Three-dimensional orbits of the triple-O stellar system HD 150136

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2013), 553

Context. HD 150136 is a triple hierarchical system and a non-thermal radio emitter. It is formed by an O3-3.5 V + O5.5-6 V close binary and a more distant O6.5-7 V tertiary. So far, only the inner orbital ... [more ▼]

Context. HD 150136 is a triple hierarchical system and a non-thermal radio emitter. It is formed by an O3-3.5 V + O5.5-6 V close binary and a more distant O6.5-7 V tertiary. So far, only the inner orbital properties have been reliably constrained. Aims. To quantitatively understand the non-thermal emission process, accurate knowledge of the physical and orbital properties of the object is crucial. Here, we aim to investigate the orbital properties of the wide system and to constrain the inclinations of the inner and outer binaries, and with these the absolute masses of the system components. Methods. We used the PIONIER combiner at the Very Large Telescope Interferometer to obtain the very first interferometric measurements of HD 150136. We combined the interferometric observations with new and existing high resolution spectroscopic data to derive the orbital solution of the outer companion in the three-dimensional space. Results. The wide system is clearly resolved by PIONIER, with a projected separation on the plane of the sky of about 9 milli-arcsec. The best-fit orbital period, eccentricity, and inclination are 8.2 yr, 0.73 and 108 degr. We constrain the masses of the three stars of the system to 63 +/- 10, 40 +/- 6, and 33 +/- 12 Msun for the O3-3.5 V, O5.5-6 V and O6.5-7 V components. Conclusions. The dynamical masses agree within errors with the evolutionary masses of the components. Future interferometric and spectroscopic monitoring of HD 150136 should allow one to reduce the uncertainties to a few per cent only and to accurately constrain the distance to the system. This makes HD 150136 an ideal system to quantitatively test evolutionary models of high-mass stars as well as the physics of non-thermal processes occurring in O-type systems. [less ▲]

Binary Interaction Dominates the Evolution of Massive Stars

in Science (2012), 337(6093), 444-446

The presence of a nearby companion alters the evolution of massive stars in binary systems, leading to phenomena such as stellar mergers, x-ray binaries, and gamma-ray bursts. Unambiguous constraints on ... [more ▼]

The presence of a nearby companion alters the evolution of massive stars in binary systems, leading to phenomena such as stellar mergers, x-ray binaries, and gamma-ray bursts. Unambiguous constraints on the fraction of massive stars affected by binary interaction were lacking. We simultaneously measured all relevant binary characteristics in a sample of Galactic massive O stars and quantified the frequency and nature of binary interactions. More than 70% of all massive stars will exchange mass with a companion, leading to a binary merger in one-third of the cases. These numbers greatly exceed previous estimates and imply that binary interaction dominates the evolution of massive stars, with implications for populations of massive stars and their supernovae. [less ▲]

9 Sagittarii: uncovering an O-type spectroscopic binary with an 8.6 year period

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2012), 542

Context. The O-type object 9 Sgr is a well-known synchrotron radio emitter. This feature is usually attributed to colliding-wind binary systems, but 9 Sgr was long considered a single star. <BR /> Aims ... [more ▼]

Context. The O-type object 9 Sgr is a well-known synchrotron radio emitter. This feature is usually attributed to colliding-wind binary systems, but 9 Sgr was long considered a single star. <BR /> Aims: We have conducted a long-term spectroscopic monitoring of this star to investigate its multiplicity and search for evidence for wind-wind interactions. <BR /> Methods: Radial velocities are determined and analysed using various period search methods. Spectral disentangling is applied to separate the spectra of the components of the binary system. <BR /> Results: We derive the first ever orbital solution of 9 Sgr. The system is found to consist of an O3.5 V((f[SUP]+[/SUP])) primary and an O5-5.5 V((f)) secondary moving around each other on a highly eccentric (e = 0.7), 8.6 year orbit. The spectra reveal no variable emission lines that could be formed in the wind interaction zone in agreement with the expected properties of the interaction in such a wide system. <BR /> Conclusions: Our results provide further support to the paradigm of synchrotron radio emission from early-type stars being a manifestation of interacting winds in a binary system. Based on observations collected at the European Southern Observatory (La Silla, Chile and Cerro Paranal, Chile) and the San Pedro Mártir observatory (Mexico).Appendix A is available in electronic form at <A href="http://www.aanda.org">http://www.aanda.org</A>The reduced spectra are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or via <A href="http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/542/A95">http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/542/A95</A> [less ▲]

Evidence for a physically bound third component in HD 150136

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2012), 540

Context. HD 150136 is one of the nearest systems harbouring an O3 star. Although this system was considered for a long time as a binary, more recent investigations have suggested the possible existence of ... [more ▼]

Context. HD 150136 is one of the nearest systems harbouring an O3 star. Although this system was considered for a long time as a binary, more recent investigations have suggested the possible existence of a third component. <BR /> Aims: We present a detailed analysis of HD 150136 to test its triple nature. In addition, we investigate the physical properties of the individual components of this system. <BR /> Methods: We analysed high-resolution, high signal-to-noise data collected through multi-epoch runs spread over ten years. We applied a disentangling program to refine the radial velocities and to obtain the individual spectra of each star. With the radial velocities, we computed the orbital solution of the inner system, and we describe the main properties of the orbit of the outer star such as the preliminary mass ratio, the eccentricity, and the orbital-period range. With the individual spectra, we determined the stellar parameters of each star by means of the CMFGEN atmosphere code. <BR /> Results: We offer clear evidence that HD 150136 is a triple system composed of an O3V((f[SUP]∗[/SUP]))-3.5V((f[SUP]+[/SUP])), an O5.5-6V((f)), and an O6.5-7V((f)) star. The three stars are between 0-3 Myr old. We derive dynamical masses of about 64, 40, and 35 M[SUB]&sun;[/SUB] for the primary, the secondary and the third components by assuming an inclination of 49° (sin[SUP]3[/SUP]i = 0.43). It currently corresponds to one of the most massive systems in our galaxy. The third star moves with a period in the range of 2950 to 5500 d on an outer orbit with an eccentricity of at least 0.3. However, because of the long orbital period, our dataset is not sufficient to constrain the orbital solution of the tertiary component with high accuracy. <BR /> Conclusions: We confirm there is a tertiary star in the spectrum of HD 150136 and show that it is physically bound to the inner binary system. This discovery makes HD 150136 the first confirmed triple system with an O3 primary star. Table 1 is available in electronic form at <A href="http://www.aanda.org">http://www.aanda.org</A> [less ▲]

The Non-thermal Radio Emitter HD 93250 Resolved by Long Baseline Interferometry

in Astrophysical Journal Letters (2011), 740

As the brightest O-type X-ray source in the Carina nebula, HD 93250 (O4 III(fc)) is X-ray overluminous for its spectral type and has an unusually hard X-ray spectrum. Two different scenarios have been ... [more ▼]

As the brightest O-type X-ray source in the Carina nebula, HD 93250 (O4 III(fc)) is X-ray overluminous for its spectral type and has an unusually hard X-ray spectrum. Two different scenarios have been invoked to explain its X-ray properties: wind-wind interaction and magnetic wind confinement. Yet, HD 93250 shows absolutely constant radial velocities over timescales of years suggesting either a single star, a binary system seen pole-on view or a very long period, and/or highly eccentric system. Using the ESO Very Large Telescope Interferometer, we resolved HD 93250 as a close pair with similar components. We measured a near-infrared flux ratio of 0.8 ± 0.1 and a separation of (1.5 ± 0.2) × 10-3 arcsec. At the distance of Carina, this corresponds to a projected physical distance of 3.5 AU. While a quantitative investigation would require a full characterization of the orbit, the binary nature of HD 93250 allows us to qualitatively explain both its X-ray flux and hardness and its non-thermal radio emission in the framework of a colliding wind scenario. We also discuss various observational biases. We show that, due to line blending of two similar spectral components, HD 93250 could have a period as short as 1 to several years despite the lack of measurable radial velocity variations. [less ▲]

The multiplicity of O-type stars in NGC 2244

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

The investigation of the multiplicity of massive stars is crucial to determine a robust binary fraction but also for understanding the physical properties of these objects. In this contribution, we will ... [more ▼]

The investigation of the multiplicity of massive stars is crucial to determine a robust binary fraction but also for understanding the physical properties of these objects. In this contribution, we will present the main results from our long-term spectroscopic survey devoted to the young open cluster NGC 2244. We discuss the spectral classification, the projected rotational velocity (v sin{i}) and the multiplicity of O-stars. The stellar and wind parameters of each star, obtained using the CMFGEN atmosphere code, help us to better constrain the individual properties of these objects. Several of these stars were observed by the CoRoT satellite (SRa02) in the Asteroseismology channel. This intensive monitoring and the unprecedented quality of the light curves allow us to shed a new light on these objects. [less ▲]

High-dispersion infrared spectroscopic observations of comet 8P/Tuttle with VLT/CRIRES

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2010), 509

We report on the composition of the Halley-family comet (HFC) 8P/Tuttle investigated with high-dispersion near-infrared spectroscopic observations. The observations were carried out at the ESO VLT (Very ... [more ▼]

We report on the composition of the Halley-family comet (HFC) 8P/Tuttle investigated with high-dispersion near-infrared spectroscopic observations. The observations were carried out at the ESO VLT (Very Large Telescope) with the CRIRES instrument as part of a multi-wavelength observation campaign of 8P/Tuttle performed in late January and early February 2008. Radar observations suggested that 8P/Tuttle is a contact binary, and it was proposed that these components might be heterogeneous in chemistry. We determined mixing ratios of organic volatiles with respect to H[SUB]2[/SUB]O and found that mixing ratios were consistent with previous near infrared spectroscopic observations obtained in late December 2007 and in late January 2008. It has been suggested that because 8P/Tuttle is a contact binary, it might be chemically heterogeneous. However, we find no evidence for chemical heterogeneity within the nucleus of 8P/Tuttle. We also compared the mixing ratios of organic molecules in 8P/Tuttle with those of both other HFCs and long period comets (LPCs) and found that HCN, C[SUB]2[/SUB]H[SUB]2[/SUB], and C[SUB]2[/SUB]H[SUB]6[/SUB] are depleted whereas CH[SUB]4[/SUB] and CH[SUB]3[/SUB]OH have normal abundances. This may indicate that 8P/Tuttle was formed in a different region of the early solar nebula than other HFCs and LPCs. We estimated the conversion efficiency from C[SUB]2[/SUB]H[SUB]2[/SUB] to C[SUB]2[/SUB]H[SUB]6[/SUB] by hydrogen addition reactions on cold grains by employing the C[SUB]2[/SUB]H[SUB]6[/SUB]/(C[SUB]2[/SUB]H[SUB]6[/SUB]+C[SUB]2[/SUB]H[SUB]2[/SUB]) ratio. The C[SUB]2[/SUB]H[SUB]6[/SUB]/(C[SUB]2[/SUB]H[SUB]6[/SUB]+C[SUB]2[/SUB]H[SUB]2[/SUB]) ratio in 8P/Tuttle is consistent with the ratios found in other HFCs and LPCs within the error bars. We also discuss the source of C[SUB]2[/SUB] and CN based on our observations and conclude that the abundances of C[SUB]2[/SUB]H[SUB]2[/SUB] and C[SUB]2[/SUB]H[SUB]6[/SUB] are insufficient to explain the C[SUB]2[/SUB] abundances in comet 8P/Tuttle and that the abundance of HCN is insufficient to explain the CN abundances in the comet, so at least one additional parent is needed for each species, as pointed out in previous study. Based on observations collected at the European Southern Observatory, Paranal, Chile (ESO Prog. 080.C-0615 and 280.C-5053).We regret to note the death of Dr. J. -M. Zucconi in 2009 May. [less ▲]

Phase-resolved XMM-Newton observations of the massive WR+O binary WR 22

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2009), 508

Aims. To better understand the phenomenon of colliding winds in massive binary stars, we study the X-ray lightcurve of a WR+O system of the Carina region, a system well known for the high mass of its ... [more ▼]

Aims. To better understand the phenomenon of colliding winds in massive binary stars, we study the X-ray lightcurve of a WR+O system of the Carina region, a system well known for the high mass of its primary.<BR /> Methods: Phase-resolved X-ray observations of the massive WR+O binary system WR 22 were performed with the XMM-Newton facility. We observed the object at seven different phases from near apastron to near periastron.<BR /> Results: The X-ray spectrum can be represented by a two-component, optically thin, thermal plasma model with a first one at a typical temperature of 0.6 keV and a second hotter one in the range 2.0-4.5 keV. The hot component is indicative of a colliding wind phenomenon, but its flux is remarkably constant with time despite the high eccentricity of the orbit. Although surprising at first, this actually does not contradict the results of the hydrodynamical simulations of the wind collision that we performed. When the system goes from apastron to periastron, the soft part of the X-ray flux is progressively lowered by an increasing intervening absorbing column. This behaviour can be interpreted in terms of an X-ray emitting plasma located near the O star, but not fully intrinsic to it, and accompanying the star when it dives into the wind of the WR component. A model is presented that interprets most of the observational constraints. This model suggests that the mass-loss rate of dot{M}[SUB]WR[/SUB] 1.6 à 10[SUP]-5[/SUP] {M}[SUB]ȯ[/SUB] yr[SUP]-1[/SUP] assumed for the WR could still be slightly too high, whereas it is already lower than other published values. From the comparison of the observed and the expected absorptions at phases near periastron, we deduce that the hard X-ray emitting collision zone should at least have a typical size of 50-60 R[SUB]ȯ[/SUB], but that the size for the soft X-ray emitting region could reach 244 R[SUB]ȯ[/SUB] if the assumed mass-loss rate is correct. We also present an upper limit to the X-ray luminosity of the WR component that further questions the existence of intrinsic X-ray emission from single WN stars.<BR /> Based on observations with XMM-Newton, an ESA Science Mission with instruments and contributions directly funded by ESA Member States and the USA (NASA). Research Associate FNRS (Belgium). Postdoctoral Researcher FNRS (Belgium). [less ▲]

Early-type stars in the young open cluster NGC 2244 and in the Monoceros OB2 association. I. The multiplicity of O-type stars

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2009), 502

Aims. We present the results obtained from a long-term spectroscopic campaign to study the multiplicity of O-type stars in both the young open cluster NGC 2244 and the Mon OB2 association. Methods: Our ... [more ▼]

Aims. We present the results obtained from a long-term spectroscopic campaign to study the multiplicity of O-type stars in both the young open cluster NGC 2244 and the Mon OB2 association. Methods: Our spectroscopic monitoring was performed over several years, allowing us to investigate different timescales. For each star, several spectral diagnostic tools were applied to search for line shifts and profile variations. We also measured the projected rotational velocity and revisited the spectral classification. Results: Several stars in our sample have been previously considered to be spectroscopic binaries, although only a few scattered observations were available. Our results now have identified a more complex situation for two new spectroscopic binaries (HD 46 149 in NGC 2244 and HD 46 573 in Mon OB2). The first object is a long-period double-lined spectroscopic binary, although the exact value of its period remains uncertain and the second object is classified as an SB1 system with a period of about 10.67 days but the time series of our observations do not enable us to derive a unique orbital solution for this system. We also find another star to be variable in radial velocity (HD 46 150) and detect line profile variations in two rapid rotators (HD 46 056 and HD 46 485). Conclusions: This spectroscopic investigation places a firm lower limit (17%) on the binary fraction of O-stars in NGC 2244 and reveals the lack of short-period O+OB systems in this cluster. In addition, a comparison of these new results with two other well-studied clusters (NGC 6231 and IC 1805) puts forward possible hints of a relation between stellar density and binarity, which could provide constraints on the theories of the formation and early evolution of hot stars. Table 2 is only available in electronic form at the CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cgi-bin/qcat?J/A+A/502/937 Based on observations collected at Observatoire de Haute-Provence (France), San Pedro Màrtir Observatory (Mexico), La Silla Observatory (European Southern Observatory), and Asiago Observatory (Italy). [less ▲]

Evidence for line-profile variability in the spectrum of the O supergiant HD 152249: preliminary results

in Communications in Asteroseismology (2009, July 01), 158

Already suspected to be variable, the O9Ib((f)) supergiant HD 152249 has been the subject of a dedicated follow-up spectroscopic run. We report here on the preliminary results. This star is definitely ... [more ▼]

Already suspected to be variable, the O9Ib((f)) supergiant HD 152249 has been the subject of a dedicated follow-up spectroscopic run. We report here on the preliminary results. This star is definitely exhibiting significant line-profile variations which are most probably a sign of the existence of non-radial pulsations. HD 152249 could thus belong to the newly identified group of pulsating OB supergiants. [less ▲]