On the effects of the stellar magnetic field on the structure of T Tauri accretion discs

The structure of accretion discs around magnetic T Tauri stars is calculated numerically using a particle hydrodynamical code, in which magnetic interaction is included in the framework of King's diamagnetic blob accretion model. Setting up the calculation so as to simulate the density structure of a quasi-steady disc in the equatorial plane of a T Tauri star, we find that the central star's magnetic field typically produces a central hole in the disc and spreads out the surface density distribution. We argue that this result suggets a promising mechanism for explaining the unusual flatness (IR excess) of T Tauri accretion disc spectra.     

Searching for proto‐brown dwarfs: Extending near IR spectroscopy of protostars below the hydrogen burning limit

Recent observations of nearby star forming regions have offered evidence that young brown dwarfs undergo a period of mass accretion analogous to the T Tauri phase observed in young stars. Brown dwarf analogs to stellar protostars, however, have yet to be definitively observed. These young, accreting objects would shed light on the nature of the dominant brown dwarf formation process, as well as provide ideal laboratories to investigate the dependence of the accretion mechanism on protostellar mass. Recent near infrared surveys have identified candidate proto‐brown dwarfs and characterized low mass protostars in nearby star forming regions. These techniques allow near infrared spectra to diagnose the effective temperature, accretion luminosity, magnetic field strength and rotation velocity of young low mass stars across the stellar/substellar boundary. The lowest mass proto‐brown dwarfs (M < 40 M_Jup), however, will prove challenging to observe given current near IR observational capabilities. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

X‐shooting Herbig Ae/Be stars: Accretion probed by near‐infrared He I emission

The Herbig Ae/Be stars are intermediate mass pre‐main sequence stars that bridge the gap between the low mass T Tauri stars and the Massive Young Stellar Objects. In this mass range, the acting star forming mechanism switches from magnetically controlled accretion to an as yet unknown mechanism, but which is likely to be direct disk accretion onto the star. We observed a large sample of Herbig Ae/Be stars with X‐shooter to address this issue from a multi‐wavelength perspective. It is the largest such study to date, not only because of the number of objects involved, but also because of the large wavelength coverage from the blue to the near‐infrared. This allows many accretion diagnostics to be studied simultaneously. By correlating the various properties with mass, temperature and age, we aim to determine where and whether the magnetically controlled mass accretion mechanism halts and the proposed direct disk accretion takes over. Here, we will give an overview of the background, present some observations and discuss our initial results. We will introduce a new accretion diagnostic for the research of Herbig Ae/Be stars, the HeI 1.083 μm line (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Accretion disc–stellar magnetosphere interaction: field line inflation and the effect on the spin-down torque

We calculate the structure of a force-free magnetosphere which is assumed to corotate with a central star and which interacts with an embedded differentially rotating accretion disc. The magnetic and rotation axes are aligned, and the stellar field is assumed to be a dipole. We concentrate on the case when the amount of field line twisting through the disc–magnetosphere interaction is large , and consider different outer boundary conditions. In general the field line twisting produces field line inflation (e.g. Bardou & Heyvaerts), and in some cases with large twisting many field lines can become open. We calculate the spin-down torque acting between the star and the disc, and we find that it decreases significantly for cases with large field line twisting. This suggests that the oscillating torques observed for some accreting neutron stars could be caused by the magnetosphere varying between states with low and high field line inflation. Calculations of the spin evolution of T Tauri stars may also have to be revised in the light of the significant effect that field line twisting has on the magnetic torque resulting from star–disc interactions.     

Surface magnetic fields on two accreting T Tauri stars: CV Cha and CR Cha

We have produced brightness and magnetic field maps of the surfaces of CV Cha and CR Cha: two actively accreting G- and K-type T Tauri stars in the Chamaeleon I star-forming cloud with ages of 3–5 Myr. Our magnetic field maps show evidence for strong, complex multipolar fields similar to those obtained for young rapidly rotating main-sequence stars. Brightness maps indicate the presence of dark polar caps and low-latitude spots – these brightness maps are very similar to those obtained for other pre-main-sequence and rapidly rotating main-sequence stars.
Only two other classical T Tauri stars have been studied using similar techniques so far: V2129 Oph and BP Tau. CV Cha and CR Cha show magnetic field patterns that are significantly more complex than those recovered for BP Tau, a fully convective T Tauri star.
We discuss possible reasons for this difference and suggest that the complexity of the stellar magnetic field is related to the convection zone; with more complex fields being found in T Tauri stars with radiative cores (V2129 Oph, CV Cha and CR Cha). However, it is clearly necessary to conduct magnetic field studies of T Tauri star systems, exploring a wide range of stellar parameters in order to establish how they affect magnetic field generation, and thus how these magnetic fields are likely to affect the evolution of T Tauri star systems as they approach the main sequence.     

Probing the circumstellar structures of T Tauri stars and their relationship to those of Herbig stars

We present Hα spectropolarimetry observations of a sample of 10 bright T Tauri stars, supplemented with new Herbig Ae/Be star data. A change in the linear polarization across Hα is detected in most of the T Tauri (9/10) and Herbig Ae (9/11) objects, which we interpret in terms of a compact source of line photons that is scattered off a rotating accretion disc. We find consistency between the position angle (PA) of the polarization and those of imaged disc PAs from infrared and millimetre imaging and interferometry studies, probing much larger scales. For the Herbig Ae stars AB Aur, MWC 480 and CQ Tau, we find the polarization PA to be perpendicular to the imaged disc, which is expected for single scattering. On the other hand, the polarization PA aligns with the outer disc PA for the T Tauri stars DR Tau and SU Aur and FU Ori, conforming to the case of multiple scattering. This difference can be explained if the inner discs of Herbig Ae stars are optically thin, whilst those around our T Tauri stars and FU Ori are optically thick. Furthermore, we develop a novel technique that combines known inclination angles and our recent Monte Carlo models to constrain the inner rim sizes of SU Aur, GW Ori, AB Aur and CQ Tau. Finally, we consider the connection of the inner disc structure with the orientation of the magnetic field in the foreground interstellar medium: for FU Ori and DR Tau, we infer an alignment of the stellar axis and the larger magnetic field direction.     

Disk luminosity and angular momentum for accreting,weak field neutron stars in the ‘Slow’ rotation approximation

For accretion on to neutron stars possessing weak surface magnetic fields and substantial rotation rates (corresponding to the secular instability limit), we calculate the disk and surface layer luminosities general relativistically using the Hartle & Thorne formalism, and illustrate these quantities for a set of representative neutron star equations of state. We also discuss the related problem of the angular momentum evolution of such neutron stars and give a quantitative estimate for this accretion driven change in angular momentum. Rotation always increases the disk luminosity and reduces the rate of angular momentum evolution. These effects have relevance for observations of low-mass X-ray binaries.     

Accretion,jets and winds: High‐energy emission from young stellar objects – Doctoral Thesis Award Lecture 2010

This article summarizes the processes of high‐energy emission in young stellar objects. Stars of spectral type A and B are called Herbig Ae/Be (HAeBe) stars in this stage, all later spectral types are termed classical T Tauri stars (CTTS). Both types are studied by high‐resolution X‐ray and UV spectroscopy and modeling. Three mechanisms contribute to the highenergy emission from CTTS: 1) CTTS have active coronae similar to main‐sequence stars, 2) the accreted material passes through an accretion shock at the stellar surface, which heats it to a few MK, and 3) some CTTS drive powerful outflows. Shocks within these jets can heat the plasma to X‐ray emitting temperatures. Coronae are already well characterized in the literature; for the latter two scenarios models are shown. The magnetic field suppresses motion perpendicular to the field lines in the accretion shock, thus justifying a 1D geometry. The radiative loss is calculated as optically thin emission. A mixture of shocked and coronal gas is fitted to X‐ray observations of accreting CTTS. Specifically, the model explains the peculiar line‐ratios in the He‐like triplets of Ne IX and O VII. All stars require only small mass accretion rates to power the X‐ray emission. In contrast, the HAeBe HD 163296 has line ratios similar to coronal sources, indicating that neither a high density nor a strong UV‐field is present in the region of the X‐ray emission. This could be caused by a shock in its jet. Similar emission is found in the deeply absorbed CTTS DG Tau. Shock velocities between 400 and 500 km s^–1 are required to explain the observed spectrum (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

X‐rays from young stars: A summary of highlights from the XMM‐Newton Extended Survey of the Taurus Molecular Cloud (XEST)

The XMM‐Newton Extended Survey of the Taurus Molecular Cloud (XEST) is a survey of the nearest large star‐forming region, the Taurus Molecular Cloud (TMC), making use of all instruments on board the XMM‐Newton X‐ray observatory. The survey, presently still growing, has provided unprecedented spectroscopic results from nearly every observed T Tauri star, and from ≈50% of the studied brown dwarfs and protostars. The survey includes the first coherent statistical sample of high‐resolution spectra of T Tauri stars, and is accompanied by an U ‐band/ultraviolet imaging photometric survey of the TMC. XEST led to the discovery of new, systematic X‐ray features not possible before with smaller samples, in particular the X‐ray soft excess in classical T Tauri stars and the Two‐Absorber X‐ray (TAX) spectra of jet‐driving T Tauri stars. This paper summarizes highlights from XEST and reviews the key role of this large project. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Measuring the mass accretion rates of Herbig Ae/Be stars with X‐shooter

We present the results of our observations of eight magnetic Herbig Ae/Be stars obtained with the X‐shooter spectrograph mounted on UT2 at the VLT. X‐shooter provides a simultaneous, medium‐resolution and high‐sensitivity spectrum over the entire wavelength range from 300 to 2500 nm. We estimate the mass accretion rates (Ṁ_acc) of the targets from 13 different spectral diagnostics using empiric calibrations derived previously for T Tauri‐type stars and brown dwarfs. We have estimated the mass accretion rates of our targets, which range from 2 × 10^–9 to 2 × 10^–7 M_⊙ yr^–1. Furthermore, we have found accretion rate variability with amplitudes of 0.10–0.40 dex taking place on time scales from one day to tens of days. Additional future night‐to‐night observations need to be carried out to investigate the character of Ṁ_acc variability in details. Our study shows that the majority of the calibration relations can be applied to Herbig Ae/Be stars, but several of them need to be re‐calibrated on the basis of new spectral data for a larger number of Herbig Ae/Be stars (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Variability of young stars: Determination of rotational periods of weak‐line T Tauri stars in the Cepheus‐Cassiopeia star‐forming region

We report on observation and determination of rotational periods of ten weak‐line T Tauri stars in the Cepheus‐Cassiopeia star‐forming region. Observations were carried out with the Cassegrain‐Teleskop‐Kamera (CTK) at University Observatory Jena between 2007 June and 2008 May. The periods obtained range between 0.49 d and 5.7 d, typical for weak‐line and post T Tauri stars (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

S 235 B explained: an accreting Herbig Be star surrounded by reflection nebulosity

The intent of this study is to determine the nature of the star and associated nebulosity S 235 B, which are located in a region of active star formation still heavily obscured by the parent molecular cloud. Low-resolution  ( R = 400)  long-slit spectra of the star and nebulosity, and medium-  ( R = 1800)  and high-resolution  ( R = 60 000)  spectra of the central star are presented along with the results of Fabry–Perot interferometric imaging of the entire region. Based on the long-slit and Fabry–Perot observations, the nebulosity appears to be entirely reflective in nature, with the stellar component S 235 B★ providing most of the illuminating flux. The stellar source itself is classified here as a B1V star, with emission-line profiles indicative of an accretion disc. S 235 B★ thus belongs to the relatively rare class of early-type Hebrig Be stars. Based on the intensity of the reflected component, it is concluded that the accretion disc must be viewed nearly edge-on. Estimates of the accretion rate of S 235 B★ from the width of the Hα profile at 10 per cent of maximum intensity, a method which has been used lately for T Tauri stars and Brown Dwarfs, appear to be inconsistent with the mass outflow rate and accretion rate implied from previous infrared observations by Felli et al., suggesting this empirical law does not extend to higher masses.     

Global 3‐D solar‐type star‐disc dynamo systems: I. MHD modeling

We have carried out global three‐dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the star‐disc interaction region around a young solar‐type star. The magnetic field is generated and maintained by dynamos in the star as well as in the disc. The developing mass flows possess non‐periodic time‐variable azimuthal structure and are controlled by the nonaxisymmetric magnetic fields. Since the stellar field drives a strong stellar wind, accretion is anti‐correlated with the stellar field strength and disc matter is spiraling onto the star at low latitudes, both contrary to the generally assumed accretion picture. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Evolution of neutron stars in high-mass X-ray binaries

We consider the evolution of neutron stars during the X-ray phase of high-mass binaries. Calculations are performed assuming a crustal origin of the magnetic field. A strong wind from the companion can significantly influence the magnetic and spin behaviour of a neutron star even during the main-sequence life of the companion. In the course of evolution, the neutron star passes through four evolutionary phases ('isolated pulsar', propeller, wind accretion, and Roche lobe overflow). The model considered can naturally account for the observed magnetic fields and spin periods of neutron stars, as well as the existence of pulsating and non-pulsating X-ray sources in high-mass binaries. Calculations also predict the existence of a particular sort of high-mass binary with a secondary that fills its Roche lobe and a neutron star that does not accrete the overflowing matter because of fast spin.     

The spin evolution of nascent neutron stars

The loss of angular momentum owing to unstable r-modes in hot young neutron stars has been proposed as a mechanism for achieving the spin rates inferred for young pulsars. One factor that could have a significant effect on the action of the r-mode instability is fallback of supernova remnant material. The associated accretion torque could potentially counteract any gravitational-wave-induced spin-down, and accretion heating could affect the viscous damping rates and hence the instability. We discuss the effects of various external agents on the r-mode instability scenario within a simple model of supernova fallback on to a hot young magnetized neutron star. We find that the outcome depends strongly on the strength of the magnetic field of the star. Our model is capable of generating spin rates for young neutron stars that accord well with initial spin rates inferred from pulsar observations. The combined action of r-mode instability and fallback appears to cause the spin rates of neutron stars born with very different spin rates to converge, on a time-scale of approximately 1 year. The results suggest that stars with magnetic fields ≤10¹³ G could emit a detectable gravitational wave signal for perhaps several years after the supernova event. Stars with higher fields (magnetars) are unlikely to emit a detectable gravitational wave signal via the r-mode instability. The model also suggests that the r-mode instability could be extremely effective in preventing young neutron stars from going dynamically unstable to the bar-mode.     

An X‐shooter survey of star forming regions: Low‐mass stars and sub‐stellar objects

We present preliminary results of our X‐shooter survey in star forming regions. In this contribution we focus on subsamples of young stellar and sub‐stellar objects (YSOs) in the Lupus star forming region and in the TW Hya association. We show that the X‐shooter spectra are suitable for conducting several parallel studies such as YSO + disk fundamental parameters, accretion and outflow activity in the very low‐mass (VLM) and sub‐stellar regimes, as well as magnetic activity in young VLM YSOs, and Li abundance determinations. The capabilities of X‐shooter in terms of wide spectral coverage, resolution and limiting magnitudes, allow us to assess simultaneously the accretion/outflow, magnetic activity, and disk diagnostics, from the UV and optical to the near‐IR, avoiding ambiguities due to possible YSO variability (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The accretion of brown dwarfs and planets by giant stars – II. Solar-mass stars on the red giant branch

This paper extends our previous study of planet/brown dwarf accretion by giant stars to solar-mass stars located on the red giant branch. The model assumes that the planet is dissipated at the bottom of the convective envelope of the giant star. The evolution of the giant is then followed in detail. We analyse the effects of different accretion rates and different initial conditions. The computations indicate that the accretion process is accompanied by a substantial expansion of the star, and, in the case of high accretion rates, hot bottom burning can be activated. The possible observational signatures that accompany the engulfing of a planet are also extensively investigated. They include the ejection of a shell and a subsequent phase of IR emission, an increase in the ⁷Li surface abundance and a potential stellar metallicity enrichment, spin-up of the star because of the deposition of orbital angular momentum, the possible generation of magnetic fields and the related X-ray activity caused by the development of shear at the base of the convective envelope, and the effects on the morphology of the horizontal branch in globular clusters. We propose that the IR excess and high Li abundance observed in 4–8 per cent of the G and K giants originate from the accretion of a giant planet, a brown dwarf or a very low-mass star.     

Magnetic and spin evolution of neutron stars in close binaries

The evolution of neutron stars in close binary systems with a low-mass companion is considered, assuming the magnetic field to be confined within the solid crust. We adopt the standard scenario for the evolution in a close binary system, in which the neutron star passes through four evolutionary phases ('isolated pulsar'–'propeller'– accretion from the wind of a companion – accretion resulting from Roche-lobe overflow). Calculations have been performed for a great variety of parameters characterizing the properties of both the neutron star and the low-mass companion. We find that neutron stars with more or less standard magnetic field and spin period that are processed in low-mass binaries can evolve to low-field rapidly rotating pulsars. Even if the main-sequence life of a companion is as long as 10¹⁰ yr, the neutron star can maintain a relatively strong magnetic field to the end of the accretion phase. The model that is considered can account well for the origin of millisecond pulsars.     

IPHAS discoveries of young stars towards Cyg OB2 and its southern periphery

We report on the discovery of over 50 strong Hα emitting objects towards the large OB association Cyg OB2 and the H  ii region DR 15 on its southern periphery. This was achieved using the INT Photometric Hα Survey of the Northern Galactic Plane (IPHAS), combined with follow-up spectroscopy using the MMT multi-object spectrometer HectoSpec. We present optical spectra, supplemented with optical r ',  i ' and H α photometry from IPHAS, and near-infrared J ,  H and K photometry from Two Micron All Sky Survey. The position of the objects in the ( J − H ) versus ( H − K ) diagram strongly suggests most of them are young. Many show Ca  ii infrared triplet emission indicating that they are in a pre-main-sequence phase of evolution of T Tauri and Herbig Ae nature. Among these, we have uncovered pronounced clustering of T Tauri stars roughly a degree south of the centre of Cyg OB2, in an arc close to the H  ii region DR 15, and the radio ring nebula G79.29+0.46, for which we discuss its candidacy as a luminous blue variable. The emission-line objects towards Cyg OB2 itself could be the brightest most prominent component of a population of lower mass pre-main-sequence stars that has yet to be uncovered. Finally, we discuss the nature of the ongoing star formation in Cyg OB2 and the possibility that the central OB stars have triggered star formation in the periphery.     

Investigations of Stephenson's Hα stars

Hitherto unstudied objects from Stephenson's list of Hα emission line objects at high galactic latitude were observed spectroscopically to prove their nature. 9 out of 11 objects show Hα in emission. Spectroscopy combined with photometric information indicates most of them being classical Be stars, while one object is a Post‐AGB star and one a T‐Tauri star. The classification of two objects, which are showing Hα in emission, is unclear. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)