Interpreting the simultaneous variability of near-IR continuum and line emission in young stellar objects

We present new near-infrared (IR) spectra (0.80–1.35 μm) of the pre-Main Sequence source PV Cep taken during a monitoring program of eruptive variables we are conducting since some years. Simultaneous photometric and spectroscopic observations are systematically carried out during outburst and quiescence periods. By correlating extinction-free parameters, such as HI recombination lines and underlying continuum, it is possible to infer on the mechanism(s) responsible for their origin. Accretion and mass loss processes have a dominant role in determining the PV Cep irregular variability of both continuum and line emission. The potentialities of the observational modality are also discussed.     

Fast line-profile variability in the spectra of O stars

A program of the search for and analysis of profile variability in the spectra of bright O supergiants with a time resolution of 5–30 min is described. Preliminary results of the spectroscopic observations of the stars λ Ori, α Cam, and 19 Cep with the 1-m Special Astrophysical Observatory telescope in 2001 are presented. Line-profile variability was detected in the spectra of all the stars studied; variability in the Hα and C III λ5696 Å lines in the spectrum of λ Ori has been found for the first time. The variability amplitude is 4–5% for 19 Cep and 1–2% for α Cam and λ Ori on time scales from several hours to 3 or 4 days, and the width of the variable features reaches 2 Å (100 km s^?1). We detected cyclical variations in the He II λ4686 and C III λ5696 line profiles in the spectrum of λ Ori on time scales of 1.3–1.6 days. Rapid profile variations on time scales of 3.5–7 h were found in the violet parts of the Hα and He I λ4715 line profiles in the spectrum of λ Ori A.     

Spectrum of V350 Cep: 1978–1994 observations

The results of spectroscopic observations on the 6-m telescope in 1978–1994 are given for V350 Cep, a T Tauri star with an unusual light curve, located in the star-forming region NGC 7129. A general characterization of the spectrum is given, with the relative intensities and radial velocities of the main lines, and manifestations of spectral variability are described. Strong fluorescence in Fe I lines is observed. A pronounced strengthening and shift of H and Ca II emission in 1982 indicate the ejection of an additional shell. At the same time, no evolutionary changes typical offuors are found in the spectrum of V350 Cep. The star may be an EX Lupi object (an exor). Translated from Astrofizika, Vol. 42, No. 2, pp. 165–178, April–June, 1999     

Search for H2 Emission from Disks around T Tauri and Herbig AE Stars

Preliminary results are presented of observations of the pure rotational lines of H2 toward T Tauri and Herbig Ae stars using the Short Wavelength Spectrometer (SWS) on the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO). The sources are selected to be isolated low- and intermediate-mass young stellar objects, for which the presence of a circumstellar disk has been established by millimeter interferometry. The lowest H2 S(0) and S(1) lines are detected in 3 out of 5 objects. The measured intensities indicate ∼ 0.01 M⊙ of warm (T ≈ 150 K) gas in the ISO beam. It is argued that for at least one case (HD 163296), the emission is probably dominated by the warm gas in the circumstellar disk rather than by shocked- or photon-heated gas in the surrounding envelope. Such observations can provide important constraints on the radial and vertical temperature profiles in circumstellar disks. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Elemental abundance analyses with DAO spectrograms: XXXIII. β UMa (A0mA1 IV‐V), α Dra (A0 III), π Dra (A2 IIIs), and κ Cep (B9 III)

This paper presents extended analyses of β UMa (A0mA1 IV‐V), α Dra (A0 III), π Dra (A2 IIIs), and κ Cep (B9 III) which have previously been studied in this series. α Dra is a metal‐poor star while κ Cep has solar abundances. Both β UMa and π Dra are Am stars. Whenever possible, more accurate and precise gf values replace older values. High S/N (200+) and high dispersion Dominion Astrophysical Observatory spectrograms to the red of previously obtained spectra supplement the observations. The derived rotational velocities are 45, 25, 26, and 23 km s^–1, respectively. These LTE fine analyses use the ATLAS9 and the WIDTH9 programs of R. L. Kurucz. The results of the extended and the previous analyses are in good agreement. Thus in the past decade a significant improvement in the system of gf values has not been achieved although for many lines there have been changes. The use of additional regions has increased the quality of some results (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Long-term infrared variability of the UX Ori-type star SV Cep

We investigate the long-term optical–infrared variability of SV Cep and explain it in the context of an existing UX Ori (UXOR) model. A 25-month monitoring programme was completed with the Infrared Space Observatory in the 3.3–100 μm wavelength range. Following a careful data reduction, the infrared light curves were correlated with the variations of SV Cep in the V band. A remarkable correlation was found between the optical and the far-infrared light curves. In the mid-infrared regime, the amplitude of variations is lower, with a hint for a weak anti-correlation with the optical changes. In order to interpret the observations, we modelled the spectral energy distribution of SV Cep assuming a self-shadowed disc with a puffed-up inner rim, using a two-dimensional radiative transfer code. We found that modifying the height of the inner rim, the wavelength dependence of the long-term optical–infrared variations is well reproduced, except the mid-infrared domain. The origin of variation of the rim height might be fluctuation in the accretion rate in the outer disc. In order to model the mid-infrared behaviour, we tested adding an optically thin envelope to the system, but this model failed to explain the far-infrared variability. Infrared variability is a powerful tool to discriminate between models of the circumstellar environment. The proposed mechanism of variable rim height may not be restricted to UXOR stars, but might be a general characteristic of intermediate-mass young stars.     

Shocked gas around Cepheus A: evidence for multiple outflows from H2S and SO2 observations

The Cepheus A star-forming region has been investigated through a multiline H₂S and SO₂ survey at millimetre wavelengths. Large-scale maps and high-resolution line profiles reveal the occurrence of several outflows. Cep A East is associated with multiple mass-loss processes: in particular, we detect a 0.6-pc jet-like structure which shows for the first time that the Cep A East young stellar objects are driving a collimated outflow moving towards the south.
The observed outflows show different clumps associated with definitely different H₂S/SO₂ integrated emission ratios, indicating that the gas chemistry in Cepheus A has been altered by the passage of shocks. H₂S appears to be more abundant than SO₂ in high-velocity clumps, in agreement with chemical models. However, we also find quite small H₂S linewidths, suggestive of regions where the evaporated H₂S molecules had enough time to slow down but not to freeze out on to dust grains. Finally, comparison between the line profiles indicates that the excitation conditions increase with the velocity, as expected for a propagation of collimated bow shocks.     

H_2的中红外波段研究进展

近年来红外望远镜的发展使得研究人员可以利用红外光谱数据探测到H_2的旋转谱线。这些谱线来源于"温"的分子气体。首先介绍关于H_2辐射的研究现状以及目前的研究热点,然后着重讨论在中红外波段观测到的H_2辐射与恒星形成以及与总分子气体质量之间的关系。对使用不同方法和不同数据的工作进行数据和方法的交叉检验后发现:在恒星形成星系中,H_2在中红外波段的辐射与恒星形成相关,而在活动星系核中是由激波激发,与恒星形成无关;另外,星系中的总分子气体质量可由H_2在中红外波段的辐射通过建模推出。从不同类型的星系推出的总分子气体质量与H_2辐射的相关性不明显,但总分子气体表面密度与H_2辐射有一定的相关性。从几个方面对这一结果进行解释。最后,对全文进行了总结并对未来的研究做出展望。     

High-resolution optical and infrared spectroscopic observations of Cir X-1

We present new optical and infrared (IR) observations of Cir X-1 taken near apastron. Both sets of spectra show asymmetric emission lines. Archival optical observations show that an asymmetric H α emission line has been in evidence for the past 20 years, although the shape of the line has changed significantly. We present an eccentric ( e ∼0.7–0.9) low-mass binary model, where the system consists of a neutron star orbiting around a (sub)giant companion star of 3–5 M_⊙. We suggest that the broad components of the emission lines arise in a high-velocity, optically thick flow near the neutron star, while the narrow components of the optical and the IR lines arise near the companion star and a heated ejecta shell surrounding the binary respectively. In this model, the velocity of the narrow component reflects the space velocity of the binary; the implied radial velocity (+430 km s⁻¹ after correcting for Galactic rotation) is the highest velocity known for an X-ray binary.     

Peering over the Sun's pole: behavior of its rotational vortex

A new method for measuring spectroscopically the rotation at the Sun's poles is described. Using solar CO lines at 4.666 µm, infrared spectra are recorded at a fixed limb distance of 4.8 arc sec while progressing along an arc ±5.7 deg from the Sun's rotational pole. Since the poles dip twice a year to about 7 arc sec from the limb, our observations can range either side of and through the vortex axis. Advantages to this technique are: (1) a low disturbing signal from supergranules owing to their superposition at the limb, (2) no ‘limb shift’ error since limb distance is constant and the CO lines have no known limb shift, (3) emphasis is on the quiet Sun since the CO molecule is confined there, (4) negligible scattered light in the IR (<1%), and (5) the improved seeing afforded by the IR. Although any definitive determination of solar rotation requires observations over an extended time span, our preliminary results suggest two features peculiar to the extreme pole: (1) the occasional apparent cessation of rotation, (2) some sort of singularity, again occasional, producing a sharp velocity signal (a vortex?) within 1 deg of the pole.     

Short-period line profile and light variations in the Be star λ Eridani

We present three seasons of photometric observations and one season of intensive high-dispersion spectroscopic observations of the Be star λ Eridani. We show that only one period,   P =0.70173 d  , is present in the photometry, although there are large light amplitude variations from season to season. We confirm a suspicion that light outbursts repeat at intervals of about 475 d. A total of 348 echelle spectra of the star were obtained over a 2-week observing run. We show that the periodic variations are present in the emission wings of the helium lines, in the emission wings of the H α line and in the absorption cores of H β and H γ . Together with the fact that the periodic variations appear outside the projected rotational velocity limit, this indicates that they are associated with circumstellar material immediately above the photosphere and supports the idea of corotating gas clouds. We present evidence in support of a true rotational period of  2 P =1.40346 d  and suggest that the mass loss in Be stars is caused by centrifugal magnetic acceleration.     

Evidence for Co-Propagation of 4765- and 1720-MHz OH Masers in Star-Forming Regions

Two star-forming regions Cepheus A and W75N, were searched for the 4765-MHz OH maser emission using the multi-element radio linked interferometer network (MERLIN). The excited OH emission has an arc-like structure of 40 mas in Cep A and a linear structure of size 45 mas in W75N. We also found the 1720-MHz line in Cep A and Hutawarakorn [MNRAS 330 (2002) 349] reported the 1720-MHz emission in W75N. The 1720- and 4765-MHz OH spots coincided in space within 60 mas and in velocity within 0.3 km s^–1 in both targets implying that both maser transitions arise from the same region. According to the modelling by Gray [MNRAS 252 (1991) 30] the 1720/4765-MHz co-propagation requires a low density, warm environment. The masers lie at the edges of H II regions where such conditions are expected.     

Long‐term photometry of three active red giants in close binary systems: V2253 Oph,IT Com and IS Vir

We present and analyze long‐term optical photometric measurements of the three active stars V2253 Oph, IT Com and IS Vir. All three systems are single‐lined spectroscopic binaries with an early K giant as primary component but in different stages of orbital‐rotational synchronization. Our photometry is supplemented by 2MASS and WISE near‐IR and mid‐IR magnitudes and then used to obtain more accurate effective temperatures and extinctions. For V2253 Oph and IT Com, we found their spectral energy distributions consistent with pure photospheric emission. For IS Vir, we detect a marginal mid‐IR excess which hints towards a dust disk. The orbital and rotational planes of IT Com appear tobe coplanar, contrary to previous findings in the literature. We apply a multiple frequency analysis technique to determine photometric periods, and possibly changes of periods, ranging from days to decades. New rotational periods of 21.55±0.03 d, 65.1±0.3 d, and 23.50±0.04 d were determined for V2253 Oph, IT Com, and IS Vir, respectively. Splitting of these periods led to tentative detections of differential surface rotations of δP/P ≈ 0.02 for V2253 Oph and 0.07 for IT Com. Using a time‐frequency technique based on short‐term Fourier transforms we present evidence of cyclic light variations of length ≈ 10 yr for V2253 Oph and 5–6 yr for IS Vir. A single flip‐flop event has been observed for IT Com of duration 2–3 yr. Its exchange of the dominant active longitude had happened close to a time of periastron passage, suggesting some response of the magnetic activity from the orbital dynamics. The 21.55‐d rotational modulation of V2253 Oph showed phase coherence also with the orbital period, which is 15 times longer than the rotational period, thus also indicating a tidal feedback with the stellar magnetic activity. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Giant infrared bubble in Cepheus

A ring-shaped infrared emission region is recognizable on the IRAS Sky Flux images of a Cepheus region which happens to include the association Cepheus OB 2. The ring is easily visible both at 60 and 100 microns. The approximate galactic coordinates of its centre arel=102°.8 andb=+6°.7, with an outer diameter of 7 deg. IC 1396 and several otherHii regions, such as S 129, S 133, S 134, and S 140 are apparently parts of the ring. If it is assumed that these Hii regions are physically connected to the ring its distance must be about 900 pc and its diameter 120 pc. The existence of several arc-shaped H filaments along the ring, the proper motion of the nearby runaway star Cephei, and the possible presence of the [Fex] 6375 interstellar line in the spectra of two stars of Cep OB 2 combine to suggest that the infrared ring might well be a result of a supernova explosion which occurred in this region about 2–3 million years ago.     

ISO observations of molecular hydrogen in the DR 21 bipolar outflow

We demonstrate that a wide range of molecular hydrogen excitation can be observed in protostellar outflows at wavelengths in excess of 5 μm. Cold H₂ in DR 21 is detected through the pure rotational transitions in the ground vibrational level (0–0). Hot H₂ is detected in pure rotational transitions within higher vibrational levels (1–1, 1–2, etc.). Although this emission is relatively weak, we have detected two 1–1 lines in the DR 21 outflow with the ISO SWS instrument. We thus investigate molecular excitation over energy levels corresponding to the temperature range 1015–15 722 K, without the uncertainty introduced by differential extinction when employing near-infrared data.
This gas is thermally excited. We uncover a rather low H₂ excitation in the DR 21 West Peak. The line emission cannot be produced from single C-shocks or J-shocks; a range of shock strengths is required. This suggests that bow shocks and/or bow-generated supersonic turbulence is responsible. We are able to distinguish this shock-excited gas from the fluoresced gas detected in the K band, providing support for the dual-excitation model of Fernandes, Brand & Burton.     

Mid and Far Infrared Observations of Protostellar Jets

In this paper I will review the mid- and far-infrared observations obtained by the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) in jets and outflows from Young Stellar Objects (YSOs). The spectral range covered by ISO, from ～ 2.5 to 200 μm,includes transitions of the main gas cooling species (i.e. H₂, CO, H₂O, O) excited at temperatures of ～100–2000 K, which are not usually investigated through ground-based facilities. I will in particular focus on few important science cases addressed by the ISO spectroscopic observations, namely the observations of pure rotational H₂ lines, the detection of thermal H₂O lines, and the analysis on how the far infrared spectra of jets change with the evolution.     

Comparison of dust‐to‐gas ratios in luminous,ultraluminous, and hyperluminous infrared galaxies

The dust‐to‐gas ratios in three different samples of luminous, ultraluminous, and hyperluminous infrared galaxies are calculated by modelling their radio to soft X‐ray spectral energy distributions (SED) using composite models which account for the photoionizing radiation from H II regions, starbursts, or AGNs, and for shocks. The models are limited to a set which broadly reproduces the mid‐IR fine structure line ratios of local, IR bright, starburst galaxies. The results show that two types of clouds contribute to the IR emission. Those characterized by low shock velocities and low preshock densities explain the far‐IR dust emission, while those with higher velocities and densities contribute to the mid‐IR dust emission. Clouds with shock velocities of 500 km s^–1 prevail in hyperluminous infrared galaxies. An AGN is found in nearly all of the ultraluminous infrared galaxies and in half of the luminous infrared galaxies of the sample. High IR luminosities depend on dust‐to‐gas ratios as high as ∼0.1 by mass, however most hyperluminous IR galaxies show dustto‐gas ratios much lower than those calculated for the luminous and ultraluminous IR galaxies. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A Sensitive Survey of Dense Parts of Outflows toward Massive Cores

A set of samples of 13 massive star-forming cores were observed in SiO (2-1), CH3OH (2-1) and C³⁴S (2-1) thermal lines. Nine of these cores were detected in all three lines. Among the nine SiO detections, three were new detections, and relatively faint. Most of the lines have wide wings, which might be interpreted as the evidence of ongoing energetic out?ows in the cores. The line widths of SiO are generally the broadest, which might further suggest that the SiO emissions are due to higher velocity out?ow, and closer to the excited source. We derive the rotational temperatures, column densities and chemical relative abundances of the cores. There is a strong correlation between SiO and CH3OH abundances, with correlation coeffcient R = 0.77, but no correlation is observed between SiO and C³⁴S.     

Interaction between the north-eastern boundary of Sgr A East and giant molecular clouds

We have detected the   v = 1 → 0 S(1) (λ= 2.1218 μm)  and   v = 2 → 1 S(1) (λ= 2.2477 μm)  lines of H₂ in the Galactic Centre, in a  90 × 27 arcsec²  region between the north-eastern boundary of the non-thermal source Sgr A East, and the giant molecular cloud (GMC)  M−0.02 − 0.07  . The detected  H₂ v = 1 → 0  S(1) emission has an intensity of  1.6–21 × 10⁻¹⁸ W m⁻² arcsec⁻²  and is present over most of the region. Along with the high intensity, the large linewidths  (FWHM = 40–70 km s⁻¹)  and the  H₂ v = 2 → 1 S(1)  to   v = 1 → 0 S(1)  line ratios (0.3–0.5) can be best explained by a combination of C-type shocks and fluorescence. The detection of shocked H₂ is clear evidence that Sgr A East is driving material into the surrounding adjacent cool molecular gas. The H₂ emission lines have two velocity components at ∼+50 and  ∼0 km s⁻¹  , which are also present in the NH₃(3, 3) emission mapped by McGary, Coil & Ho. This two-velocity structure can be explained if Sgr A East is driving C-type shocks into both the  GMC M−0.02 − 0.07  and the northern ridge of McGary et al.     

Supersonic Ambipolar Diffusion: Estimating the Magnetic Field Strength in Protostellar Outflows

The magnetic field plays a crucial role in star formation. It is involved in rotational braking, collapse braking, outflow formation and jet collimation. Direct observations of the field are difficult. However, the field can be indirectly estimated through the field-cushioned C-shocks which produce strong infrared molecular emission lines. In particular, a high field in the outflows will generate the ‘shock absorber’ signature: very broad H₂lines. Such lines are indeed observed. Here we summarise recent progress in C-shock formation and stability. We demonstrate numerically that the Shock Absorbers are evolutionary and stable. The widths of H₂lines then limit the magnetic field strength. A field of 6 mG is suggested for HH 212. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.