Analysis of the spectral energy distributions of four cool R CrB stars near the brightness maximum

The effective temperatures T _eff and carbon and nitrogen abundances in the atmospheres of the cool R CrB stars ES Aql, SV Sge, Z UMi, and NSV 11154 have been determined by modeling their spectral energy distributions in the optical and near-infrared. The hydrogen-deficient model atmospheres were computed using the SAM12 code in the classical approximation, taking into account sources of opacity characteristic of the atmospheres of R CrB stars. The influence of the hydrogen deficiency on theoretical stellar spectra is analyzed. The resulting effective-temperature estimates for ES Aql, SV Sge, Z UMi, and NSV 11154 are in the range T _eff = 4600–5200 K. The carbon abundances log n(C) in the atmospheres of ES Aql, SV Sge, and Z UMi are 8.9–10.1, corresponding to [C/Fe] values typical of the atmospheres of R CrB stars. The nitrogen abundances are lower than those determined in other studies, and differ considerably from star to star. The mean [N/Fe] value for these three stars is ≈1.5 dex lowthan the mean [N/Fe] for known warm R CrB stars. Abnormally high estimates were obtained for the atmosphere of NSV 11154: log n(C) = 10.8 and log n(N) = 10.0. The approximate log g estimates agree with the conclusion from photometric observations that cool R CrB stars have lower luminosities than hotter R CrB stars.     

Molecular bands in the spectra of M stars

The profiles of the main molecular bands in the spectral-energy distributions (SEDs) of M stars have been calculated. The calculations of the individual band profiles were performed using the just-overlapping-lines approximation. Information about the oscillator strengths and the sources of the spectroscopic data for specific transitions between electronic levels of molecules is provided. The calculations of theoretical SEDs for M stars were performed using available lists of molecular lines for sources of bound-bound opacity in the atmospheres of oxygen-sequence stars. The observed SEDs of the oxygen-sequence red giant HD 148783 (30 Her) and the M dwarf 2MASS J22424129?2659272 are reproduced. The dependence of the calculated SEDs of the M giant on the adopted metallicity and carbon abundance is studied. The observed SEDs of HD 148783 and 2MASS J22424129?2659272 are described well by theoretical spectra calculated for model atmospheres with T _eff/log g/[Fe/H] = 3250/ ? 0.4/0 and 3000/5.0/0, respectively.     

Observational constraints on potassium synthesis during the formation of stars of the Galactic disk

The non-LTE potassium abundances in the atmospheres of 33 Galactic-disk stars are derived and the parameters of the atmospheres of 23 of the stars are determined. Neglecting departures from LTE results in a systematic overestimation of the potassium abundances and an increase in their dispersion, even for differential analyses relative to the Sun. The non-LTE corrections are significant ((?0.2)–(?0.6) dex) and depend on the surface gravities and effective temperatures of the stars. The mean potassium abundance for a sample of ten stars with [Fe/H]～0.0 is in agreement with the solar and meteoritic abundances (log ? _⊙(K)=5.12). As the stellar metallicity increases from [Fe/H]=(?1.0) to (0.2) dex, the [K/Fe] ratio decreases systematically from 0.3 dex to ?0.1 dex. The derived dependence [K/Fe]-[Fe/H] is in agreement with the results of published model calculations of the chemical evolution of the Galaxy. This indicates the dominance of explosive oxygen burning in massive type II supernovae during the synthesis of potassium in the Galactic disk.     

Neutron-capture elements in halo, thick-disk, and thin-disk stars. Strontium, yttrium, zirconium, cerium

We derived Sr, Y, Zr, and Ce abundances for a sample of 74 cool dwarfs and subgiants with iron abundances, [Fe/H], between 0.25 and ?2.43. These estimates were obtained using synthetic spectra, assuming local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) for Y, Zr, and Ce, allowing for non-LTE conditions for Sr. We used high-resolution (λ/Δλ?40 000 and 60 000) spectra with signal-to-noise ratios between 50 and 200. We find that the Zr/Y, Sr/Y, and Sr/Zr ratios for the halo stars are the same in a wide metallicity range (?2.43 ≤ [Fe/H] ≤ ?0.90), within the errors, indicating a common origin for these elements at the epoch of halo formation. The Zr/Y ratios for thick-disk stars quickly decrease with increasing Ba abundance, indicating a lower rate of production of Zr compared to Y during active thick-disk formation. The thick-disk and halo stars display an increase in the [Zr/Ba] ratio with decreasing Ba abundance and a correlation of the Zr and Eu overabundances relative to Ba. The evolutionary behavior of the abundance ratios found for the thick-disk and halo stars does not agree with current models for the Galaxy’s chemical evolution. The abundance ratios of Y and Zr to Fe and Ba for thin-disk stars, as well as the abundance ratios within each group, are, on average, solar, though we note a slight decrease of Zr/Ba and Zr/Y with increasing Ba abundance. These results provide evidence for a dominance of asymptotic-giant-branch stars in the enrichment of the interstellar medium in heavy elements during the thin-disk epoch, in agreement with the predictions of the nucleosynthesis theory for the main s-process component.     

Chemical composition of stars in the galactic halo

The chemical compositions of the atmospheres of six metal-poor stars are analyzed. Spectra with signal-to-noise ratios of no less than 100 and a resolution of R≈17 000 were obtained using the 6-m telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The abundances of Li, O, α-process elements (Mg, Si, Ca, Ti), Na, K, Sc, iron-peak elements (Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn), and s-process elements (Y, Ba) are derived. The star G251-54 ([Fe/H]=?1.55, T _eff=5541 K, logg=3.58) is deficient in some elements compared to both stars with similar metallicities and the Sun. The atmosphere of G251-54 has the following elemental abundances relative to iron: [O/Fe]=+0.47, [α/Fe]≈?0.3, [Na/Fe]=?0.60, [Sc/Fe]=?0.57, [Cr, Ni, Fe]≈0, [Zn/Fe]=+0.16, [Cu/Fe]=?0.66, [Y/Fe]=?0.70, and [Ba/Fe]=?1.35. The remaining five stars have metallicities in the range ?1.6<[Fe/H]相似文献   

A study of red giants in the fields of open clusters. Cluster members

We present the results of a comparative analysis of the atmospheric chemical abundances of red giants in several open clusters: the Hyades, Collinder 350, NGC 6475, and Ruprecht 147. We determined the atmospheric parameters of all the stars and the elemental abundances in their atmospheres, as well as their masses, Galactic velocities, and the elements of their orbits in the Galaxy. The observed excess [Na/Fe] and [Eu/Fe] abundances in the atmospheres of Hyades giants suggests that matter later used for star formation had been enriched in the ejecta from type II supernovae.     

The copper and zinc abundances in stars of galactic sub-structures

We have determined abundances of copper, zinc, sodium, and aluminum in the atmospheres of 172 F, G, and K dwarf stars (−1.0 < [Fe/H] < 0.3) belonging to the Galaxy’s thin and thick disks and to the Hercules moving group. Our observations were performed with the ELODIE échelle spectrometer on the 1.93-m telescope of the Haute Provence Observatory, with a resolving power of R = 42 000 and signal-to-noise ratio S/N > 100. The Na, Al, Cu, and Zn abundances were derived in an LTE approximation; the synthetic spectrum for the copper lines was calculated taking into account super-fine structure of the lines. We analyzed the abundances of these elements as a function of metallicity [Fe/H] for stars of the thin and thick disks of the Galaxy and the Hercules moving group. The Cu abundances and their trends with metallicity are essentially the same in the three studied sub-structures. The mean Al and Zn abundances for stars of the thin and thick disks differ significantly.     

Cobalt in stars and the galaxy

An analysis of the abundance of cobalt in atmospheres of red giants, indicates they can be divided into two groups: stars with the normal [Co/Fe] abundance and those with a small [Co/Fe] excess. A comparative analysis of the spectrograms taking into account the effect of superfine splitting provides evidence for a [Co/Fe] excess in some stars. We have also detected physical and kinematical differences between these groups. Stars with a [Co/Fe] excess are related to the thick-disk population of the Galaxy. These stars are older and less massive, display lower metallicities, and have Galactic velocities corresponding to those of thick-disk objects. It is suggested that the observed pattern of a [Co/Fe] excess in the halo and thick disk reflects the chemical composition of the Galaxy at a very early stage of its evolution, when Population III objects existed. The lower abundance excess in the thick disk compared to the halo and the absence of an excess in the thin disk are due to the contributiuon from Type I supernovae at later stages of the Galaxy’s evolution. We have found that the thick disk of the Galaxy displays gradients of its cobalt and iron abundances, possibly providing evidence that the thick disk formed as a result of the collapse of a protogalactic cloud.     

Revised magnesium abundances in galactic halo and disk stars

A differential analysis of the magnesium abundances in 61 F-K dwarfs and subgiants with metallicities ?2.6<[Fe/H]<+0.2 is performed based on published observational data. Fundamental parameters for 36 stars are determined: T _eff from V-K and V-R; logg from HIPPARCOS parallaxes, and [Fe/H] and ξ_t from Fe II lines. The computations allow for non-LTE effects in the formation of the Mg I lines. For most of the stars, the standard errors in the Mg abundances do not exceed 0.07 dex. The metallicity dependence of [Mg/Fe] is analyzed. Magnesium shows a constant overabundance relative to Fe of 0.46±0.06 dex for metallicities ?2.6<[Fe/H] $\overline {[Mg/Fe]} = + 0.22 dex$ ) compared to the [Mg/Fe] values for other stars with similar [Fe/H].     

Neutron-capture elements in halo,thick-disk,and thin-disk stars: Neodymium

We have derived the LTE neodymium abundances in 60 cool stars with metallicities [Fe/H] from 0.25 to ?1.71 by applying a synthetic-spectrum analysis to spectroscopic observations of NdII lines with a resolution of λ/Δλ?60 000 and signal-to-noise ratios of 100–200. We have improved the atomic parameters of NdII and blending lines by analyzing the corresponding line pro files in the solar spectrum. Neodymium is overabundant with respect to iron in halo stars, [Nd/Fe]=0.33±0.09, with the [Nd/Fe] ratio decreasing systematically with metallicity when [Fe/H]>?1. This reflects an onset of efficient iron production in type I supernovae during the formation of the thick disk. The [Nd/Ba] and [Nd/Eu] abundance ratios behave differently in halo, thick-disk, and thin-disk stars. The observed abundance ratios in halo stars, [Nd/Ba]=0.34±0.08 and [Nd/Eu]=?0.27±0.05, agree within the errors with the ratios of the elemental yields for the r-process. These results support the conclusion of other authors based on analyses of other elements that the r-process played the dominant role in the synthesis of heavy elements during the formation of the halo. The [Nd/Ba] and [Nd/Eu] ratios for thick-disk stars are almost independent of metallicity ([Nd/Ba]=0.28(±0.03)?0.01(±0.04) [Fe/H] and [Nd/Eu]=?0.13(±0.03)+0.05(±0.04) [Fe/H]) but are smaller in absolute value than the corresponding ratios for halo stars, suggesting that the synthesis of s-process nuclei started during the formation of the thick disk. The s-process is estimated to have contributed ?30% of the neodymium produced during this stage of the evolution of the Galaxy. The [Nd/Ba] ratio decreases abruptly by 0.17 dex in the transition from the thick to the thin disk. The systematic decrease of [Nd/Ba] and increase of [Nd/Eu] with increasing metallicity of thin-disk stars point toward a dominant role of the s-process in the synthesis of heavy elements during this epoch.     

Evolutionary status of the spectral variable BD + 48°1220 = IRAS 05040+4820

Based on high-resolution observations (R = 60 000 and 75 000), we have studied the optical spectral variability of the star BD + 48°1220, identified with the IR source IRAS 05040+4820. We have measured the equivalent widths of numerous absorption lines of neutral atoms and ions at wavelengths from 4500 Å to 6760 Å, as well as the corresponding radial velocities. We use model atmospheres to determine the effective temperature T _eff = 7900 K, surface gravity log g = 0.0, microturbulence velocity ξ _t = 6.0, and the abundances for 16 elements. The star’s metallicity differs little from the solar value: [Fe/H] = ?0.10 dex. The main peculiarity of the chemical composition of the star is a large helium excess, derived from the Hel λ 5876 Å absorption, [He/H] = +1.04, and the equally large oxygen excess, [O/Fe] = +0.72 dex. The carbon excess is small, [C/Fe] = +0.09 dex, and the ratio [C/O] < 1. We obtained an altered relation for the light-metal abundances: [Na/Fe] = +0.87 dex with [Mg/Fe] = ?0.31 dex. The barium abundance is low, [Ba/Fe] = ?0.84 dex. It is concluded that the selective separation of elements onto dust grains of the envelope is probably efficient. The radial velocity of the star measured from photospheric absorption lines over three years of observations varies in the interval V _⊙ = ?(7–15) km/s. Time-variable differential line shifts have been revealed. The entire set of available data (the luminosity M _v ≈ ?5 ^m , velocity V _lsr ≈ ?20 km/s, metallicity [Fe/H] = ?0.10, and peculiarities of the optical spectrum and chemical composition) confirms the status of BD + 48°1220 as a post-AGB star with He and O excesses belonging to the Galactic disk.     

Circumstellar activity around the Herbig Ae/Be stars MWC 361, MWC 614, AB Aur

A study of the optical spectra of three Herbig Ae/Be stars is presented: MWC 361,MWC 614, AB Aur. Variations of the equivalent widths, radial velocities, and profiles of spectral lines formed in different regions of the circumstellar environments of these stars are analyzed. The most active spectral variations are observed in the Hα, Hβ, and He I 5876 lines. Other emission lines, such as Si II λλ6347, 6371 Åand [O I] λλ6300, 6363 Å, also display variations, but these are much smaller. Interstellar DIBs at λλ5780 and 5797 ?A were detected for the stars MWC 361 and MWC 614 for the first time. The active processes that are underway in the circumstellar environments of these systems can also reach more distant, outer parts of their circumstellar disks.     

Modeling and analysis of the spectrum of the globular cluster NGC 2419

The properties of the stellar population of the unusual object NGC 2419 are studied; this is the most distant high-mass globular cluster of the Galaxy’s outer halo, and a spectrum taken with the 1.93-m telescope of the Haute Provence Observatory displays elemental abundance anomalies. Since traditional high-resolution spectroscopicmethods are applicable to bright stars only, spectroscopic information for the cluster’s stellar population as a whole, integrated along the spectrograph slit placed in various positions, is used. Population synthesis is carried out for the spectrum of NGC 2419 using synthetic spectra calculated from a grid of stellar model atmospheres, based on the theoretical isochrone from the literature that best fits the color-magnitude diagram of the cluster. The derived age (12.6 billion years), metallicity ([Fe/H] = ?2.25 dex), and abundances of helium (Y = 0.26) and other chemical elements (a total of 14) are in a good qualitative agreement with estimates from the literature made from high-resolution spectra of eight red giants in the cluster. The influence on the spectrum of deviations from local thermodynamic equilibrium is considered for several elements. The derived abundance of α-elements ([α/Fe] = 0.13 dex, as the mean of [O/Fe], [Mg/Fe], and [Ca/Fe]) differs from the mean value in the literature ([α/Fe] = 0.4 for the eight brightest red giants) and may be explained by recently discovered in NGC2419 large [a/Fe] dispersion. Further studies of the integrated properties of the stellar population in NGC 2419 using higher-resolution spectrographs in various wavelength ranges should help improve our understanding of the cluster’s chemical anomalies.     

Optical spectra of three AGB stars

The basic parameters and detailed chemical compositions of three asymptotic giant branch stars with similar effective temperatures and surface gravities have been determined using CCD spectra obtained with the échelle spectrometers of the SAO 6-m telescope. The metallicity and chemical composition of the optical counterpart of the OH/IR star IRAS 18123 + 0511 have been derived for the first time. The abundance [X/H]_⊙ of the iron group elements (V, Cr, Fe) is ?0.45 dex. An overabundance of oxygen, [O/Fe]_⊙=1.44 dex, is detected in the atmosphere of this star. The abundances of s-process heavy elements are not enhanced, and are instead underabundant with respect to the metallicity: the average value of [X/Fe]_⊙ for Y, Zr, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd is ?0.25. The derived abundances confirm that IRAS 18123 + 0511 is in the AGB stage of its evolution. The metallicity of the object, together with its radial velocity V _r=78.0 km/s and Galactic latitude |b|=11°, suggest that it belongs to the old disk population. The expansion velocity of the circumstellar envelope, V _exp≈21 km/s, is derived from the positions of circumstellar absorption bands. The set of parameters obtained for the low-metallicity, highlatitude supergiants BD + 18° 2757 and BD + 18° 2890 (with iron abundances [Fe/H]_⊙=2.10 and ?1.48, respectively) confirm that they are evolved halo stars, and probably UU Her-type stars.     

The Problem of Spectral Mimicry of Supergiants

The phenomenon of spectral mimicry refers to the fact that hypergiants and post-AGB supergiants—stars of different masses in fundamentally different stages of their evolution—have similar optical spectra, and also share certain other characteristics (unstable extended atmospheres, expanding dust–gas envelopes, high IR excesses). As a consequence, it is not always possible to distinguish post-AGB stars from hypergiants based on individual spectral observations in the optical. Examples of spectral mimicry are analyzed using uniform, high-quality spectral material obtained on the 6-m telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory in the course of long-term monitoring of high-luminosity stars. It is shown that unambiguously resolving the mimicry problem for individual stars requires the determination of a whole set of parameters: luminosity, wind parameters, spectral energy distribution, spectral features, velocity field in the atmosphere and circumstellar medium, behavior of the parameters with time, and the chemical composition of the atmosphere.     

Relationship between the Elemental Abundances and the Kinematics of Galactic-Field RR Lyrae Stars

Data of our compiled catalog containing the positions, velocities, and metallicities of 415 RR Lyrae variable stars and the relative abundances [el/Fe] of 12 elements for 101 RR Lyrae stars, including four α elements (Mg, Ca, Si, and Ti), are used to study the relationships between the chemical and spatial–kinematic properties of these stars. In general, the dependences of the relative abundances of α elements on metallicity and velocity for the RR Lyrae stars are approximately the same as those for field dwarfs. Despite the usual claim that these stars are old, among them are representatives of the thin disk, which is the youngest subsystem of the Galaxy. Attention is called to the problem of lowmetallicity RR Lyrae stars. Most RR Lyrae stars that have the kinematic properties of thick disk stars have metallicities [Fe/H] < ?1.0 and high ratios [α/Fe] ≈ 0.4, whereas only about 10% of field dwarfs belonging to the so-called “low-metallicity tail” have this chemical composition. At the same time, there is a sharp change in [α/Fe] in RR Lyrae stars belonging just to the thick disk, providing evidence for a long period of formation of this subsystem. The chemical compositions of SDSS J1707+58, V455 Oph, MACHO176.18833.411, V456 Ser, and BPSCS 30339–046 do not correspond to their kinematics.While the first three of these stars belong to the halo, according to their kinematics, the last two belong to the thick disk. It is proposed that they are all most likely extragalactic, but the possible appearance of some of them in the solar neighborhood as a result of the gravitational action of the bar on field stars cannot be ruled out.     

Sodium abundances in stellar atmospheres with differing metallicities

The non-LTE sodium abundances of 100 stars with metallicities ?3<[Fe/H]<0.3 are determined using high-dispersion spectra with high signal-to-noise ratios. The sodium abundances [Na/Fe] obtained are close to the solar abundance and display a smaller scatter than values published previously. Giants (logg<3.8) with [Fe/H]g>3.8) with metallicities ?2<[Fe/H]相似文献   

Modeling the spectral energy distributions of L dwarfs

Mechanisms for the formation of the optical (λλ500–950 nm) spectra of L dwarfs—stars and sub-stellar objects with T _eff<2200 K—are discussed. Their spectral energy distributions are determined primarily by the K I and Na I resonance-doublet absorption lines. The equivalent widths of these absorption lines formally computed using the dusty model atmospheres of Tsuji can reach several thousand angstroms. In this case, the extended wings of these lines form a pseudo-continuum for weaker absorption lines and even molecular bands. Mechanisms for the broadening of alkali-element lines in the atmospheres of late-type stars due to interactions between neutral atoms and hydrogen molecules are analyzed. The computed optical spectral energy distributions of several L dwarfs are compared with their observed spectra.     

The effects of deviations from LTE in sulphur lines for late-type stars

We analyze the formation of lines of neutral sulfur in the spectra of F-K stars taking into account the effects of deviations from local thermodynamical equilibrium (LTE). Our calculations were carried out for Kurucz model atmospheres with T _eff = 5000–6500 K, log g = 2?4 and [Fe/H] = ?4?0, using a 65-level model of the SI atom. Deviations from LTE affect lines of different multiplets of the sulfur atom differently. Non-LTE corrections, which are relatively small (to ?0.10 dex) for the 6543–6557 Å lines, increase to ?0.26 dex for the 8694 Å line, and reach ?1.1 dex for the 9212–9237 Å IR triplet. The model of the atom was verified by modeling the sulfur lines of the studied multiplets in the spectra of the Sun, two main sequence stars, and two supergiants. Good consistency with the observed line profiles was obtained. Failure to take into account strong non-LTE-effects may explain the large sulfur excesses detected in stars with very low metal abundances.     

Chemical composition of 15 photometric analogues of the Sun

The results of a spectroscopic analysis of 15 stars that are photometric analogues of the Sun are reported. The effective temperatures and surface gravities in the stellar atmospheres are derived from published photometric indices and the HIPPARCOS parallaxes. The abundances of 33 elements ranging from lithium to europium are analyzed based on high-dispersion spectra taken with the new Coudé echelle spectrometer of the Terskol Observatory in the northern Caucasus. The main parameters of most of the stars agree with the data of an [Fe/H] catalog published in 2001. Our study of the chemical compositions of the sample stars indicates that photometric analogues of the Sun can be divided into three groups according to their elemental abundances: six stars have solar chemical composition, four have abundance excesses, and five have some abundance deficiencies. The sample contains two metal-deficient subgiants (HD 133002 and HD 225239). Our results demonstrate that photometric similarity is not a sufficient criterion to consider a star as solar analogue. When several criteria, including chemical composition, are simultaneously taken into account, only four stars from the sample can be considered true solar analogues: HD 10307, HD 34411, HD 146233 (18 Sco), and HD 186427 (16 Cyg B). These results confirm the previously published suggestion that 18 Sco is the most probable twin of the Sun: essentially all the parameters of the two stars coincide within the errors.