Open clusters: III. Fundamental parameters of B stars in NGC 6087, NGC 6250, NGC 6383 and NGC 6530. B type stars with circumstellar envelopes

Context. Stellar physical properties of star clusters are poorly known. Aims. Our goals are to perform a spectrophotometric study of the B star population in open clusters to derive accurate stellar parameters, search for the presence of circumstellar envelopes, and discuss the characteristics of these stars. Methods. The BCD spectrophotometric system is a powerful tool to obtain fundamental parameters and infer the main properties of open clusters: distance modulus, color excess, and age. We inspected the Balmer discontinuity to seek circumstellar disks and identify Be-star candidates. High resolution spectra in the H$\alpha$ region are used to confirm the Be nature. Results. We provide Teff , log g, Mv , Mbol and spectral types for a sample of 68 stars in the field of the open clusters NGC 6087, NGC 6250, NGC 6383, and NGC 6530, as well as the cluster distances, ages and reddening. Then, based on a sample of 230 B stars in the direction of the 11 open clusters studied along this series of three papers, we report 6 new Be stars, 4 blue straggler candidates, and 15 B-type stars (called Bdd) with a double Balmer discontinuity. We also find that the majority of the Be stars are dwarfs and present a maximum at the spectral type B2-B4 in young and intermediate-age open clusters. Another maximum of Be stars is observed at the spectral type B6-B8 in open clusters older than 40 Myr, where the population of Bdd stars also becomes relevant. Conclusions. Our results support previous statements that the Be phenomenon is present along the whole main sequence band and occurs in very different evolutionary states. We find clear evidence of an increase of stars with circumstellar envelopes with cluster age. The Be phenomenon reaches its maximum in clusters of intermediate age and the number of B stars with circumstellar envelopes (Be+Bdd stars) is also high for the older clusters

Photometric and spectroscopic variations of the Be star HD 112999

Be objects are stars of B spectral type showing lines of the Balmer series in emission. The presence of these lines is attributed to the existence of an extended envelope, disk type, around them. Some stars are observed in both the Be and normal B-type spectroscopic states and they are known as transient Be stars. In this paper we show the analysis carried out on a new possible transient Be star, labelled HD 112999, using spectroscopic optical observations and photometric data.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figures, accepted for publication in IBV

Critical study of the distribution of rotational velocities of Be stars; II: Differential rotation and some hidden effects interfering with the interpretation of the Vsin i parameter

We assume that stars may undergo surface differential rotation to study its impact on the interpretation of $V\!\sin i$ and on the observed distribution $\Phi(u)$ of ratios of true rotational velocities u=V/V_\rm c (V_\rm c is the equatorial critical velocity). We discuss some phenomena affecting the formation of spectral lines and their broadening, which can obliterate the information carried by $V\!\sin i$ concerning the actual stellar rotation. We studied the line broadening produced by several differential rotational laws, but adopted Maunder's expression $\Omega(\theta)=\Omega_o(1+\alpha\cos^2\theta)$ as an attempt to account for all of these laws with the lowest possible number of free parameters. We studied the effect of the differential rotation parameter $\alpha$ on the measured $V\!\sin i$ parameter and on the distribution $\Phi(u)$ of ratios u=V/V_\rm c. We conclude that the inferred $V\!\sin i$ is smaller than implied by the actual equatorial linear rotation velocity V_\rm eq if the stars rotate with $\alpha0$. For a given $|\alpha|$ the deviations of $V\!\sin i$ are larger when $\alpha<0$. If the studied Be stars have on average $\alpha<0$, the number of rotators with V_\rm eq\simeq0.9V_\rm c is larger than expected from the observed distribution $\Phi(u)$; if these stars have on average $\alpha>0$, this number is lower than expected. We discuss seven phenomena that contribute either to narrow or broaden spectral lines, which blur the information on the rotation carried by $V\!\sin i$ and, in particular, to decide whether the Be phenomenon mostly rely on the critical rotation. We show that two-dimensional radiation transfer calculations are needed in rapid rotators to diagnose the stellar rotation more reliably.Comment: To appear in A&

BCD spectrophotometry for massive stars in transition phases

Context. Stars in transition phases, like those showing the B[e] phenomenon and luminous blue variables (LBVs), undergo strong, often irregular mass ejection events. The prediction of these phases in stellar evolution models is therefore extremely difficult if not impossible. As a result, their effective temperatures, their luminosities and even their true nature are not fully known. Aims. A suitable procedure to derive the stellar parameters of these types of objects is to use the BCD spectrophotometric classification system, based on the analysis of the Balmer discontinuity. The BCD parameters ({\lambda}_1, D) are independent of interstellar extinction and circumstellar contributions. Methods. We obtained low-resolution spectra for 14 stars with the B[e] phenomenon and LBVs. Using the BCD method, we derived the stellar and physical parameters. The study was complemented with the information provided by the JHK colour-colour diagram. Results. For each star, the BCD system gives a complete set of fundamental parameters and related quantities such as luminosity and distance. We confirmed HK Ori, HD 323771 and HD 52721 as pre-main sequence HAe/B[e], AS 202 and HD 85567 as FS CMa-type, and HD 62623 as sgB[e] stars. We classified Hen 3-847, CD-24 5721, and HD 53367 as young B[e] stars or FS CMa-type candidates, and HD 58647 as a slightly evolved B[e] star. In addition, Hen 3-1398 is an sgB[e] and MWC 877, CPD-59 2854 and LHA 120-S 65 are LBV candidates. The stellar parameters of the latter two LBVs are determined for the first time. Conclusions. Our results emphasise that the BCD system is a highly valuable tool to derive stellar parameters and physical properties of B-type stars in transition phases. This method can be combined with near-IR colour-colour diagrams to determine or confirm the evolutionary stage of emission-line stars with dust disks

Critical study of the distribution of rotational velocities of Be stars : II: Differential rotation and some hidden effects interfering with the interpretation of the V sin i parameter

Aims. We assume that stars may undergo surface differential rotation to study its impact on the interpretation of Vsin i and on the observed distribution Φ(u) of ratios of true rotational velocities u = V/Vc (Vc is the equatorial critical velocity). We discuss some phenomena affecting the formation of spectral lines and their broadening, which can obliterate the information carried by Vsin i concerning the actual stellar rotation. Methods. We studied the line broadening produced by several differential rotational laws, but adopted Maunder's expression Ω(0) = Ω0(1 + α cos2 0) as an attempt to account for all of these laws with the lowest possible number of free parameters. We studied the effect of the differential rotation parameter a on the measured Vsin i parameter and on the distribution Φ(u) of ratios u = V/Vc. Results. We conclude that the inferred Vsin i is smaller than implied by the actual equatorial linear rotation velocity Veq if the stars rotate with α 0. For a given |α| the deviations of Vsin i are larger when α 0, this number is lower than expected. We discuss seven phenomena that contribute either to narrow or broaden spectral lines, which blur the information on the rotation carried by Vsin i and, in particular, to decide whether the Be phenomenon mostly rely on the critical rotation. We show that two-dimensional radiation transfer calculations are needed in rapid rotators to diagnose the stellar rotation more reliably.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

Critical study of the distribution of rotational velocities of Be stars: I. Deconvolution methods, effects due to gravity darkening, macroturbulence, and binarity

Context. Among intermediate-mass and massive stars, Be stars are the fastest rotators in the main sequence (MS) and, as such, these stars are a cornerstone to validate models of structure and evolution of rotating stars. Several phenomena, however, induce under-or overestimations either of their apparent Vsini, or true velocity V. Aims. In the present contribution we aim at obtaining distributions of true rotational velocities corrected for systematic effects induced by the rapid rotation itself, macroturbulent velocities, and binarity. Methods. We study a set of 233 Be stars by assuming they have inclination angles distributed at random. We critically discuss the methods of Cranmer and Lucy-Richardson, which enable us to transform a distribution of projected velocities into another distribution of true rotational velocities, where the gravitational darkening effect on the Vsini parameter is considered in different ways. We conclude that iterative algorithm by Lucy-Richardson responds at best to the purposes of the present work, but it requires a thorough determination of the stellar fundamental parameters. Results. We conclude that once the mode of ratios of the true velocities of Be stars attains the value V/Vc ≲ 0.77 in the main-sequence (MS) evolutionary phase, it remains unchanged up to the end of the MS lifespan. The statistical corrections found on the distribution of ratios V/Vc for overestimations of Vsini, due to macroturbulent motions and binarity, produce a shift of this distribution toward lower values of V/Vc when Be stars in all MS evolutionary stages are considered together. The mode of the final distribution obtained is at V/Vc ≲ 0.65. This distribution has a nearly symmetric distribution and shows that the Be phenomenon is characterized by a wide range of true velocity ratios 0.3 ≲ V/Vc ≲ 0.95. It thus suggests that the probability that Be stars are critical rotators is extremely low. Conclusions. The corrections attempted in the present work represent an initial step to infer indications about the nature of the Be-star surface rotation that will be studied in the second paper of this series.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

Digitalización de los primeros volúmenes del BAAA

El Boletín de la Asociación Argentina de Astronomía (BAAA) es el medio oficial para registrar y difundir la actividad científica de los astrónomos argentinos. Las publicaciones de estos boletines, desde el volumen 40, están disponibles en forma digital, pero el acceso a los números anteriores, es posible sólo a través de algunas bibliotecas de instituciones astronómicas. Dado que el acceso a los mismos es limitado (o imposible), nos hemos propuesto digitalizar dichas publicaciones para su preservación y difusión en el repositorio institucional de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata, mediante el Servicio de Difusión de la Creación Intelectual. En este trabajo, describimos el procedimiento de digitalización y las características específicas de los productos generados.The Bulletin of the Argentine Astronomy Association (BAAA) is the official publication to record and disseminate the scientific activity of Argentinian astronomers. These bulletins, from volume 40, are available in digital form, but access to the previous numbers is possible only through some astronomy libraries. Since access to these documents is limited (or impossible), we have set out to digitalize these publications for their preservation and dissemination in the institutional repository of the National University of La Plata, through the Intellectual Creation Dissemination Service.In this work, we describe the digitization procedure and the specific characteristics of the products generated.Asociación Argentina de Astronomí

Critical study of the distribution of rotational velocities of Be stars: I. Deconvolution methods, effects due to gravity darkening, macroturbulence, and binarity

Context. Among intermediate-mass and massive stars, Be stars are the fastest rotators in the main sequence (MS) and, as such, these stars are a cornerstone to validate models of structure and evolution of rotating stars. Several phenomena, however, induce under-or overestimations either of their apparent Vsini, or true velocity V. Aims. In the present contribution we aim at obtaining distributions of true rotational velocities corrected for systematic effects induced by the rapid rotation itself, macroturbulent velocities, and binarity. Methods. We study a set of 233 Be stars by assuming they have inclination angles distributed at random. We critically discuss the methods of Cranmer and Lucy-Richardson, which enable us to transform a distribution of projected velocities into another distribution of true rotational velocities, where the gravitational darkening effect on the Vsini parameter is considered in different ways. We conclude that iterative algorithm by Lucy-Richardson responds at best to the purposes of the present work, but it requires a thorough determination of the stellar fundamental parameters. Results. We conclude that once the mode of ratios of the true velocities of Be stars attains the value V/Vc ≲ 0.77 in the main-sequence (MS) evolutionary phase, it remains unchanged up to the end of the MS lifespan. The statistical corrections found on the distribution of ratios V/Vc for overestimations of Vsini, due to macroturbulent motions and binarity, produce a shift of this distribution toward lower values of V/Vc when Be stars in all MS evolutionary stages are considered together. The mode of the final distribution obtained is at V/Vc ≲ 0.65. This distribution has a nearly symmetric distribution and shows that the Be phenomenon is characterized by a wide range of true velocity ratios 0.3 ≲ V/Vc ≲ 0.95. It thus suggests that the probability that Be stars are critical rotators is extremely low. Conclusions. The corrections attempted in the present work represent an initial step to infer indications about the nature of the Be-star surface rotation that will be studied in the second paper of this series.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

Critical study of the distribution of rotational velocities of Be stars : II: Differential rotation and some hidden effects interfering with the interpretation of the V sin i parameter

Aims. We assume that stars may undergo surface differential rotation to study its impact on the interpretation of Vsin i and on the observed distribution Φ(u) of ratios of true rotational velocities u = V/Vc (Vc is the equatorial critical velocity). We discuss some phenomena affecting the formation of spectral lines and their broadening, which can obliterate the information carried by Vsin i concerning the actual stellar rotation. Methods. We studied the line broadening produced by several differential rotational laws, but adopted Maunder's expression Ω(0) = Ω0(1 + α cos2 0) as an attempt to account for all of these laws with the lowest possible number of free parameters. We studied the effect of the differential rotation parameter a on the measured Vsin i parameter and on the distribution Φ(u) of ratios u = V/Vc. Results. We conclude that the inferred Vsin i is smaller than implied by the actual equatorial linear rotation velocity Veq if the stars rotate with α 0. For a given |α| the deviations of Vsin i are larger when α 0, this number is lower than expected. We discuss seven phenomena that contribute either to narrow or broaden spectral lines, which blur the information on the rotation carried by Vsin i and, in particular, to decide whether the Be phenomenon mostly rely on the critical rotation. We show that two-dimensional radiation transfer calculations are needed in rapid rotators to diagnose the stellar rotation more reliably.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

Open clusters

Context. The knowledge of accurate values of effective temperature, surface gravity, and luminosity of stars in open clusters is very important not only to derive cluster distances and ages but also to discuss the stellar structure and evolution. Unfortunately, stellar parameters are still very scarce. Aims. Our goal is to study five open clusters to derive stellar parameters of the B and Be star population and discuss the cluster properties. In a near future, we intend to gather a statistically relevant samples of Be stars to discuss their origin and evolution. Methods. We use the Barbier-Chalonge-Divan spectrophotometric system, based on the study of low-resolution spectra around the Balmer discontinuity, since it is independent of the interstellar and circumstellar extinction and provides accurate Hertzsprung-Russell diagrams and stellar parameters. Results. We determine stellar fundamental parameters, such as effective temperatures, surface gravities, spectral types, luminosity classes, absolute and bolometric magnitudes and colour gradient excesses of the stars in the field of Collinder 22