A two-layer αω-dynamo model with dynamic feedback on the ω-effect

In an attempt to produce a simple representation of an interface dynamo, I examine a dynamo model composed of two one-dimensional (radially averaged) pseudo-spherical layers, one in the convection zone and possessing an α-effect, and the other in the tachocline and possessing an ω-effect. The two layers communicate by means of an analogue of Newton's law of cooling, and a dynamical back-reaction of the magnetic field on ω is provided. Extensive bifurcation diagrams are calculated for three separate values of η, the ratio of magnetic diffusivities of the two layers. I find recognizable similarities to, but also dramatic differences from, the comparable one-layer model examined by Roald &38; Thomas. In particular, the solar-like dynamo mode found previously is no longer stable in the two-layer version; in its place there is a sequence of periodic, quasi-periodic and chaotic modes probably created in a homoclinic bifurcation. These differences are important enough to provide support for the view that the solar dynamo cannot be meaningfully modelled in one dimension.     

Magnetic flux expulsion in powerful superbubble explosions and the α–Ω dynamo

The possibility of magnetic flux expulsion from the Galaxy in superbubble (SB) explosions, important for the α –Ω dynamo, is considered. Special emphasis is put on investigation of the downsliding of the matter from the top of the shell formed by the SB explosion, which is able to influence the kinematics of the shell. It is shown that either Galactic gravity or the development of the Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities in the shell limit the SB expansion, thus making magnetic flux expulsion impossible. The effect of cosmic rays in the shell on the sliding is considered, and it is shown that it is negligible compared with Galactic gravity. Thus the question of the possible mechanism of flux expulsion in the α –Ω dynamo remains open.     

An asteroseismic study of the β Cephei star θ Ophiuchi: photometric results

We have carried out a three-site photometric campaign for the β Cephei star θ Oph from 2003 April to August. 245 h of differential photoelectric u v y photometry were obtained during 77 clear nights. The frequency analysis of our measurements has resulted in the detection of seven pulsation modes within a narrow frequency interval between 7.116 and 7.973 c d⁻¹. No combination or harmonic frequencies have been found. We have performed a mode identification of the individual pulsations from our colour photometry that shows the presence of one radial mode, one rotationally split  ℓ= 1  triplet and possibly three components of a rotationally split  ℓ= 2  quintuplet. We discuss the implications of our findings and point out the similarity of the pulsation spectrum of θ Oph to that of another β Cephei star, V836 Cen.     

The helium abundance and ΔY/ΔZ in lower main-sequence stars

We use nearby K dwarf stars to measure the helium-to-metal enrichment ratio  Δ Y /Δ Z   , a diagnostic of the chemical history of the solar neighbourhood. Our sample of K dwarfs has homogeneously determined effective temperatures, bolometric luminosities and metallicities, allowing us to fit each star to the appropriate stellar isochrone and determine its helium content indirectly. We use a newly computed set of Padova isochrones which cover a wide range of helium and metal content.
Our theoretical isochrones have been checked against a congruous set of main-sequence binaries with accurately measured masses, to discuss and validate their range of applicability. We find that the stellar masses deduced from the isochrones are usually in excellent agreement with empirical measurements. Good agreement is also found with empirical mass-luminosity relations.
Despite fitting the masses of the stars very well, we find that anomalously low helium content (lower than primordial helium) is required to fit the luminosities and temperatures of the metal-poor K dwarfs, while more conventional values of the helium content are derived for the stars around solar metallicity.
We have investigated the effect of diffusion in stellar models and the assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) in deriving metallicities. Neither of these is able to resolve the low-helium problem alone and only marginally if the cumulated effects are included, unless we assume a mixing-length which is strongly decreasing with metallicity. Further work in stellar models is urgently needed.
The helium-to-metal enrichment ratio is found to be  Δ Y /Δ Z = 2.1 ± 0.9  around and above solar metallicity, consistent with previous studies, whereas open problems still remain at the lowest metallicities. Finally, we determine the helium content for a set of planetary host stars.     

Δ Y/Δ Z from fine structure in the main sequence based on Hipparcos parallaxes

The slope Δ Y /Δ Z is a quantity of interest in relation to stellar evolution, the initial mass function and the determination of the primordial helium abundance. In this paper we estimate Δ Y /Δ Z from fine structure in the main sequence of nearby stars from Hipparcos data for stars with Z  ≤ Z⊙. We find a value of about 3, which is consistent with what has been found in extragalactic H  II regions and with stellar models for suitable upper limits to the initial masses of supernovae according to the initial mass function slope adopted.     

Eight new δ Scuti stars

HD 23194, a member of the Pleiades, was found to pulsate with a period of about 30 min. The literature on the star is reviewed, and it is concluded that it may be a marginal Am star in a binary system. HD 95321 is an evolved Am ( ρ Puppis) star with a 5.1-h periodicity. Mode identification of its pulsation, based on multicolour photometry, suggests that the oscillation is probably non-radial with ℓ=2. We also report on the discovery of six other new δ Scuti stars, some of which may be pulsating in gravity modes.     

Orbital solution and fundamental parameters of σ Scorpii

The first orbital solution for the spectroscopic pair in the multiple star system σ Scorpii, determined from measurements with the Sydney University Stellar Interferometer, is presented. The primary component is of β Cephei variable type and has been one of the most intensively studied examples of its class. The orbital solution, when combined with radial velocity results found in the literature, yields a distance of  174⁺²³₋₁₈ pc  , which is consistent with, but more accurate than the Hipparcos value. For the primary component we determine  18.4 ± 5.4 M_⊙, −4.12 ± 0.34 mag  and  12.7 ± 1.8 R_⊙  for the mass, absolute visual magnitude and radius, respectively. A B1 dwarf spectral type and luminosity class for the secondary is proposed from the mass determination of  11.9 ± 3.1 M_⊙  and the estimated system age of 10 Myr.