The mysterious high-latitude O-star HD 93521: new results from XMM-Newton observations

in Neiner, Coralie; Wade, G.; Meynet, G. (Eds.) et al Active OB stars: structure, evolution, mass loss and critical limits (2011, July 01)

The O9.5 Vp star HD 93521 is a well known non-radial pulsator located at a high Galactic latitude. The nature (Population I vs. II) of this star has been the subject of controversy for many years. We ... [more ▼]

The O9.5 Vp star HD 93521 is a well known non-radial pulsator located at a high Galactic latitude. The nature (Population I vs. II) of this star has been the subject of controversy for many years. We report on an XMM-Newton observation of the star that sheds new light on its nature. [less ▲]

A spectroscopic study of the hybrid pulsator Gamma Pegasi

in Communications in Asteroseismology (2011), 162

The recent detection of both pressure and high-order gravity modes in the classical B-type pulsator Gamma Pegasi offers promising prospects for probing its internal structure through seismic studies. To ... [more ▼]

The recent detection of both pressure and high-order gravity modes in the classical B-type pulsator Gamma Pegasi offers promising prospects for probing its internal structure through seismic studies. To aid further modelling of this star, we present the results of a detailed NLTE abundance analysis based on a large number of time-resolved, high-quality spectra. A chemical composition typical of nearby B-type stars is found. The hybrid nature of this star is consistent with its location in the overlapping region of the instability strips for β Cephei and slowly pulsating B stars computed using OP opacity tables, although OPAL calculations may also be compatible with the observations once the uncertainties in the stellar parameters and the current limitations of the stability calculations are taken into account. The two known frequencies f1 = 6.58974 and f2 = 0.68241 c/d are detected in the spectroscopic time series. A mode identification is attempted for the low-frequency signal, which can be associated to a high-order g -mode. Finally, we re-assess the binary status of Gamma Peg and find no evidence for variations that can be ascribed to orbital motion, contrary to previous claims in the literature. [less ▲]

First Magnetic Field Models for Recently Discovered Magnetic β Cephei and Slowly Pulsating B Stars

in Astrophysical Journal Letters (2011), 726

In spite of recent detections of magnetic fields in a number of β Cephei and slowly pulsating B (SPB) stars, their impact on stellar rotation, pulsations, and element diffusion has not yet been ... [more ▼]

In spite of recent detections of magnetic fields in a number of β Cephei and slowly pulsating B (SPB) stars, their impact on stellar rotation, pulsations, and element diffusion has not yet been sufficiently studied. The reason for this is the lack of knowledge of rotation periods, the magnetic field strength distribution and temporal variability, and the field geometry. New longitudinal field measurements of four β Cephei and candidate β Cephei stars, and two SPB stars were acquired with FORS 2 at the Very Large Telescope. These measurements allowed us to carry out a search for rotation periods and to constrain the magnetic field geometry for four stars in our sample. Based on observations obtained at the European Southern Observatory (ESO programme 084.D-0230(A)). [less ▲]

A first orbital solution for the non-thermal radio emitter Cyg OB2 #9

in Bulletin de la Société Royale des Sciences de Liège (2011), 80

We reported in 2008 the first detection of the binary nature of Cyg OB2 #9. Since then, we have continued our spectroscopic monitoring of this object, doubling the number of available spectra of the star ... [more ▼]

We reported in 2008 the first detection of the binary nature of Cyg OB2 #9. Since then, we have continued our spectroscopic monitoring of this object, doubling the number of available spectra of the star while covering a second periastron passage. Using a variety of techniques, the radial velocities were estimated and a first, preliminary orbital solution was derived (P=2.4 yrs). The mass ratio appears close to unity and the eccentricity is large, 0.7-0.75. [less ▲]

Spectroscopic binaries as observed by the future Gaia space mission

in Bulletin de la Societe Royale des Sciences de Liege (2011), 80

The future Gaia satellite will observe a large number of stars through its three main channels: astrometric, photometric and, for the brightest stars, spectroscopic. The satellite is equipped with the RVS ... [more ▼]

The future Gaia satellite will observe a large number of stars through its three main channels: astrometric, photometric and, for the brightest stars, spectroscopic. The satellite is equipped with the RVS spectrograph, which will provide medium-resolution spectra over a small wavelength range. These spectra should allow us to identify stars exhibiting a composite spectrum, either because of a chance alignment or a true binarity. We discuss the various aspects related to the data treatment of the binary candidates and describe the algorithms that are intended to be included in the processing pipeline. [less ▲]

Magnetic Fields of Hot Pulsating Stars

in Magnetic Stars. Proceedings of the International Conference, held in the Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian AS, August 27- September 1, 2010, Eds: I. I. Romanyuk and D. O. Kudryavtsev (2011)

In spite of recent detections of magnetic fields in a number of β Cephei and slowly pulsating B (SPB) stars, their impact on stellar rotation, pulsations, and element diffusion is not sufficiently studied ... [more ▼]

In spite of recent detections of magnetic fields in a number of β Cephei and slowly pulsating B (SPB) stars, their impact on stellar rotation, pulsations, and element diffusion is not sufficiently studied yet. One reason for this is the lack of knowledge of rotation periods, magnetic field strength distribution and temporal variability, and field geometry. New longitudinal field measurements of four β Cephei and candidate β Cephei stars, and two SPB stars were acquired with the FORS2 at the VLT. These measurements allowed us to carry out a search for rotation periods and to constrain magnetic field geometry for a few stars in our sample. [less ▲]

The Mons campaign on OB stars

in Bulletin de la Société Royale des Sciences de Liège (2011), 80

Can an underestimation of opacity explain B-type pulsators in the SMC?

in Astronomische Nachrichten (2010, October 09), 331(9-10),

Slowly Pulsating B and ß Cephei are ĸ mechanism driven pulsating B stars. That ĸ mechanism works since a peak in the opacity due to a high number of atomic transitions from iron-group elements occurs in ... [more ▼]

Slowly Pulsating B and ß Cephei are ĸ mechanism driven pulsating B stars. That ĸ mechanism works since a peak in the opacity due to a high number of atomic transitions from iron-group elements occurs in the area of log T ~ 5.3. Theoretical results predict very few SPBs and no ß Cep to be encountered in low metallicity environments such as the Small Magellanic Cloud. However recent variability surveys of B stars in the SMC reported the detection of a significant number of SPB and ß Cep candidates. Though the iron content plays a major role in the excitation of ß Cep and SPB pulsations, the chemical mixture representative of the SMC B stars such as recently derived does not leave room for a significant increase of the iron abundance in these stars. Whilst abundance of iron-group elements seems reliable, is the opacity in the iron-group elements bump underestimated? We determine how the opacity profile in B-type stars should change to excite SPB and ß Cep pulsations in early-type stars of the SMC. [less ▲]

Non-radial oscillations in the red giant HR 7349 measured by CoRoT

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2010), 509

Context. Convection in red giant stars excites resonant acoustic waves whose frequencies depend on the sound speed inside the star, which in turn depends on the properties of the stellar interior ... [more ▼]

Context. Convection in red giant stars excites resonant acoustic waves whose frequencies depend on the sound speed inside the star, which in turn depends on the properties of the stellar interior. Therefore, asteroseismology is the most robust available method for probing the internal structure of red giant stars. <BR /> Aims: Solar-like oscillations in the red giant HR 7349 are investigated. <BR /> Methods: Our study is based on a time series of 380 760 photometric measurements spread over 5 months obtained with the CoRoT satellite. Mode parameters were estimated using maximum likelihood estimation of the power spectrum. <BR /> Results: The power spectrum of the high-precision time series clearly exhibits several identifiable peaks between 19 and 40 μHz showing regularity with a mean large and small spacing of Πν = 3.47 ± 0.12 μHz and δν[SUB]02[/SUB] = 0.65 ± 0.10 μHz. Nineteen individual modes are identified with amplitudes in the range from 35 to 115 ppm. The mode damping time is estimated to be 14.7[SUP]+4.7[/SUP][SUB]-2.9[/SUB] days. The CoRoT space mission has been developed and is operated by CNES, with the contribution of Austria, Belgium, Brazil, ESA, Germany and Spain. [less ▲]

Red-giant seismic properties analyzed with CoRoT

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2010), 517