4,037 research outputs found
Implementing TOPbase/Iron Project: Continuous Absorption from Fe II
We discuss implementation of TOPbase and Iron Project opacities for stellar
spectral codes. We use a technique employed by Peach, where a
Boltzmann-averaged cross section is calculated for selected temperatures, and
the opacity obtained from double interpolation in temperature and wavelength.
It is straightforward to include {\it all} levels for which cross sections have
been calculated. Boltzmann-averaged cross sections for Fe II show a local
maximum between 1700 and 2000[A]. We suggest this feature arises from 3d^5 4snl
to 3d^5 4pnl transitions within Fe II. IUE spectra of iron-rich CP stars show
local minima in this region. Theoretical calculations of a representative
stellar continuum demonstrate that Fe II photoionization contributes
significantly to the observed minima.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figures. See
http://www.astro.lsa.umich.edu/users/cowley/paper2r for better definition
figure
High resolution spectroscopy of HgMn stars: a time of surprises
We present the results of a high spectral resolution study of a few
spectroscopic binaries with HgMn primary stars. We detect for the first time in
the spectra of HgMn stars that for many elements the line profiles are variable
over the rotation period. The strongest profile variations are found for the
elements Pt, Hg, Sr, Y, Zr, Mn, Ga, He and Nd. The slight variability of He and
Y is also confirmed from the study of high resolution spectra of another HgMn
star, alpha And.Comment: 2 pages, 2 figures, to appear in "Precision Spectroscopy in
Astrophysics
Explosive Ballooning Flux Tubes in Tokamaks
Tokamak stability to, potentially explosive, `ballooning' displacements of
elliptical magnetic flux tubes is examined in large aspect ratio equilibrium.
Above a critical pressure gradient the energy stored in the plasma may be
lowered by finite (but not infinitesimal) displacements of such tubes
(metastability). Above a higher pressure gradient, the linear stability
boundary, such tubes are linearly and nonlinearly unstable. The flux tube
displacement can be of the order of the pressure gradient scale length. Plasma
transport from displaced flux tubes may result in rapid loss of confinement.Comment: 4 pages, 6 figure
Dynamical detection of three triple stellar systems in open clusters
We present a kinematic analysis of three triple stellar systems belonging to
two open clusters: CPD-60{\deg}961 and HD66137 in NGC2516, and HD315031 in
NGC6530. All three systems are hierarchical triples with a close binary bound
to a third body in a wider orbit, whose presence is detected through velocity
variations of the close binary barycentre. Orbital parameters are derived from
radial velocity curves. Absolute parameters for all stars are estimated
assuming cluster membership. Some dynamical and evolutionary aspects of these
systems are discussed, particularly the possible influence of Kozai cycles. The
two systems of NGC2516 have similar orbital configurations with inner periods
of 11.23 d and 8.70 d and outer periods of 9.79 yr and 9.24 yr. We report also
radial velocity measurements of the components of the visual binary
CPD-60{\deg}944 in NGC2516. Including results from previous works, this cluster
would harbor 5 hierarchical triples. The young system HD315031 has an inner
binary with a period of 1.37 d and a very eccentric (e=0.85) outer orbit with a
period of 483 d. Possible dynamical evolutionary scenarios are discussed.
Long-term radial velocity monitoring is highlighted as strategy for the
detection of subsystems with intermediate separations, which are hard to cover
with normal spectroscopic studies or visual techniques.Comment: 9 pages, 5 figures. Accepted by Monthly Notices of the Royal
Astronomical Societ
Lanthanides and other spectral oddities in a Centauri
Context: There is considerable interest in the helium variable a Cen as a
bridge between helium-weak and helium-strong CP stars. Aims: We investigate Ce
III and other possible lanthanides in the spectrum the of hottest chemically
peculiar (CP) star in which these elements have been found. A {Kr II line
appears within a broad absorption which we suggest may be due to a high-level
transition in C II. Methods: Wavelengths and equivalent widths are measured on
high-resolution UVES spectra, analyzed, and their phase-variations
investigated. Results: New, robust identifications of Ce III and Kr II are
demonstrated. Nd III is likely present. A broad absorption near 4619[A] is
present at all phases of a Cen, and in some other early B stars. Conclusions:
The presence of lanthanides in a Cen strengthens the view that this star is a
significant link between the cooler CP stars and the hotter helium-peculiar
stars. Broad absorptions in a Cen are not well explained.Comment: Research Note accepted by Astronomy and Astrophysics; 4 pages, 4
Figs. 2 Table
Stratification and Isotope Separation in CP Stars
We investigate the elemental and isotopic stratification in the atmospheres
of selected chemically peculiar (CP) stars of the upper main sequence.
Reconfiguration of the UVES spectrograph in 2004 has made it possible to
examine all three lines of the Ca II infrared triplet. Much of the material
analyzed was obtained in 2008.
We support the claim of Ryabchikova, Kochukhov & Bagnulo (RKB) that the
calcium isotopes have distinct stratification profiles for the stars 10 Aql, HR
1217, and HD 122970, with the heavy isotope concentrated toward the higher
layers. Better observations are needed to learn the extent to which Ca-40
dominates in the deepest layers of all or most CP stars that show the presence
of Ca-48. There is little evidence for Ca-40 in the spectra of some HgMn stars,
and the infrared triplet in the magnetic star HD 101065 is well fit by pure
Ca-48. In HR 5623 (HD 133792) and HD 217522 it is likely that the heavy isotope
dominates, though models are possible where this is not the case.
While elemental stratification is surely needed in many cases, we point out
the importance of including adjustments in the assumed Teff and log(g) values,
in attempts to model stratification. We recommend emphasis on profiles of the
strongest lines, where the influence of stratification is most evident.
Isotopic mixtures, involving the 4 stable calcium nuclides with masses
between 40 and 48 are plausible, but are not emphasized.Comment: 16 Pages, 20 Figures, 10 Tables. Accepted for publication in Monthly
Notices of the RA
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