The Hertzsprung progression of classical Cepheids in the Gaia era

Abstract

ABSTRACT A new fine grid of non-linear convective pulsation models for the so-called ‘bump Cepheids’ is presented to investigate the Hertzprung progression (HP) phenomenon shown by their light and radial pulsation velocity curves. The period corresponding to the centre of the HP is investigated as a function of various model assumptions, such as the efficiency of superadiabatic convection, the mass–luminosity relation, and the metal and helium abundances. The assumed mass–luminosity relation is found to significantly affect the phenomenon but variations in the chemical composition as well as in the stellar mass (at fixed mass–luminosity relation) also play a key role in determining the value of the HP centre period. Finally, the predictive capability of the presented theoretical scenario is tested against observed light curves of bump Cepheids in the ESA Gaia data base, also considering the variation of the pulsation amplitudes and of the Fourier parameters R21 and Φ21 with the pulsation period. A qualitative agreement between theory and observations is found for what concerns the evolution of the light curve morphology as the period moves across the HP centre, as well for the pattern in period–amplitude, period–R21, and period–Φ21 planes. A larger sample of observed Cepheids with accurate light curves and metallicities is required in order to derive more quantitative conclusions.