Disk tracing for B[e] supergiants in the Magellanic Clouds

B[e] supergiants are evolved massive stars with a complex circumstellar environment. A number of important emission features probe the structure and the kinematics of the circumstellar material. In our survey of Magellanic Cloud B[e] supergiants we focus on the [OI] and [CaII] emission lines, which we identified in four more objects.Comment: 2 pages; 1 figure; submitted to the proceedings of the Physics of Evolved Stars - A conference dedicated to the memory of Olivier Chesneau, Nice, France, June 8-12, 201

Resolving the kinematics of the discs around Galactic B[e] supergiants

B[e] supergiants are luminous evolved massive stars. The mass-loss during this phase creates a complex circumstellar environment with atomic, molecular, and dusty regions usually found in rings or disc-like structures. For a better comprehension of the mechanisms behind the formation of these rings, detailed knowledge about their structure and dynamics is essential. To address that, we obtained high-resolution optical and near-infrared (near-IR) spectra for eight selected Galactic B[e] supergiants, for which CO emission has been detected. Assuming Keplerian rotation for the disc, we combine the kinematics obtained from the CO bands in the near-IR with those obtained by fitting the forbidden emission [OI] λ5577, [O I] λλ6300,6363, and [Ca II] λλ7291,7323 lines in the optical to probe the disc structure. We find that the emission originates from multiple ring structures around all B[e] supergiants, with each one of them displaying a unique combination of rings regardless of whether the object is part of a binary system. The confirmed binaries display spectroscopic variations of their line intensities and profiles as well as photometric variability, whereas the ring structures around the single stars are stable.Fil: Maravelias, G.. Universidad de Valparaíso; Chile. Academia de la República de Checa; República ChecaFil: Kraus, Michaela. Academia de la República de Checa; República Checa. Universidad de Tartu; EstoniaFil: Cidale, Lydia Sonia. Universidad de Valparaíso; Chile. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas; ArgentinaFil: Borges Fernades, M.. Ministério de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacao. Observatorio Nacional; BrasilFil: Arias, María Laura. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas; ArgentinaFil: Curé, Michel. Universidad de Valparaíso; ChileFil: Vasilopoulos, G.. Max-planck-institut Extraterrestrische Physik; Alemani

Resolving the clumpy circumstellar environment of the B[e] supergiant LHA 120-S 35

Context. B[e] supergiants are massive post-main-sequence stars, surrounded by a complex circumstellar environment where moleculesand dust can survive. The shape in which the material is distributed around these objects and its dynamics as well as the mechanismsthat give rise to these structures are not well understood.Aims. The aim of this work is to deepen our knowledge of the structure and kinematics of the circumstellar disc of the B[e] supergiantLHA 120-S 35.Methods. High-resolution optical spectra were obtained in three different years. Forbidden emission lines, that contribute to trace thedisc at different distances from the star, are modelled in order to determine the kinematical properties of their line-forming regions,assuming Keplerian rotation. In addition, we used low-resolution near-infrared spectra to explore the variability of molecular emission.Results. LHA 120-S 35 displays an evident spectral variability in both optical and infrared regions. The P-Cygni line profiles of H i,as well as those of Fe ii and O i, suggest the presence of a strong bipolar clumped wind. We distinguish density enhancements in theP-Cygni absorption component of the first Balmer lines, which show variations in both velocity and strength. The P-Cygni profileemission component is double-peaked, indicating the presence of a rotating circumstellar disc surrounding the star. We also observeline-profile variations in the permitted and forbidden features of Fe ii and O i. In the infrared, we detect variations in the intensity ofthe H i emission lines as well as in the emission of the CO band-heads. Moreover, we find that the profiles of each [Ca ii] and [O i]emission lines contain contributions from spatially different (complete or partial) rings. Globally, we find evidence of detached multi-ring structures, revealing density variations along the disc. We identify an inner ring, with sharp edge, where [Ca ii] and [O i] linesshare their forming region with the CO molecular bands. The outermost regions show a complex structure, outlined by fragmentedclumps or partial-ring features of Ca ii and O i. Additionally, we observe variations in the profiles of the only visible absorptionfeatures, the He i lines.Conclusions. We suggest that LHA 120-S 35 has passed through the red-supergiant (RSG) phase and evolves back bluewards in theHertzsprung-Russell diagram. In this scenario, the formation of the complex circumstellar structure could be the result of the wind-wind interactions of the post-RSG wind with the previously ejected material from the RSG. The accumulation of material in thecircumstellar environment could be attributed to enhanced mass-loss, probably triggered by stellar pulsations. However, the presenceof a binary companion can not be excluded. Finally, we find that LHA 120-S 35 is the third B[e] supergiant belonging to a youngstellar cluster.Fil: Torres, Andrea Fabiana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas; ArgentinaFil: Cidale, Lydia Sonia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas; ArgentinaFil: Kraus, M.. Tartu Observatory, Estonia; Estonia. Astronomický Ústav, Akademie Ved Ceské Republiky; República ChecaFil: Arias, María Laura. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas. Instituto de Astrofísica La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas; ArgentinaFil: Barba, Rodolfo Hector. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: Maravelias, G.. Universidad de Valparaiso; Chile. Astronomický Ústav, Akademie Ved Ceské Republiky; República ChecaFil: Borges Fernandes, M.. Ministério de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacao. Observatorio Nacional; Brasi

Resolving the kinematics of the discs around Galactic B[e] supergiants

B[e] supergiants are luminous evolved massive stars. The mass-loss during this phase creates a complex circumstellar environment with atomic, molecular, and dusty regions usually found in rings or disc-like structures. For a better comprehension of the mechanisms behind the formation of these rings, detailed knowledge about their structure and dynamics is essential. To address that, we obtained high-resolution optical and near-infrared (near-IR) spectra for eight selected Galactic B[e] supergiants, for which CO emission has been detected. Assuming Keplerian rotation for the disc, we combine the kinematics obtained from the CO bands in the near-IR with those obtained by fitting the forbidden emission [OI] λ5577, [O I] λλ6300,6363, and [Ca II] λλ7291,7323 lines in the optical to probe the disc structure. We find that the emission originates from multiple ring structures around all B[e] supergiants, with each one of them displaying a unique combination of rings regardless of whether the object is part of a binary system. The confirmed binaries display spectroscopic variations of their line intensities and profiles as well as photometric variability, whereas the ring structures around the single stars are stable.Instituto de Astrofísica de La PlataFacultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

Inhomogeneous molecular ring around the B[e] supergiant LHA 120-S 73

We aim to improve our knowledge on the structure and dynamics of the circumstellar disk of the LMC B[e] supergiant LHA 120-S 73. High-resolution optical and near-IR spectroscopic data were obtained over a period of 16 and 7 years, respectively. The spectra cover the diagnostic emission lines from [CaII] and [OI], as well as the CO bands. These features trace the disk at different distances from the star. We analyzed the kinematics of the individual emission regions by modeling their emission profiles. A low-resolution mid-infrared spectrum was obtained as well, which provides information on the composition of the dusty disk. All diagnostic emission features display double-peaked line profiles, which we interpret as due to Keplerian rotation. We find that LHA 120-S 73 is surrounded by at least four individual rings of material with alternating densities (or by a disk with strongly non-monotonic radial density distribution). Moreover, we find that the molecular ring must have gaps or at least strong density inhomogeneities, or in other words, a clumpy structure. The mid-infrared spectrum displays features of oxygen- and carbon-rich grain species, which indicates a long-lived, stable dusty disk. We cannot confirm the previously reported high value for the stellar rotation velocity. The line profile of HeI 5876 A is strongly variable in both width and shape and resembles of those seen in non-radially pulsating stars. A proper determination of the real underlying stellar rotation velocity is hence not possible. The existence of multiple stable and clumpy rings of alternating density recalls ring structures around planets. Although there is currently insufficient observational evidence, it is tempting to propose a scenario with one (or more) minor bodies or planets revolving around LHA 120-S 73 and stabilizing the ring system, in analogy to the shepherd moons in planetary systems.Comment: 14 pages, 13 figure, accepted for pulication in A&

Resolving the kinematics of the discs around Galactic B[e] supergiants

B[e] supergiants are luminous evolved massive stars. The mass-loss during this phase creates a complex circumstellar environment with atomic, molecular, and dusty regions usually found in rings or disc-like structures. For a better comprehension of the mechanisms behind the formation of these rings, detailed knowledge about their structure and dynamics is essential. To address that, we obtained high-resolution optical and near-infrared (near-IR) spectra for eight selected Galactic B[e] supergiants, for which CO emission has been detected. Assuming Keplerian rotation for the disc, we combine the kinematics obtained from the CO bands in the near-IR with those obtained by fitting the forbidden emission [OI] λ5577, [O I] λλ6300,6363, and [Ca II] λλ7291,7323 lines in the optical to probe the disc structure. We find that the emission originates from multiple ring structures around all B[e] supergiants, with each one of them displaying a unique combination of rings regardless of whether the object is part of a binary system. The confirmed binaries display spectroscopic variations of their line intensities and profiles as well as photometric variability, whereas the ring structures around the single stars are stable.Instituto de Astrofísica de La PlataFacultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

Properties of luminous red supergiant stars in the Magellanic Clouds

There is evidence that some red supergiants (RSGs) experience short lived phases of extreme mass loss, producing copious amounts of dust. These episodic outburst phases help to strip the hydrogen envelope of evolved massive stars, drastically affecting their evolution. However, to date, the observational data of episodic mass loss is limited. This paper aims to derive surface properties of a spectroscopic sample of fourteen dusty sources in the Magellanic Clouds using the Baade telescope. These properties may be used for future spectral energy distribution fitting studies to measure the mass loss rates from present circumstellar dust expelled from the star through outbursts. We apply MARCS models to obtain the effective temperature ($T_{\rm eff}$) and extinction ($A_V$) from the optical TiO bands. We use a $\chi^2$ routine to determine the best fit model to the obtained spectra. We compute the $T_{\rm eff}$ using empirical photometric relations and compare this to our modelled $T_{\rm eff}$. We have identified a new yellow supergiant and spectroscopically confirmed eight new RSGs and one bright giant in the Magellanic Clouds. Additionally, we observed a supergiant B[e] star and found that the spectral type has changed compared to previous classifications, confirming that the spectral type is variable over decades. For the RSGs, we obtained the surface and global properties, as well as the extinction $A_V$. Our method has picked up eight new, luminous RSGs. Despite selecting dusty RSGs, we find values for $A_V$ that are not as high as expected given the circumstellar extinction of these evolved stars. The most remarkable object from the sample, LMC3, is an extremely massive and luminous evolved massive star and may be grouped amongst the largest and most luminous RSGs known in the Large Magellanic Cloud (log(L$_*$/L$_{\odot})\sim$5.5 and $R = 1400 \,\ \textrm R_{\odot}$).Comment: Accepted for publication in A&A. 17 pages, 14 figures, 4 table

Resolving the clumpy circumstellar environment of the B[e] supergiant LHA 120-S 35

Context. B[e] supergiants are massive post-main-sequence stars, surrounded by a complex circumstellar environment where molecules and dust can survive. The shape in which the material is distributed around these objects and its dynamics as well as the mechanisms that give rise to these structures are not well understood. Aims. The aim is to deepen our knowledge of the structure and kinematics of the circumstellar disc of the B[e] supergiant LHA 120-S 35. Methods. High-resolution optical spectra were obtained in three different years. Forbidden emission lines, that contribute to trace the disc at different distances from the star, are modelled in order to determine the kinematical properties of their line-forming regions, assuming Keplerian rotation. In addition, we used low-resolution near-infrared spectra to explore the variability of molecular emission. Results. LHA 120-S 35 displays an evident spectral variability in both optical and infrared regions. The P-Cygni line profiles of H I, as well as those of Fe II and O I, suggest the presence of a strong bipolar clumped wind. We distinguish density enhancements in the P-Cygni absorption component of the first Balmer lines, which show variations in both velocity and strength. The P-Cygni profile emission component is double-peaked, indicating the presence of a rotating circumstellar disc surrounding the star. We also observe line-profile variations in the permitted and forbidden features of Fe II and O I. In the infrared, we detect variations in the intensity of the H I emission lines as well as in the emission of the CO band-heads. Moreover, we find that the profiles of each [Ca II] and [O I] emission lines contain contributions from spatially different (complete or partial) rings. Globally, we find evidence of detached multi-ring structures, revealing density variations along the disc. We identify an inner ring, with sharp edge, where [Ca II] and [O I] lines share their forming region with the CO molecular bands. The outermost regions show a complex structure, outlined by fragmented clumps or partial-ring features of Ca II and O I. Additionally, we observe variations in the profiles of the only visible absorption features, the He I lines. Conclusions. We suggest that LHA 120-S 35 has passed through the red-supergiant (RSG) phase and evolves back bluewards in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. In this scenario, the formation of the complex circumstellar structure could be the result of the wind–wind interactions of the post-RSG wind with the previously ejected material from the RSG. The accumulation of material in the circumstellar environment could be attributed to enhanced mass-loss, probably triggered by stellar pulsations. However, the presence of a binary companion cannot be excluded. Finally, we find that LHA 120-S 35 is the third B[e] supergiant belonging to a young stellar cluster.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y GeofísicasInstituto de Astrofísica de La Plat

Investigating episodic mass loss in evolved massive stars: II. Physical properties of red supergiants at subsolar metallicity

Mass loss during the red supergiant (RSG) phase plays a crucial role in the evolution of an intermediate massive star, however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We aim to increase the sample of well-characterized RSGs at subsolar metallicity, by deriving the physical properties of 127 RSGs in nine nearby, southern galaxies presented by Bonanos et al. For each RSG, we provide spectral types and used \textsc{marcs} atmospheric models to measure stellar properties from their optical spectra, such as the effective temperature, extinction, and radial velocity. By fitting the spectral energy distribution, we obtained the stellar luminosity and radius for 97 RSGs, finding $\sim 50\%$ with log$(L/ \rm L_{\odot}) \geq 5.0$ and 6 RSGs with $R \gtrsim 1400 \,\ \rm R_{\odot}$. We also find a correlation between the stellar luminosity and mid-IR excess of 33 dusty, variable sources. Three of these dusty RSGs have luminosities exceeding the revised Humphreys-Davidson limit. We then derive a metallicity-dependent $J-K_s$ color versus temperature relation from synthetic photometry and two new empirical $J-K_s$ color versus temperature relations calibrated on literature TiO and $J$-band temperatures. To scale our derived, cool TiO temperatures to values in agreement with the evolutionary tracks, we derive two linear scaling relations calibrated on $J$-band and $i$-band temperatures. We find that the TiO temperatures are more discrepant as a function of the mass-loss rate and discuss future prospects of the TiO bands as a mass-loss probe. Finally, we speculate that 3 hot, dusty RSGs may have experienced a recent mass ejection ($12\%$ of the K-type sample) and indicate them as candidate Levesque-Massey variables.Comment: 22 pages, 18 figures, submitted to A&

Habitat Selection and Temporal Abundance Fluctuations of Demersal Cartilaginous Species in the Aegean Sea (Eastern Mediterranean)

Predicting the occurrence of keystone top predators in a multispecies marine environment, such as the Mediterranean Sea, can be of considerable value to the long-term sustainable development of the fishing industry and to the protection of biodiversity. We analysed fisheries independent scientific bottom trawl survey data of two of the most abundant cartilaginous fish species (Scyliorhinus canicula, Raja clavata) in the Aegean Sea covering an 11-year sampling period. The current findings revealed a declining trend in R. clavata and S. canicula abundance from the late ′90 s until 2004. Habitats with the higher probability of finding cartilaginous fish present were those located in intermediate waters (depth: 200–400 m). The present results also indicated a preferential species' clustering in specific geographic and bathymetric regions of the Aegean Sea. Depth appeared to be one of the key determining factors for the selection of habitats for all species examined. With cartilaginous fish species being among the more biologically sensitive fish species taken in European marine fisheries, our findings, which are based on a standardized scientific survey, can contribute to the rational exploitation and management of their stocks by providing important information on temporal abundance trends and habitat preferences