High frequencies in TESS A–F main-sequence stars

Abstract

Abstract The driving mechanism for high-frequency oscillations in some chemically peculiar Ap stars, the rapidly oscillating Ap stars (roAp stars), is not understood. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite mission (TESS) data provide an ideal opportunity to extend the number of roAp stars that might provide further clues to address this problem. From an examination of over 18 000 stars in TESS sectors 1–7, we have discovered high-frequency pulsations in 14 A–F stars, of which only 3 are classified as Ap stars. In addition to these new discoveries, we discuss the frequencies in nine previously known roAp stars. In one of these stars, HD 60435, we confirm a previous finding that the pulsations have lifetimes of only a few days. In another known roAp star, HD 6532, the relative amplitudes of the rotationally modulated sidelobes, which are generally used to estimate the inclination of the magnetic axis relative to the rotational axis, are significantly different from those found in ground-based B-band photometric observations. We also discuss four δ Scuti stars that appear to have independent frequencies similar to those of roAp stars.