Evolutionary stellar population synthesis at high spectral resolution: optical wavelengths

We present the single stellar population (SSP) synthesis results of our new synthetic stellar atmosphere models library with a spectral sampling of 0.3 Å, covering the wavelength range from 3000 to 7000 Å for a wide range of metallicities (twice solar, solar, half solar and 1/10 solar). The stellar library is composed of 1650 spectra computed with the latest improvements in stellar atmospheres. In particular, it incorporates non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) line-blanketed models for hot  ( T _eff≥ 27 500 K)  , and LTE line-blanketed models (Phoenix) for cool  (3000 ≤ T _eff≤ 4500 K)  stars. Because of the high spectral resolution of this library, evolutionary synthesis models can be used to predict the strength of numerous weak absorption lines and the evolution of the profiles of the strongest lines over a wide range of ages. The SSP results have been calculated for ages from 1 Myr to 17 Gyr using the stellar evolutionary tracks provided by the Geneva and Padova groups. For young stellar populations, our results have a very detailed coverage of high-temperature stars with similar results for the Padova and Geneva isochrones. For intermediate and old stellar populations, our results, once degraded to a lower resolution, are similar to the ones obtained by other groups (limitations imposed by the stellar evolutionary physics notwidthstanding). The limitations and advantages of our models for the analysis of integrated populations are described. The full set of the stellar library and the evolutionary models are available for retrieval at the websites http://www.iaa.csic.es/~rosa and http://www.iaa.csic.es/~mcs/sed@ , or on request from the first two authors.     

Kinematical studies of the low-mass X-ray binary GR Mus (XB 1254–690)

We present simultaneous high-resolution optical spectroscopy and X-ray data of the X-ray binary system GR Mus (XB 1254–690), obtained over a full range of orbital phases. The X-ray observations are used to re-establish the orbital ephemeris for this source. The optical data include the first spectroscopic detection of the donor star in this system through the use of the Doppler Tomography technique on the Bowen fluorescence blend (∼4630–4650 Å). In combination with an estimate for the orbital parameters of the compact object using the wings of the He  ii λ4686 emission line, dynamical mass constraints of  1.20 ≤ M _X /M_⊙≤ 2.64  for the neutron star and  0.45 ≤ M ₂/M_⊙≤ 0.85  for the companion are derived.     

The radio structure of S5 1803+784

We present deep CCD BVI photometry of the distant, old open cluster Berkeley 22, covering from the red giant branch (RGB) to about six magnitudes below the main-sequence (MS) turn-off. Using the synthetic colour–magnitude diagram method with three different types of stellar evolutionary tracks, we estimate values and theoretical uncertainties of the distance modulus ( m − M )₀, reddening E ( B − V ), age τ and approximate metallicity. The best fit to the data is obtained for  13.8 ≤ ( m − M )₀≤ 14.1,  0.64 ≤ E ( B − V ) ≤ 0.65,  2.0 ≤τ≤ 2.5 Gyr  (depending on the amount of overshooting from convective regions adopted in the stellar models) and solar metallicity.     

Surface abundances of light elements for a large sample of early B-type stars – II. Basic parameters of 107 stars

Effective temperatures T _eff, surface gravities log  g and interstellar extinctions A _V are found for 107 B stars. Distances d of the stars, which are based on the derived T _eff, log  g and A _V values, show good agreement with those obtained from the Hipparcos parallaxes. Comparing the T _eff and log  g values with evolutionary computations, we infer masses, radii, luminosities, ages and relative ages of the stars. Empirical relations between the T _eff and log  g parameters, on the one hand, and the photometric indices Q , [ c ₁] and β , on the other hand, are constructed; these relations give a fast method for the T _eff and log  g estimation of early and medium B stars. Inclusion of the infrared J , H and K colours into the T _eff, log  g and A _V determination shows that (i) the T _eff and log  g parameters are altered only slightly; (ii) the A _V value is rather sensitive to these colours, so an accuracy better than 0.05 mag in the JHK data is necessary for precise A _V evaluation.     

Infrared helium–hydrogen line ratios as a measure of stellar effective temperature

We have observed a large sample of compact planetary nebulae in the near-infrared to determine how the 2¹P–2¹S He  i line at 2.058 μm varies as a function of stellar effective temperature, T _eff. The ratio of this line with H  i Br γ at 2.166 μm has often been used as a measure of the highest T _eff present in a stellar cluster, and hence of whether there is a cut-off in the stellar initial mass function at high masses. However, recent photoionization modelling has revealed that the behaviour of this line is more complex than previously anticipated. Our work shows that in most aspects the photoionization models are correct. In particular, we confirm the weakening of the 2¹P–2¹S line as T _eff increases beyond 40 000 K. However, in many cases the model underpredicts the observed ratio when we consider the detailed physical conditions in the individual planetary nebulae. Furthermore, there is evidence that there is still significant 2¹P–2¹S He  i line emission even in the planetary nebulae with very hot     central stars. It is clear from our work that this ratio cannot be considered as a reliable measure of effective temperature on its own.     

Towards the absolute planes: a new calibration of the bolometric corrections and temperature scales for Population II giants

We present new determinations of bolometric corrections and effective temperature scales as a function of infrared optical colours, using a large data base of photometric observations of about 6500 Population II giants in Galactic globular clusters (GGCs), covering a wide range in metallicity (−2.0 < [Fe/H] < 0.0).   New relations for BC _K versus ( V  −  K ) , ( J  −  K ) and BC _V versus ( B  −  V ), ( V  −  I ), ( V  −  J ), and new calibrations for T _eff, using both an empirical relation and model atmospheres, are provided.   Moreover, an empirical relation to derive the R parameter of the infrared flux method as a function of the stellar temperature is also presented.     

Spectral analysis of the high-gravity extreme helium star LS IV+6°2

The optical spectrum of the early B hydrogen-deficient star LS IV+6°2 has been analysed. With T _eff = 31000 K, log  g  = 4.05, n _H ∼ 10⁻⁴ and n _c ∼ 0.1 (relative abundances by number), it is the hottest high-gravity extreme helium star (EHe) yet studied. The He  i spectrum shows all predicted permitted and forbidden transitions in absorption. LS IV+6°2 is a comparatively metal-rich EHe star; abundances of C, N, O, Ne, Mg, Al and P are typical of other EHes, whilst Si and S are somewhat deficient. With the surface parameters given, LS IV+6°2 lies close to the boundary of the helium star pulsation instability finger near T _eff ∼ 27000 K. Available data indicate that the radial velocity is variable, but give no indication of amplitude or period.     

Is LkHα 264 like a young, extremely active Sun?

We combine calibrated International Ultraviolet Explorer ( IUE ) archive data and new low-resolution optical data for the T Tauri star LkH α 264 covering the region from 1200 to 7000 Å. The UV continuum is well fitted by the combination of a blackbody at 4300 K plus hydrogenic free–free and free–bound emission from a dense plasma at 3.5×10⁴ K plus the emission by a second blackbody. This last component is at T ≈8700 K and covers about 4 per cent of the stellar surface. We interpret this last component to be the result of emission from one or various hotspots. The interesting result is that this combined emission also fits the observed optical continuum well. We conclude that this star is an analogue of the Sun, however displaying a much higher level of activity.     

Sputtering in the outflows of cool stars

Radiation pressure acts to accelerate dust grains and, by transfer of momentum through collisions with the gas, drives the outflows of late-type stars. Some of these dust–gas collisions may be energetic enough to remove atoms from the dust grains. From an assumed initial size distribution for the dust grains, the method of Krüger et al. is used to study the evolution of a sample of spherical amorphous carbon grains under conditions typical of a late-type star. The size distribution of dust grains is presented for various sets of model parameters. One set of models assumes an initial Mathis, Rumpl & Nordsieck (MRN) distribution for the dust grains. The high-luminosity ( L ∗), high-effective temperature ( T _eff) set of parameters has a terminal velocity ( v _term) that is near, but above , the upper limit of observed outflow velocities for carbon stars (∼30 km s⁻¹ for the assumed ̇ of 5×10⁻⁶ M_⊙ yr⁻¹). The low L ∗, T _eff model has a v _term that lies near, but below , the upper limit of observed velocities. A significant amount of sputtering occurs in the high L ∗, T _eff model with ∼40 per cent of the grain mass sputtered. About ∼1 per cent of the dust mass is sputtered in the low L ∗, T _eff. Another set of models assumes that the dust forms with a log-normal distribution. Here, v _term is nearly the same for the high L ∗, T _eff model as for the low L ∗, T _eff model. This is a result of the large amount of dust mass loss (∼75 per cent) by sputtering in the high L ∗, T _eff model.     

Long Secondary Periods in variable red giants

We present a study of a sample of Large Magellanic Cloud red giants exhibiting Long Secondary Periods (LSPs). We use radial velocities obtained from VLT spectral observations and MACHO and OGLE light curves to examine properties of the stars and to evaluate models for the cause of LSPs. This sample is much larger than the combined previous studies of Hinkle et al. and Wood, Olivier & Kawaler.
Binary and pulsation models have enjoyed much support in recent years. Assuming stellar pulsation, we calculate from the velocity curves that the typical fractional radius change over an LSP cycle is greater than 30 per cent. This should lead to large changes in T _eff that are not observed. Also, the small light amplitude of these stars seems inconsistent with the radius amplitude. We conclude that pulsation is not a likely explanation for the LSPs. The main alternative, physical movement of the star – binary motion – also has severe problems. If the velocity variations are due to binary motion, the distribution of the angle of periastron in our large sample of stars has a probability of  1.4 × 10⁻³  that it comes from randomly aligned binary orbits. In addition, we calculate a typical companion mass of  0.09 M_⊙  . Less than 1 per cent of low-mass main-sequence stars have companions near this mass  (0.06–0.12 M_⊙)  whereas ∼25–50 per cent of low-mass red giants end up with LSPs. We are unable to find a suitable model for the LSPs and conclude by listing their known properties.     

X-ray and extreme-ultraviolet emission from the coronae of Capella

The primary objective of this work is the analysis and interpretation of coronal observations of Capella obtained in 1999 September with the High Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer on the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer ( EUVE ). He-like lines of O (O  vii ) are used to derive a density of 1.7×10¹⁰ cm⁻³ for the coronae of the binary, consistent with the upper limits derived from Fe  xxi , Ne  ix and Mg  xi line ratios. Previous estimates of the electron density based on Fe  xxi should be considered as upper limits. We construct emission measure distributions and compare the theoretical and observed spectra to conclude that the coronal material has a temperature distribution that peaks around 4–6 MK , implying that the coronae of Capella were significantly cooler than in the previous years. In addition, we present an extended line list with over 100 features in the 5–24 Å wavelength range, and find that the X-ray spectrum is very similar to that of a solar flare observed with SMM . The observed to theoretical Fe  xvii 15.012-Å line intensity reveals that opacity has no significant effect on the line flux. We derive an upper limit to the optical depth, which we combine with the electron density to derive an upper limit of 3000 km for the size of the Fe  xvii emitting region. In the same context, we use the Si  iv transition region lines of Capella from HST /Goddard High-Resolution Spectrometer observations to show that opacity can be significant at T =10⁵ K , and derive a path-length of ≈75 km for the transition region. Both the coronal and transition region observations are consistent with very small emitting regions, which could be explained by small loops over the stellar surfaces.     

Radio flares and plasmon size in Cygnus X-3

We have observed a number of minor radio flares in Cyg X-3 using the MERLIN array. Photometric observations show the system to be highly active with multiple flares on hourly time-scales over the one month observing programme. Analysis of the power spectrum of the source show no persistent periodicities in these data, and no evidence of the 4.8-h orbital period. An upper limit of 15 mJy can be placed on the amplitude of any sinusoidal variation of source flux at the orbital period. The brightness temperature of a flare is typically T _b≥10⁹–10¹⁰ K , with a number of small flares of 5-min duration having brightness temperatures of T _b≥ few×10¹¹ K . For such a change in flux to occur within a typical 10-min time-scale, the radiation must originate from plasmons with a size ≤1.22 au. This emission is unlikely to originate close to the centre of the system as both the jets and compact object are buried deep within an optically thick stellar wind. Assuming a spherically symmetric wind, plasmons would become visible at distances ∼13 au from the core.     

Abundances in Przybylski's star

We have derived abundances for 54 elements in the extreme roAp star HD 101065. ESO spectra with a resolution of about 80 000, and S/N of 200 or more were employed. The adopted model has T _eff=6600 K, and log( g )=4.2. Because of the increased line opacity and consequent low gas pressure, convection plays no significant role in the temperature structure. Lighter elemental abundances through the iron group scatter about standard abundance distribution (SAD) (solar) values. Iron and nickel are about one order of magnitude deficient while cobalt is enhanced by 1.5 dex. Heavier elements, including the lanthanides, generally follow the solar pattern but enhanced by 3 to 4 dex. Odd-Z elements are generally less abundant than their even-Z neighbours. With a few exceptions (e.g. Yb), the abundance pattern among the heavy elements is remarkably coherent, and resembles a displaced solar distribution.     

The cooling function of HD molecule revisited

We report new calculations of the cooling rate of primordial gas by the HD molecule, taking into account its ro-vibrational structure. The HD cooling function is calculated including radiative and collisional transitions for   J ≤ 8  rotational levels, and for the vibrational levels v = 0, 1, 2 and 3. The ro-vibrational level population is calculated from the balance equation assuming steady state. The cooling function is evaluated in the ranges of the kinetic temperatures, T _k, from 10² to  2 × 10⁴ K  and the number densities, n _H, from 1 to  10⁸ cm⁻³  . We find that the inclusion of collisional ro-vibrational transitions increases significantly the HD cooling efficiency, in particular for high densities and temperatures. For   n _H≳ 10⁵  and   T _k∼ 10⁴ K  the cooling function becomes more than an order of magnitude higher than previously reported. We give also the HD cooling rate in the presence of the cosmic microwave radiation field for radiation temperatures of 30, 85 and 276 K (redshifts of 10, 30 and 100). The tabulated cooling functions are available at http://www.cifus.uson.mx/Personal_Pages/anton/DATA/HD_cooling/HD_cool.html . We discuss the relevance to explore the effects of including our results into models and simulations of galaxy formation, especially in the regime when gas cools down from temperatures above ∼3000 K.     

FUSE observations of PG1342+444: new insights into the nature of the hottest DA white dwarfs

We present Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer ( FUSE ) observations of the very hot  (T_eff≈60 000 K)  DA white dwarf PG1342+444, describing our data reduction and analysis techniques. The spectrum reveals a number of photospheric absorption lines from high ionization species along with numerous interstellar features. The photospheric detections include the 1031.9- and 1037.0-Å O  vi lines which are seen for the first time in a hot DA atmosphere and are usually associated with the much hotter PG1159 stars and so-called O  vi  central stars of planetary nebulae. Estimates of the stellar effective temperature made independently using both the Balmer and Lyman series lines are in disagreement  (T_eff≈67 000  and ≈54 000 K respectively), when taking into account just the statistical uncertainties in the analyses. However, the presence of weak absorption from the C  iii multiplet near 1176 Å, which is predicted to be much stronger if the star were as cool as the Lyman measurement suggests, leads us to favour the higher temperature. PG1342+444 appears to have enhanced C, Fe and Ni abundances in its atmosphere compared with all the other G191−B2B-like DA white dwarfs, which might affect the temperature structure of the atmosphere if not homogeneously distributed, as assumed in this study.     

The pulsating λ Bootis star HD 105759

We present spectroscopic and multisite time series photometric observations of the star HD 105759 which confirm that this is a new pulsating λ Bootis star. Our spectroscopy indicates an overall metallicity of [Z] = log Z − log Z_⊙ = −1 and that T _eff = 8000 ± 300 K and log  g  = 4.0 ± 0.2. The photometric data reveal that this star pulsates with at least five frequencies: 8.62, 12.69, 20.15, 21.27 and 23.66 d⁻¹. These frequencies do not all match those found in an earlier single-site study, indicating that the pulsation spectrum changes with time.     

The DODO survey – II. A Gemini direct imaging search for substellar and planetary mass companions around nearby equatorial and Northern hemisphere white dwarfs

The aim of the Degenerate Objects around Degenerate Objects (DODO) survey is to search for very low-mass brown dwarfs and extrasolar planets in wide orbits around white dwarfs via direct imaging. The direct detection of such companions would allow the spectroscopic investigation of objects with temperatures much lower  (<500 K)  than the coolest brown dwarfs currently observed. These ultra-low-mass substellar objects would have spectral types >T8.5, and so could belong to the proposed Y dwarf spectral sequence. The detection of a planet around a white dwarf would prove that such objects can survive the final stages of stellar evolution and place constraints on the frequency of planetary systems around their progenitors (with masses between 1.5 and 8   M_⊙  , i.e. early B to mid-F). This paper presents the results of a multi epoch J band common proper motion survey of 23 nearby equatorial and Northern hemisphere white dwarfs. We rule out the presence of any common proper motion companions, with limiting masses determined from the completeness limit of each observation, to 18 white dwarfs. For the remaining five targets, the motion of the white dwarf is not sufficiently separated from the non-moving background objects in each field. These targets require additional observations to conclusively rule out the presence of any common proper motion companions. From our completeness limits, we tentatively suggest that  ≲5 per cent  of white dwarfs have substellar companions with   T _eff≳ 500 K  between projected physical separations of 60–200 au.     

The colours of the Sun

We compile a sample of Sun-like stars with accurate effective temperatures, metallicities and colours (from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared). A crucial improvement is that the effective temperature scale of the stars has recently been established as both accurate and precise through direct measurement of angular diameters obtained with stellar interferometers. We fit the colours as a function of effective temperature and metallicity, and derive colour estimates for the Sun in the Johnson–Cousins, Tycho, Strömgren, 2MASS and SDSS photometric systems. For  ( B − V )_⊙  , we favour the 'red' colour 0.64 versus the 'blue' colour 0.62 of other recent papers, but both values are consistent within the errors; we ascribe the difference to the selection of Sun-like stars versus interpolation of wider colour– T _eff–metallicity relations.