Doppler Images of Rapidly Rotating Ap Stars

Abstract

The magnetic Ap stars are characterized by the presence of large magnetic fields which undergo periodic variations. These magnetic field variations are accompanied by spectral variations caused by the inhomogeneous distribution of elements on the stellar surface. It is believed that the magnetic field plays an important role in determining this distribution. Accurate maps of the surface distribution of elements would provide valuable probes as to the field geometry as well as provide clues to the role of the magnetic fields in the atmospheres of these stars. We have developed a new technique for mapping the local equivalent width on a stellar surface from the observed spectral line variations.