MESS (Mass-loss of Evolved StarS), a Herschel Key Program

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2011), 526

MESS (Mass-loss of Evolved StarS) is a Guaranteed Time Key Program that uses the PACS and SPIRE instruments on board the Herschel Space Observatory to observe a representative sample of evolved stars ... [more ▼]

MESS (Mass-loss of Evolved StarS) is a Guaranteed Time Key Program that uses the PACS and SPIRE instruments on board the Herschel Space Observatory to observe a representative sample of evolved stars, that include asymptotic giant branch (AGB) and post-AGB stars, planetary nebulae and red supergiants, as well as luminous blue variables, Wolf-Rayet stars and supernova remnants. In total, of order 150 objects are observed in imaging and about 50 objects in spectroscopy. This paper describes the target selection and target list, and the observing strategy. Key science projects are described, and illustrated using results obtained during Herschel's science demonstration phase. Aperture photometry is given for the 70 AGB and post-AGB stars observed up to October 17, 2010, which constitutes the largest single uniform database of far-IR and sub-mm fluxes for late-type stars. [less ▲]

Transition probabilities in singly ionized promethium and the identification of PmII lines in Przybylski's star and HR 465

in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (2007), 380(2), 771-780

The first theoretical transition probabilities are obtained for a set of 46 Pm ii transitions of astrophysical interest. These data fill in a gap in astrophysics and will allow to establish, on a firmer ... [more ▼]

The first theoretical transition probabilities are obtained for a set of 46 Pm ii transitions of astrophysical interest. These data fill in a gap in astrophysics and will allow to establish, on a firmer basis, the presence of some lines of this radioactive element in the spectra of chemically peculiar stars and, consequently, a quantitative investigation of the stellar Pm abundance. A search for Pm ii lines in Przybylski's star (HD 101065) and in HR 465 is reported and discussed, supporting the detection of this ion. A more detailed quantitative analysis is awaiting the availability of dedicated model atmospheres for these stars. [less ▲]

Transition probabilities and lifetimes in neutral and singly ionized osmium and the Solar osmium abundance

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2006), 448(3), 1207-93

Radiative lifetime measurements have been performed, with a time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence technique, for 12 levels of Os I and for 9 levels of Os II. For 9 levels of Os I and 4 levels of Os II ... [more ▼]

Radiative lifetime measurements have been performed, with a time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence technique, for 12 levels of Os I and for 9 levels of Os II. For 9 levels of Os I and 4 levels of Os II, there were no previous experimental data available. From a comparison with new theoretical calculations, taking configuration interactions and core-polarization effects into account, it has been possible to deduce oscillator strengths for 129 transitions of Os I and 137 transitions of Os II of astrophysical interest appearing in the wavelength range 180.0-870.0 nm. These results have allowed us to revise the abundance of osmium in the solar photosphere (log epsilon(Os) = 1.25 +/- 0.11). The newly derived oscillator strengths have been applied as well to derive the osmium abundance in the carbon-rich metal-poor star HD 187861. [less ▲]