many $U_\alpha$ have the same support $J$, then since $\mathbb{R}^J$ is separable and hence $\aleph_1$-calibre, it follows that there is an uncountable subfamily with nonempty intersection. So we may assume that there are uncountably many different supports appearing for the supports of the various $U_\alpha$. Now, by the $\Delta$-system lemma, it follows that there is an uncountable subfamily $I\subset\aleph_1$, such that the supports of $U_\alpha$ for $\alpha\in I$ form a $\Delta$-system with finite root $J_0$, meaning that any two such supports intersect exactly to $J_0$. Since again $\mathbb{R}^{J_0}$ is separable, it follows again that $\mathbb{R}^{J_0}$ is $\aleph_1$-calibre and so there is an uncountable subfamily $I_0\subset I$ such that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_0}U_\alpha\upharpoonright J_0$ is not empty. Since it is a $\Delta$-system, it follows that $\bigcap_{\alpha\in I_0}U_\alpha$ is not empty in the original space, and so $\mathbb{R}^\kappa$ is $\aleph_1$-calibre, as desired.

It may be that $\mathbb{N}^\kappa$ for uncountable $\kappa$ is a simpler counterexample, since a $\Delta$-system argument shows that it is $\aleph_1$-calibre, but it is not Lindelöf by the argument of this MO question on Linedelöfness and compactness. Is it star-countable? I'm not currently sure, but if not, then it may be a simpler counterexample.

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Joel David Hamkins
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