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 discovery of photospheric nickel in the hot DO white dwarf REJ 0503−289

We present the first evidence for the direct detection of nickel in the photosphere of the hot DO white dwarf REJ 0503−289. While this element has been seen previously in the atmospheres of hot H-rich white dwarfs, this is one of the first similar discoveries in a He-rich object. Intriguingly, iron, which is observed to be more abundant than Ni in the hot DA stars, is not detected, the upper limit to its abundance (Fe/He=10⁻⁶) implying an Fe/Ni ratio a factor of 10 lower than seen in the H-rich objects (Ni/He=10⁻⁵ for REJ 0503−289). The abundances of nickel and various other elements heavier than He were determined from Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph spectra. We used two completely independent sets of non-local thermodynamic equilibrium model atmospheres, which both provide the same results. This not only reduces the possibility of systematic errors in our analysis, but is also an important consistency check for both model atmosphere codes.
We have also developed a more objective method of determining T _eff and log  g , from the He lines in the optical spectrum, in the form of a formal fitting of the line profiles to a grid of model spectra, an analogue of the standard procedure utilizing the Balmer lines in DA white dwarfs. This gives the assigned uncertainties in T _eff and log  g a firm statistical basis and allows us to demonstrate that inclusion of elements heavier than H, He and C in the spectral calculations, exclusively considered in most published optical analyses, yields a systematic downward shift in the measured value of T _eff.     

Far-ultraviolet spectroscopy of the hot DA white dwarf WD 2218+706 (DeHt5) with STIS

We report a study of the photospheric composition of the hot DA white dwarf WD 2218+706, which is also the central star of the old planetary nebula DeHt5. Helium is detected in the far-UV spectrum. In addition, the star clearly contains significant quantities of elements heavier than He at abundances generally a factor of 2 to 10 higher than those found in the archetypal heavy element-rich DA G191−B2B. This is the first detection of trace He using the He  ii λ 1640 line in an isolated DA white dwarf, but the low surface gravity is more indicative of a binary evolution route from the red giant branch rather than a path along the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) as a single star. However, the absence of any evidence for a companion star and the uncertainty in the measured mass for WD 2218+706 still allow the possibility of an origin along an AGB evolutionary track.
We reanalyse the existing optical spectra of WD 2218+706 using our latest pure H and heavy element-rich model atmospheres, obtaining a good match between the observed and synthetic spectra with either set of models. We find little evidence of any inconsistency in the temperature required to fit individual Balmer lines, as reported elsewhere for this star. Any discrepancies we see are confined to the H α line and the core of H β but they do not compromise our analysis.     

Photospheric phosphorus in the FUSE spectra of GD71 and two similar DA white dwarfs

We report the detection, from the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) data, of phosphorus in the atmospheres of GD71 and two similar DA white dwarfs. This is the first detection of a trace metal in the photosphere of the spectrophotometric standard star GD71. Collectively, these objects represent the coolest DA white dwarfs in which photospheric phosphorus has been observed. We use a grid of homogeneous non-local thermodynamic equilibrium synthetic spectra to measure abundances of  [P/H]=−8.57^+0.09_−0.13, −8.70^+0.23_−0.37  and  −8.36^+0.14_−0.19  in GD71, RE J1918+595 and RE J0605−482 respectively. At the observed level we find that phosphorus has no significant impact on the overall energy distribution of GD71. We explore possible mechanisms responsible for the presence of this element in these stars, concluding that the most likely is an interplay between radiative levitation and gravitational settling, possibly modified by weak mass loss.     

Interstellar Na i D lines towards the Southern Coalsack

The interstellar Na  i D absorption-line profiles observed for 15 stars with lines of sight towards the Southern Coalsack are analysed. The method of profile fitting was used in an attempt to determine column densities, linewidths and velocities for the individual interstellar clouds contributing to the observed absorption lines. In common, the observed spectra show a prominent component which is probably associated with the nearest absorbing material composing the Coalsack. The obtained spatial velocity distribution shows great similarity with earlier results from CO emission. In addition, the Na  i D data reveal evidence for the existence of two or three other structures with radial velocities of about −22, −33 and −40 km s⁻¹. Such components may be the counterparts of interstellar structures observed in diffuse H α and CO emission. The assumption that at least one of these components originated in the Carina arm imposes ∼0.9–1.0 kpc as the maximum distance to the near side of that arm.     

A search for hidden white dwarfs in the ROSAT EUV survey — II. Discovery of a distant DA+F6/7V binary system in a direction of low-density neutral hydrogen

The ROSAT Wide Field Camera (WFC) survey of the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) has provided us with evidence for the existence of a previously unidentified sample of hot white dwarfs in unresolved, detached binary systems. These stars are invisible at optical wavelengths due to the close proximity of their much more luminous companions (spectral type K or earlier). However, for companions of spectral type ∼A5 or later the white dwarfs are easily visible at far-ultraviolet wavelengths, and can be identified in spectra taken by IUE . 16 such systems have been discovered in this way through ROSAT EUVE IUE observations, including four identified by us in Paper I. In the present paper we report the results of our continuing search during the final year of IUE operations. One new system, RE J0500−364 (DA+F6/7V), has been identified. This star appears to lie at a distance of ∼500−1000 pc, making it one of the most distant white dwarfs, if not the most distant, to be detected in the EUV surveys. The very low line-of-sight neutral hydrogen volume density to this object could place a lower limit on the length of the β CMa interstellar tunnel of diffuse gas, which stretches away from the Local Bubble in a similar direction to RE J0500−364. In this paper we also analyse a number of the stars observed where no white dwarf companion was found. Some of these objects show evidence for chromospheric and coronal activity. Finally, we present an analysis of the previously known WD+active F6V binary HD 27483 (Bo¨hm-Vitense 1993), and show that, at T  ≈ 22 000 K, the white dwarf may be contributing significantly to the observed EUV flux. If so, it is one of the coolest such stars to be detected in the EUV surveys.     

A statistical study of 233 pulsar proper motions

We present and analyse a catalogue of 233 pulsars with proper motion measurements. The sample contains a wide variety of pulsars including recycled objects and those associated with globular clusters or supernova remnants. After taking the most precise proper motions for those pulsars for which multiple measurements are available, the majority of the proper motions (58 per cent) are derived from pulsar timing methods, 41 per cent using interferometers and the remaining 1 per cent using optical telescopes. Many of the one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) speeds (referring to speeds measured in one coordinate only and the magnitudes of the transverse velocities, respectively) derived from these measurements are somewhat lower than earlier estimates because of the use of the most recent electron density model in determining pulsar distances. The mean 1D speeds for the normal and recycled pulsars are 152(10) and 54(6) km s⁻¹, respectively. The corresponding mean 2D speeds are 246(22) and 87(13) km s⁻¹. PSRs B2011+38 and B2224+64 have the highest inferred 2D speeds of  ∼1600 km s⁻¹  . We study the mean speeds for different subsamples and find that, in general, they agree with previous results. Applying a novel deconvolution technique to the sample of 73 pulsars with characteristic ages less than 3 Myr, we find the mean three-dimensional (3D) pulsar birth velocity to be 400(40) km s⁻¹. The distribution of velocities is well described by a Maxwellian distribution with  1D rms σ= 265 km s⁻¹  . There is no evidence for a bimodal velocity distribution. The proper motions for PSRs B1830−08 and B2334+61 are consistent with their proposed associations with the supernova remnants W41 and G114.3+0.3, respectively.     

On the ultracompact nature of 4U 1822−000

We report the discovery of a periodic modulation in the optical lightcurve of the candidate ultracompact X-ray binary 4U 1822−000. Using time-resolved optical photometry taken with the William Herschel Telescope we find evidence for a sinusoidal modulation with a semi-amplitude of 8 per cent and a period of 191 min, which is most likely close to the true orbital period of the binary. Using the van Paradijs & McClintock relation for the absolute magnitude and the distance modulus allowing for interstellar reddening, we estimate the distance to 4U 1822−000 to be 6.3 kpc. The long orbital period casts severe doubts on the ultracompact nature of 4U 1822−000.     

Evidence for the stratification of Fe in the photosphere of G191-B2B

The presence of heavy elements in the atmospheres of the hottest H-rich DA white dwarfs has been the subject of considerable interest. While theoretical calculations can demonstrate that radiative forces, counteracting the effects of gravitational settling, can explain the detections of individual species, the predicted abundances do not accord well with observation. However, accurate abundance measurements can only be based on a thorough understanding of the physical structure of the white dwarf photospheres, which has proved elusive. Recently, the availability of new non-local thermodynamic equilibrium model atmospheres with improved atomic data has allowed self-consistent analysis of the extreme ultraviolet (EUV), far UV and optical spectra of the prototypical object G191-B2B. Even so, the predicted and observed stellar fluxes remain in serious disagreement at the shortest wavelengths (below ≈190 Å), while the inferred abundances remain largely unaltered. We show here that the complete spectrum of G191-B2B can be explained by a model atmosphere where Fe is stratified, with increasing abundance at greater depth. This abundance profile may explain the difficulties in matching observed photospheric abundances, usually obtained by analyses using homogeneous model atmospheres, to the detailed radiative levitation predictions, particularly as the latter are only strictly valid for regions deeper than where the EUV/far UV lines and continua are formed. Furthermore, the relative depletion of Fe in the outer layers of the atmosphere may be evidence for radiatively driven mass-loss in G191-B2B.     

Mid-infrared source multiplicity within hot molecular cores traced by methanol masers

We present high resolution, mid-infrared (MIR) images towards three hot molecular cores signposted by methanol maser emission: G173.49+2.42 (S231, S233IR), G188.95+0.89 (S252, AFGL-5180) and G192.60−0.05 (S255IR). Each of the cores was targeted with Michelle on Gemini North using five filters from 7.9 to 18.5 μm. We find each contains both large regions of extended emission and multiple, luminous point sources which, from their extremely red colours ( F _18.5/ F _7.9≥ 3), appear to be embedded young stellar objects. The closest angular separations of the point sources in the three regions are 0.79, 1.00 and 3.33 arcsec corresponding to linear separations of 1700, 1800 and 6000 au, respectively. The methanol maser emission is found closest to the brightest MIR point source (within the assumed 1-arcsec pointing accuracy). Mass and luminosity estimates for the sources range from 3 to  22 M_⊙  and from 50 to 40 000  L_⊙  , respectively. Assuming the MIR sources are embedded objects and the observed gas mass provides the bulk of the reservoir from which the stars formed, it is difficult to generate the observed distributions for the most massive cluster members from the gas in the cores using a standard form of the initial mass function.     

An H i interstellar bubble surrounding WR 85 and RCW 118

We analyse the distribution of the interstellar matter in the environs of the Wolf-Rayet star LSS 3982 (= WR 85, WN6+OB?) linked to the optical ring nebula RCW 118. Our study is based on neutral hydrogen 21-cm line data belonging to the Southern Galactic Plane Survey (SGPS).
The analysis of the H  i data allowed the identification of a neutral hydrogen interstellar bubble related to WR 85 and the 25-arcmin-diameter ring nebula RCW 118. The H  i bubble was detected at a systemic velocity of −21.5 km s⁻¹, corresponding to a kinematical distance of 2.8 ± 1.1 kpc, compatible with the stellar distance. The neutral structure is about 25 arcmin in radius or 21 ± 8 pc, and is expanding at 9 ± 2 km s⁻¹. The associated ionized and neutral masses amount to  3000 M_⊙  . The carbon monoxide (CO) emission distribution depicts a region lacking CO coincident in position and velocity with the H  i structure. The 9.3-arcmin-diameter inner optical nebula appears to be related to the approaching part of the neutral atomic shell. The H  i void and shell are the neutral gas counterparts of the optical bubble and have very probably originated in the action of the strong stellar wind of the central star during the O-type and WR phases on the surrounding interstellar medium. The H  i bubble appears to be in the momentum conserving stage.     

The possible companions of young radio pulsars

We discuss the formation of pulsars with massive companions in eccentric orbits. We demonstrate that the probability for a non-recycled radio pulsar to have a white dwarf as a companion is comparable to that of having an old neutron star as a companion. Special emphasis is given to PSR B1820−11 and PSR B2303+46. Based on population synthesis calculations we argue that PSR B1820−11 and PSR B2303+46 could very well be accompanied by white dwarfs with mass ≳1.1 M_⊙. For PSR B1820−11, however, we cannot exclude the possibility that its companion is a main-sequence star with a mass between ∼0.7 M_⊙ and ∼5 M_⊙.     

X-ray beaming caused by resonance scattering in the accretion column of magnetic cataclysmic variables

Extremely strong ionized Fe emission lines, with equivalent widths reaching ∼4000 eV, were discovered by ASCA from a few Galactic compact objects, including AX J2315−0592, RX J1802.1+1804 and AX J1842.8−0423. These objects are thought to be binary systems containing magnetized white dwarfs (WDs). A possible interpretation of the strong Fe K line is the line-photon collimation in the WD accretion column, as a result of resonance scattering of line photons. The collimation occurs when the accretion column has a flat shape, and the effect is augmented by the vertical velocity gradient, which reduces the resonant trapping of resonant photons along the magnetic field lines. This effect was quantitatively confirmed with Monte Carlo simulations. Furthermore, with ASCA observations of the polar V834 Centauri, this collimation effect was clearly detected as a rotational modulation of the equivalent width of the Fe K emission line. The extremely strong emission lines mentioned above can be explained consistently by our interpretation. Combining this effect with other X-ray information, the geometry and plasma parameters in the accretion column were determined.     

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.     

Annual cycles in the interstellar scintillation time-scales of PKS B1519–273 and PKS B1622–253

We have used the University of Tasmania's 30-m radio telescope at Ceduna in South Australia to regularly monitor the flux density of a number of southern blazars. We report the detection of an annual cycle in the variability time-scale of the centimetre radio emission of PKS B1622−253. Observations of PKS B1519−273 over a period of nearly 2 yr confirm the presence of an annual cycle in the variability time-scale in that source. These observations prove that interstellar scintillation is the principal cause of inter-day variability at radio wavelengths in these sources. The best-fitting annual cycle model for both sources implies a high degree of anisotropy in the scattering screen and that it has a large velocity offset with respect to the local standard of rest. This is consistent with a greater screen distance for these 'slow' intra-day variability (IDV) sources than for rapid scintillators such as PKS B0405−385 or J1819+3845.     

A deep search for pulsar wind nebulae using pulsar gating

Using the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) we have imaged the fields around five promising pulsar candidates to search for radio pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe). We have used the ATCA in its pulsar-gating mode; this enables an image to be formed containing only off-pulse visibilities, thereby dramatically improving the sensitivity to any underlying PWN. Data from the Molonglo Observatory Synthesis Telescope were also used to provide sensitivity on larger spatial scales. This survey found a faint new PWN around PSR B0906−49; here we report on non-detections of PWNe towards PSRs B1046−58, B1055−52, B1610−50 and J1105−6107. Our radio observations of the field around PSR B1055−52 argue against previous claims of an extended X-ray and radio PWN associated with the pulsar. If these pulsars power unseen, compact radio PWNe, upper limits on the radio flux indicate that a fraction of less than 10⁻⁶ of their spin-down energy is used to power this emission. Alternatively, PSRs B1046−58 and B1610−50 may have relativistic winds similar to other young pulsars and the unseen PWN may be resolved and fainter than our surface brightness sensitivity threshold. We can then determine upper limits on the local interstellar medium (ISM) density of 2.2×10⁻³ and 1×10⁻² cm⁻³, respectively. Furthermore, we derive the spatial velocities of these pulsars to be ∼450 km s⁻¹ and thus rule out the association of PSR B1610−50 with supernova remnant (SNR) G332.4+00.1 (Kes 32). Strong limits on the ratio of unpulsed to pulsed emission are also determined for three pulsars.     

Photometry of four binary subdwarf B stars and the nature of their unseen companion stars

We present light curves of four binary subdwarf B stars (sdB), Ton 245, Feige 11, PG 1432+159 and PG 1017−086. We also present new spectroscopic data for PG 1017−086 from which we derive its orbital period,   P =0.073 d  , and the mass function,   f _m=0.0010±0.0002 M_⊙.  This is the shortest period for an sdB binary measured to date. The values of P and f _m for the other sdB binaries have been published elsewhere. We are able to exclude the possibility that the unseen companion stars to Ton 245, Feige 11 and PG 1432+159 are main-sequence stars or subgiant stars from the absence of a sinusoidal signal, which would be caused by the irradiation of such a companion star, i.e. they show no reflection effect. The unseen companion stars in these binaries are likely to be white dwarf stars. In contrast, the reflection effect in PG 1017−086 is clearly seen. The lack of eclipses in this binary combined with other data suggests that the companion is a low-mass M-dwarf or, perhaps, a brown dwarf.     

Stellar contents and star formation in the young star cluster Be 59

We present   UBV  I _c   CCD photometry of the young open cluster Be 59 with the aim to study the star formation scenario in the cluster. The radial extent of the cluster is found to be ∼10 arcmin (2.9 pc). The interstellar extinction in the cluster region varies between   E ( B − V ) ≃ 1.4  to 1.8 mag. The ratio of total-to-selective extinction in the cluster region is estimated as  3.7 ± 0.3  . The distance of the cluster is found to be  1.00 ± 0.05 kpc  . Using near-infrared (NIR) colours and slitless spectroscopy, we have identified young stellar objects (YSOs) in the open cluster Be 59 region. The ages of these YSOs range between <1 and ∼2 Myr, whereas the mean age of the massive stars in the cluster region is found to be ∼2 Myr. There is evidence for second-generation star formation outside the boundary of the cluster, which may be triggered by massive stars in the cluster. The slope of the initial mass function, Γ, in the mass range  2.5 < M /M_⊙≤ 28  is found to be  −1.01 ± 0.11  which is shallower than the Salpeter value (−1.35), whereas in the mass range  1.5 < M /M_⊙≤ 2.5  the slope is almost flat. The slope of the K -band luminosity function is estimated as  0.27 ± 0.02  , which is smaller than the average value (∼0.4) reported for young embedded clusters. Approximately 32 per cent of Hα emission stars of Be 59 exhibit NIR excess indicating that inner discs of the T Tauri star (TTS) population have not dissipated. The Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) and IRAS-HIRES images around the cluster region are also used to study the emission from unidentified infrared bands and to estimate the spatial distribution of optical depth of warm and cold interstellar dust.     

Detection of 6-cm radio-continuum emission from an EB (β-Lyrae type) variable star – HIP 68718

We report the 6-cm radio-continuum detection of a previously unknown radio star, HIP 68718, identified by the Hipparcos satellite as an EB or β-Lyrae type optical variable. Only five prior radio detections of this type are reported in the literature. The radio source (VLA J140402−002145) was detected at the 6σ level, with an associated <1 arcsec position error. The radio-optical separation is 0.2 arcsec and is well within the position errors. A ROSAT X-ray source (RXJ 1404.0−0021) is located 4.5 arcsec from the radio position. Based on the component spectral types (F5V + G5V), 1.52 d period, variations in the peak of the light curve and the X-ray and 6-cm radio luminosities, we conclude the star is a candidate RS CVn. The binary is in a near-contact phase based on the asymmetric light curve (O'Connell effect). Evidence of two faint possible companion objects was also found in the J - and K -band Two-Micron All-Sky Survey images.