Chromospheric Activity Indicators Research Articles

Stellar chromospheric activity database of solar-like stars based on the LAMOST Low-Resolution Spectroscopic Survey

Context. The dependence of stellar magnetic activity on stellar parameters is inspired by the chromospheric activity studies based on the large-scale spectroscopic surveys. Aims. The main objective of this project is to provide the chromospheric activity parameter database for the LAMOST Low-Resolution Spectroscopic Survey (LRS) spectra of solar-like stars and explore the overall property of stellar chromospheric activity. Methods. The Ca II H and K lines were employed to construct indicators for assessing and studying the chromospheric activity of solar-like stars. We investigated the widely used bolometric- and photospheric-calibrated chromospheric activity index R′HK, derived from the method in the classic literature (R′HK,classic) and the method based on the PHOENIX model (R′HK,PHOENIX). Since the detailed stellar atmospheric parameters, effective temperature (Teff), surface gravity (log g), and metallicity ([Fe/H]) are available for LAMOST, we estimated the chromospheric activity index R′HK,PHOENIX, along with the corresponding bolometric calibrated index RHK,PHOENIX, taking these parameters into account. Results. We provided the database of the derived chromospheric activity parameters for 1 122 495 LAMOST LRS spectra of solar-like stars. Our calculations show that log R′HK,PHOENIX is approximately linearly correlated with log R′HK,classic. The results based on our extensive archive support the view that the dynamo mechanism of solar-like stars is generally consistent with the Sun; and the value of the solar chromospheric activity index is located at the midpoint of the solar-like star sample. We further investigated the proportions of solar-like stars with different chromospheric activity levels (very active, active, inactive, and very inactive). The investigation indicates that the occurrence rate of high levels of chromospheric activity is lower among the stars with effective temperatures between 5600 and 5900 K.

The GAPS Programme at TNG

Context. HAT-P-67 b is one of the lowest-density gas giants known to date, making it an excellent target for atmospheric characterisation through the transmission spectroscopy technique. Aims. In the framework of the GAPS large programme, we collected four transit events of HAT-P-67 b with the aim of studying the exoplanet atmosphere and deriving the orbital projected obliquity. Methods. We exploited the high-precision GIARPS (GIANO-B + HARPS-N) observing mode of the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG) along with additional archival TESS photometry to explore the activity level of the host star. We performed transmission spec-troscopy, both in the visible (VIS) and in the near-infrared (NIR) wavelength range, and we analysed the Rossiter–McLaughlin (RML) effect when fitting both the radial velocities and the Doppler shadow. Based on the TESS photometry, we redetermined the transit parameters of HAT-P-67 b. Results. By modelling the RML effect, we derived a sky-projected obliquity of (2.2 ± 0.4)°, indicating an aligned planetary orbit. The chromospheric activity index log R′HK, the CCF profile, and the variability in the transmission spectrum of the Hα line suggest that the host star shows signatures of stellar activity and/or pulsation. We found no evidence of atomic or molecular species in the optical transmission spectra, with the exception of pseudo-signals corresponding to Cr I, Fe I, Ha, Na I, and Ti I. In the NIR range, we found an absorption signal of the He I triplet of 5.56−0.30+0.29% (19.0σ), corresponding to an effective planetary radius of ~3 Rp (where Rp ~ 2 RJ), which extends beyond the planet’s Roche lobe radius. Conclusions. Owing to the stellar variability and the high uncertainty of the model, we could not confirm the planetary origin of the signals found in the optical transmission spectrum. On the other hand, we were able to confirm previous detections of the infrared He I triplet, providing a 19.0σ detection. Our finding indicates that the planet’s atmosphere is evaporating.

Closeby Habitable Exoplanet Survey (CHES). I. Astrometric Noise and Planetary Detection Efficiency Due to Stellar Spots and Faculae

The Closeby Habitable Exoplanet Survey (CHES) is dedicated to the astrometric exploration for habitable-zone Earth-like planets orbiting solar-type stars in close proximity, achieving unprecedented microarcsecond precision. Given the elevated precision, meticulous consideration of photocenter jitters induced by stellar activity becomes imperative. This study endeavors to model the stellar activity of solar-type stars, compute astrometric noise, and delineate the detection limits of habitable planets within the astrometric domain. Simulations were conducted for identified primary targets of CHES, involving the generation of simulated observed data for astrometry and photometry, accounting for the impact of stellar activity. Estimation of activity levels in our sample was achieved through chromospheric activity indices, revealing that over 90% of the stars exhibited photocenter jitters below 1 μas. Notably, certain proximate stars, such as α Cen A and B, displayed more discernible noise arising from stellar activity. Subsequent tests were performed to evaluate detection performance, unveiling that stellar activity tends to have a less pronounced impact on planetary detectability for the majority of the stars. Approximately 95% of the targets demonstrated a detection efficiency exceeding 80%. However, for several cold stars, e.g., HD 32450 and HD 21531, with the habitable zones close to the stars, a reduction in detection efficiency was observed. These findings offer invaluable insights into the intricate interplay between stellar activity and astrometric precision, significantly advancing our understanding in the search for habitable planets.

Ultraviolet and Chromospheric Activity and Habitability of M Stars

M-type stars are crucial for stellar activity studies because they cover two types of magnetic dynamos and are particularly intriguing for habitability studies due to their abundance and long lifespans during the main-sequence stage. In this paper, we used the LAMOST DR9 catalog and the GALEX UV archive data to investigate the chromospheric and UV activities of M-type stars. All the chromospheric and UV activity indices clearly show that the saturated and unsaturated regimes, and the well-known activity–rotation relation, are consistent with previous studies. Both the FUV and NUV activity indices exhibit a single-peaked distribution, while the Hα and Ca ii H&K indices show a distinct double-peaked distribution. The gap between these peaks suggests a rapid transition from a saturated population to an unsaturated one. The smoothly varying distributions of different subtypes suggest a rotation-dependent dynamo for both early-type (partly convective) to late-type (fully convective) M stars. We identified a group of stars with high UV activity above the saturation regime (log RNUV′>−2.5 ) but low chromospheric activity, and the underlying reason is unknown. By calculating the continuously habitable zone and the UV habitable zone for each star, we found that about 70% stars in the total sample and 40% stars within 100 pc are located in the overlapping region of these two habitable zones, indicating that a number of M stars are potentially habitable. Finally, we examined the possibility of UV activity studies of M stars using the China Space Station Telescope.

Magnetic activity of radio stars based on TESS and LAMOST surveys

Aims. Stellar flares serve as crucial indicators stellar magnetic activity. Radio emissions were detectable across all stages of stellar evolution. We define radio stars in our paper as stars with radio continuum emission in the frequency region of about 1.4 - 375 GHz from the catalog published by Wendker (1995, 2015). We also include detected radio stars from the LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey (LoTSS) and the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), and VLA Sky Survey (VLASS) surveys, and present comparative discussions. We used the light curves from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) survey coupled with low- and medium-resolution spectra from the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) survey to investigate the magnetic activity and statistical properties of radio stars. Methods. We cross-matched the radio stars from the radio star catalog and the LoTSS, ASKAP, and VLASS surveys with the TESS survey. For the stars from the radio star catalog, we obtained a matched sample of 1,537 stars (hereafter Sample 1) and downloaded their TESS light curves, which include 4,001 light curves at a 120s cadence. For the stars from the LoTSS, ASKAP, and VLASS surveys, we obtain a matched sample of 98 stars (hereafter Sample 2) and downloaded their 120s TESS light curves, totaling 260. Subsequently, we employed repeated fitting techniques to distinguish stellar background light curves from flare events. For Sample 1, we successfully identify 12,155 flare events occurring on 856 stars. For Sample 2, we identify a total of 3,992 flare events on 86 stars. Furthermore, by cross-referencing our samples with the Gaia survey, the TESS Input Catalog, and the LAMOST survey, we obtain additional stellar parameters, facilitating the determination of relationships between stellar and flare parameters. Results. For stars in Sample 1, within the 12,155 flare events observed on the 856 flare-active radio stars, a majority of more than 97$<!PCT!>$ have durations of less than 2 hours, while for stars in Sample 2, all 3,992 flare events have a duration of less than 2 hours. We calculated the flare occurrence percentage for each flare-active radio star, observing a decrease as effective temperature increased for both Sample 1 and Sample 2. We derived values of the power-law index (for Sample 1, the alpha value is approximately 1.50pm 0.11 for single stars and 1.38pm 0.09 for binary stars, for Sample 2, the alpha value is about 1.47pm 0.11 for single stars and 1.42pm 0.09 for binary stars) for the cumulative flare frequency distribution. In both Sample 1 and Sample 2, stars with lower effective temperatures tend to exhibit increased activity. Using LAMOST spectra and the Gaia DR3 chromospheric activity index, we note that the Halpha equivalent width and Gaia Ca II IRT activity index of flare-active radio stars is significantly larger than that of nonflaring stars. An intriguing finding is our potential identification of a coronal rain candidate through asymmetry observed in the Halpha line.

Analysis of the public HARPS/ESO spectroscopic archive

Context. Magnetic activity is currently the primary limiting factor in radial velocity (RV) exoplanet searches. Even inactive stars, such as the Sun, exhibit RV jitter of the order of a few m s−1 due to active regions on their surfaces. Time series of chromospheric activity indicators, such as the Ca II H&K lines, can be utilized to reduce the impact of such activity phenomena on exoplanet search programmes. In addition, the identification and correction of instrumental effects can improve the precision of RV exoplanet surveys. Aims. We aim to update the HARPS -RVBANK RV database and include an additional 3.5 yr of time series and Ca II H&K lines (R′HK) chromospheric activity indicators. This additional data will aid in the analysis of the impact of stellar magnetic activity on the RV time series obtained with the HARPS instrument. Our updated database aims to provide a valuable resource for the exoplanet community in understanding and mitigating the effects of such stellar magnetic activity on RV measurements. Methods. The new HARPS-RVBANK database includes all stellar spectra obtained with the HARPS instrument prior to January 2022. The RVs corrected for small but significant nightly zero-point variations were calculated using an established method. The R′HK estimates were determined from both individual spectra and co-added template spectra with the use of model atmospheres. As input for our derivation of R′HK, we derived stellar parameters from co-added, high signal-to-noise ratio templates for a total of 3230 stars using the stellar parameter code SPECIES. Results. The new version of the HARPS RV database has a total of 252 615 RVs of 5239 stars. Of these, 195 387 have R′HK values, which corresponds to 77% of all publicly available HARPS spectra. Currently, this is the largest public database of high-precision (down to ~1 m s−1) RVs, and the largest compilation of R′HK measurements. We also derived lower limits for the RV jitter of F-, G-, and K-type stars as a function of R′HK.

Relations of Rotation and Chromospheric Activity to Stellar Age for FGK Dwarfs from Kepler and LAMOST

The empirical relations between rotation period, chromospheric activity, and age can be used to estimate stellar age. To calibrate these relations, we present a catalog, including the masses and ages of 52,321 FGK dwarfs, 47,489 chromospheric activity index logRHK+ , 6077 rotation periods P rot, and variability amplitudes S ph, based on data from LAMOST DR7, Kepler, and Gaia Data Release 3. We find a pronounced correlation among P rot, age, and [Fe/H] throughout the main-sequence phase for F dwarfs. However, the decrease of logRHK+ over time is not significant except for those with [Fe/H] < −0.1. For G dwarfs, both P rot and logRHK+ are reliable age probes in the ranges ∼2–11 Gyr and ∼2–13 Gyr, respectively. K dwarfs exhibit a prominent decrease in logRHK+ within the age range of ∼3–13 Gyr when the relation of P rot–τ is invalid. These relations are very important for promptly estimating the age of a vast number of stars, thus serving as a powerful tool in advancing the fields of exoplanet properties, stellar evolution, and Galactic archeology.

Stellar activity and differential rotation of HD 111395

Aims. Stellar activity cycles and rotation periods are important parameters for characterising the stellar dynamo, which operates in late-type main-sequence stars. However, the number of stars with well-known cycle and rotation periods is rather low, so new detections are still important. Methods. To find activity cycles and rotation periods, we utilised the TIGRE telescope to monitor stars for periodic variations in chromospheric activity indicators. We employed the widely used CaII H&amp;K lines and the CaII infrared triplet lines as stellar activity indicators. To verify a periodic variation and to determine the corresponding period, we performed a frequency analysis via the generalised Lomb-Scargle method of the taken time series. Results. We studied CaII data of the G5V star HD 111395 and derive an activity cycle period of 949 ± 5 d (≈2.6 yr). This cycle is coincident with coronal measurements from the X-ray telescope eROSITA on board SRG. Furthermore, the TIGRE CaII time series show a long-term trend that indicates an additional long-term cycle. Using the few available literature S-index data points, we estimate a probable cycle length of 12–15 yr for this potential long-term cycle. Finally, we determined rotation periods from each observation season. We computed a mean rotation period of 16.76 ± 0.36 d averaged over all observation seasons and chromospheric indicators. However, we also find a strong variation in the mean seasonal rotation periods, which follows the derived cycle period; therefore, we interpret this behaviour as a sign of surface differential rotation.

First Chromospheric Activity and Doppler Imaging Study of PW And Using a New Doppler Imaging Code: SpotDIPy

Measuring the coverage of dark spots on cool stars is important to understanding how stellar magnetic activity scales with the rotation rate and convection zone depth. In this respect, it is crucial to infer surface magnetic patterns on G and K stars, to reveal solar-like stellar dynamos in action. Molecular bands serve as invaluable indicators of cool spots on the surfaces of stars, as they play a crucial role in enabling accurate assessments of the extent of spot coverage across the stellar surface. Therefore, more reliable surface images can be obtained considering the inversion of atomic lines with molecular bands. In this context, we simultaneously carry out Doppler imaging (DI) using atomic lines as well as titanium oxide band profiles of PW And (K2 V) and also investigate chromospheric activity indicators for the first time in the literature, using high-resolution spectra. The surface spot distribution obtained from the inversion process represents both atomic line and TiO-band profiles quite accurately. The chromospheric emission is also correlated with photospheric spot coverage, except during a possible flare event during the observations. We detect frequent flare activity, using TESS photometry. We also introduce a new open-source, Python-based DI code SpotDIPy that allows performing surface reconstructions of single stars using the maximum entropy method. We test the code by comparing surface reconstruction simulations with the extensively used DoTS code. We show that the surface brightness distribution maps reconstructed via both codes using the same simulated data are consistent with each other.

Unravelling the period gap using LAMOST chromospheric activity indices

ABSTRACT In our recent catalogue of BY Draconis (BY Dra) variables based on Zwicky Transient Facility data, we found traces of a period gap in the period–colour diagram. We combined our BY Dra data base with catalogues from the Kepler and K2 surveys, revealing a prominent period gap. Here, we use this combined ZTF–Kepler–K2 data set to investigate the origin of the period gap observed for BY Dra stars using chromospheric activity indices. We use low- and medium-resolution spectra from the LAMOST Data Release 7 to derive magnetic activity indices for the Ca ii H and K and Hα emission lines. We find a strong dependence of chromospheric activity on both stellar mass and rotation period. For partially convective K–M-type stars, the activity decreases steeply up to an age of ∼700–1000 Myr, subsequently evolving to the type of low-level saturation associated with spin-down stallation. In contrast, F–G-type stars with thinner convective envelopes exhibit constant activity with increasing age. We suspect that the observed steep decrease for partially convective stars is driven by core–envelope coupling. This mechanism reduces differential rotation at the core–envelope transition, hence leading to decreased magnetic activity. Moreover, we derive activity indices for previously known star clusters and find similar trends as regards their activity levels as a function of age. In particular, very low-level activity is observed around the location of the period gap. Therefore, we conclude that the period gap, defined by the non-detection of variable sources, is driven by a minimum in chromospheric activity.

Characterisation of stellar activity of M dwarfs

Context. M dwarfs are active stars that exhibit variability in chromospheric emission and photometry at short and long timescales, including long cycles that are related to dynamo processes. This activity also impacts the search for exoplanets because it affects the radial velocities. Aims. We analysed a large sample of 177 M dwarfs observed with HARPS during the period 2003-2020 in order to characterise the long-term variability of these stars. We compared the variability obtained in three chromospheric activity indices (Ca II H &amp; K, the Na D doublet, and Hα) and with ASAS photometry. Methods. We focused on the detailed analysis of the chromospheric emission based on linear, quadratic, and sinusoidal models. We used various tools to estimate the significance of the variability and to quantify the improvement brought by the models. In addition, we analysed complementary photometric time series for the most variable stars to be able to provide a broader view of the long-term variability in M dwarfs. Results. We find that most stars are significantly variable, even the quietest stars. Most stars in our sample (75%) exhibit a long-term variability, which manifests itself mostly through linear or quadratic variability, although the true behaviour may be more complex. We found significant variability with estimated timescales for 24 stars, and estimated the lower limit for a possible cycle period for an additional 9 stars that were not previously published. We found evidence of complex variability because more than one long-term timescale may be present for at least 12 stars, together with significant differences between the behaviour of the three activity indices. This complexity may also be the source of the discrepancies observed between previous publications. Conclusions. We conclude that long-term variability is present for all spectral types and activity level in M dwarfs, without a significant trend with spectral type or mean activity level.

The Activity of a Solar-Type Star TOI-1422 and Mass Loss of the Atmosphere of the Planet TOI-1422b

The results of the analysis of the activity of a solar type star G2V TOI-1422 are presented and estimates of the loss of atmospheric matter of the planet TOI-1422b are made. The planet can be attributed to the type of hot Neptunes. Compared to other exoplanets of a similar mass range, it is expected that the planet has an extensive gas envelope. According to the long-term photometric survey of Kamogata Wide-field Survey (KWS) the TOI-1422 activity was analyzed and the existence of possible activity cycles of 1650–1680 days and 2450 days was suggested. The probable value of the rotation period P of the star lies in the range of 27 (+19, –8) days, observations of the KWS survey in the V filter indicate the most possible value for the period P = 32 days. Mass loss of the planet’s atmosphere is determined using an approximation formula corresponding to the model of atmospheric loss with an energy restriction. To estimate the flux of XUV photons analytical dependences were used linking the flux values and the parameter log R_{{{text{HK}}}}^{'}. Calculations have shown that the atmosphere matter loss of TOI-1422b is dot {M} = 9.4 times {{10}^{8}} g/s; considering the existing errors in determining the parameters of the atmosphere it lies in the range from 6.8 times {{10}^{8}} to 1.4 times {{10}^{9}} g/s, and considering the uncertainty in the value of the chromospheric activity index—from 8.3 times {{10}^{8}} to 1.1 times {{10}^{9}} g/s.

The MUSCLES Extension for Atmospheric Transmission Spectroscopy: UV and X-Ray Host-star Observations for JWST ERS & GTO Targets

X-ray through infrared spectral energy distributions (SEDs) are essential for understanding a star’s effect on exoplanet atmospheric composition and evolution. We present a catalog of panchromatic SEDs, hosted on the Barbara A. Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes, for 11 exoplanet-hosting stars that have guaranteed JWST observation time as part of the ERS or GTO programs but have no previous UV characterization. The stars in this survey range from spectral type F4-M6 (0.14–1.57 M ☉), rotation periods of 4–132 days, and ages of approximately 0.5–11.4 Gyr. The SEDs are composite spectra using data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory and XMM-Newton, the Hubble Space Telescope, BT-Settl stellar atmosphere models, and scaled spectra of proxy stars of similar spectral type and activity. From our observations, we have measured a set of UV and X-ray fluxes as indicators of stellar activity level. We compare the chromospheric and coronal activity indicators of our exoplanet-hosting stars to the broader population of field stars and find that a majority of our targets have activity levels lower than the average population of cool stars in the solar neighborhood. This suggests that using SEDs of stars selected from exoplanet surveys to compute generic exoplanet atmosphere models may underestimate the typical host star’s UV flux by an order of magnitude or more, and consequently, that the observed population of exoplanetary atmospheres receive lower high-energy flux levels than the typical planet in the solar neighborhood.

Prominence detection and chromosphere feature on the prototype RS CVn of active binary systems

ABSTRACT We present a study of high-resolution spectra of RS Canum Venaticorum (RS CVn), a prototype of active binary systems. Our data were obtained from 1998 to 2017 using different telescopes. We analyse the chromospheric activity indicators $\rm{Ca~{\small II}}$ IRT, Hα, $\rm{Na~{\small I}}$ D1, D2 doublet, $\rm{He~{\small I}}$ D3, and Hβ using a spectral subtraction technique. The chromospheric emission stems mainly from the K2 IV primary star, while the F5 V secondary star only shows weak emission features in a few of our spectra. We find excess absorption features in the subtracted Hα lines and other activity indicators from spectra taken near primary eclipse, which we ascribe to prominence-like material associated with the primary star. We estimate size limits of these tentative prominences based on the geometry of the binary system, and investigate the physical properties of the strongest prominence. An optical flare, characterized by $\rm{He~{\small I}}$ D3 line emission, together with stronger emission in other activity lines, was detected. The flare energy is roughly comparable to strong flares observed on other RS CVn-type stars. The chromospherically active longitudes of RS CVn most frequently appear near the two quadratures of the system and display changes between observing runs, which indicates an ongoing evolution of its active regions.

HST Low-resolution Stellar Library

In order to provide fundamental stellar spectra that extend into the UV, Hubble Space Telescope’s Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph targeted 556 stars via proposals GO9088, GO9786, GO10222, and GO13776. Exposures through three low-resolution gratings provide wavelength coverage from 0.2 < λ < 1 μm at λ/Δλ ∼ 1000. The UV grating (G230LB) scatters red light that results in unwanted signal, especially in cool stars. We applied scattered-light corrections and flux corrections arising from pointing errors relative to the center of the 0.″2 slit based on Worthey et al. We present 513 fully reduced stellar spectra, fluxed, dereddened, and cross correlated to zero velocity. Because of the broad spectral range, we can simultaneously study Hα and Mg ii λ2800, indicators of chromospheric activity. Their behaviors are decoupled. Besides three cool dwarfs and one giant with mild flares in Hα, only Be stars show strong Hα emission. Mg2800 emission, however, strongly anticorrelates with temperature such that warm stars show absorption and stars cooler than 5000 K universally show chromospheric emission regardless of dwarf/giant status or metallicity. Transformed to Mg2800 flux emerging from the stellar surface, we find a correlation with temperature with approximately symmetric astrophysical scatter. Previous work had indicated a basal level with asymmetric scatter to strong values. The discrepancy is primarily due to our improved treatment of extinction. We confirm statistically significant time variability in Mg2800 strength for one star.

Correlations in Chromospheric and Coronal Activity Indicators of Giant Stars

The main goal of this paper is to use ultraviolet photometry from the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) satellite to study chromospheric activity among red giant and core-helium-burning (CHeB) stars. Correlations are sought between several chromospheric and coronal activity indicators for giants that were detected in soft X-rays by the ROentgen SATellite. There is an evident correlation between and , where L X is the X-ray luminosity and F Mg II is the flux from Mg ii h and k emission lines, although there is substantial scatter. Using GALEX far-ultraviolet (FUV) magnitudes, the relationship between an FUV-excess parameter (a proxy for chromospheric and transition-region emission lines) and X-ray luminosity is documented. Correlations found herein are not strong, and may be linked to binarity. There is a varied range of FUV emission among CHeB stars, indicating that giants in this phase may be exhibiting differences or cycles in outer atmospheric activity. Additionally, efforts were made to constrain a relationship between excess FUV and near-ultraviolet emission and the projected surface rotation velocity, , of giants. No clear relationship was found. Obscurities in this relationship may result from a spread in inclinations, and/or too few stars with km s−1.

The Active Chromospheres of Lithium-rich Red Giant Stars* * Based on observations obtained with the Hobby–Eberly Telescope, which is a joint project of the University of Texas at Austin, the Pennsylvania State University, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, and Georg-August-Universität Göttingen.

We have gathered near-infrared zyJ-band high-resolution spectra of nearly 300 field red giant stars with known lithium abundances in order to survey their He i λ10830 absorption strengths. This transition is an indicator of chromospheric activity and/or mass loss in red giants. The majority of stars in our sample reside in the red clump or red horizontal branch based on their V − J, M V color–magnitude diagram, and Gaia T eff and log(g) values. Most of our target stars are Li-poor in the sense of having normally low Li abundances, defined here as log ϵ(Li) < 1.25. Over 90% of these Li-poor stars have weak λ10830 features. However, more than half of the 83 Li-rich stars (log ϵ(Li) > 1.25) have strong λ10830 absorptions. These large λ10830 lines signal excess chromospheric activity in Li-rich stars; there is almost no indication of significant mass loss. The Li-rich giants may also have a higher binary fraction than Li-poor stars, based on their astrometric data. It appears likely that both residence on the horizontal branch and present or past binary interaction play roles in the significant Li–He connection established in this survey.

On the Origin of the Dichotomy of Stellar Activity Cycles

The presence of possible correlations between stellar rotation rate Ω and the frequency of the activity cycle ω cyc is still much debated. We implement a new Bayesian classification algorithm based on a simultaneous regression analysis of multiple scaling laws and we demonstrate the existence of two different scalings in the – plane for an extended Mt. Wilson sample of 67 stars. Thanks to metallicity measurements obtained from both ESA Gaia and high-resolution spectroscopy, we argue that the origin of this dichotomy is likely related to the chemical composition: stars whose magnetic cycle frequency increases with rotation rate are less metallic than stars whose magnetic cycle frequency decreases with stellar rotation rates. On the contrary, no clear difference in chromospheric magnetic activity indicators characterizes the two branches.

Characterization of Kepler targets based on medium-resolution LAMOST spectra analyzed with ROTFIT

Aims. In this work we present the results of our analysis of 16 300 medium-resolution LAMOST spectra of late-type stars in the Kepler field with the aim of determining the stellar parameters, activity level, lithium atmospheric content, and binarity. Methods. We have used a version of the code rotfit specifically developed for the lamost medium-resolution spectra to determine stellar parameters via the adoption of a grid of spectra of real stars. We provide a catalog with the atmospheric parameters (Teff, log g, and [Fe/H]), radial velocity (RV), and projected rotation velocity (v sin i). For cool stars (Teff ≤ 6500 K), we also calculated the Ha and Li iλ6708 equivalent width, which are important indicators of chromospheric activity and evolutionary stage, respectively. Results. From the sample of 16 300 spectra, we have derived the RV and atmospheric parameters for 14 300 spectra of 7443 stars. Literature data (mainly from high- or medium-resolution spectra) were used for a quality control of the results and to assess the accuracy of the derived parameters. The Teff and log g values are in good agreement with the literature, although their distribution displays some clustering effects, which may be the result of the nonuniform distribution of the templates in the parameter space. The most relevant differences are found for [Fe/H], which appears to be overestimated for metal-poor stars; this overestimation is also likely due to the template grid. We propose a relation to correct the [Fe/H] values derived with rotfit. We were able to identify interesting objects, such as double-lined binaries, stars with variable RVs, lithium-rich giants, and emission-line objects. Based on the Hα flux, we found 327 active stars. We were able to detect the Li iλ6708 line and measure its equivalent width for 1657 stars, both giants and stars on the main sequence. Regarding the latter, we performed a discrete age classification based on the atmospheric lithium abundance and the upper envelopes of a few open clusters. Among the giants, we found 195 Li-rich stars, 161 of which are reported here for the first time. No relationship is found between stellar rotation and lithium abundance, which allows us to rule out merger scenarios as the predominant explanation of the enrichment of Li in our sample. The fraction of Li-rich giants, ≈ 4%, is higher than expected.

An investigation of the magnetic activity of HD 134319 based on TESS photometry and ground-based spectroscopy

ABSTRACT We present an analysis of the starspot properties and chromospheric activity on HD 134319 using high-precision photometry by Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) in sectors 14–16 (T1) and 21–23 (T2) and high-resolution spectroscopy by the ELODIE spectrograph on 1.93-m telescope of Observatoire de Haute-Provence (OHP/ELODIE) and the High Resolution Echelle Spectrometer on Keck 10-m telescope of W. M. Keck Observatory (Keck/HIRES) during the years 1995–2013. We applied a two-spot model with generalized Lomb–Scargle (GLS) periodogram determined period of P = 4.436391 ± 0.00137 d to model chunks sliding over TESS light curve. We also measured the relative equivalent widths of Ca ii H and K, Hβ and Hα emissions by subtracting the overall spectrum from individual spectra. It was found that a two-spot configuration, namely a primary, slowly evolving and long-lasting spot (P) plus a secondary, rapidly evolving spot (S), was capable of explaining the data, although the actual starspot distribution cannot be derived from the collected data. Despite the spot radius–latitude degeneracy revealed in the best-fitting solutions, a sudden alternation between P and S radii followed by a gradual decrease of S in T1 and a decrease of both P and S from T1 to T2 were significant, corresponding to the evolution of magnetic activity. In addition, S revealed rotation and an oscillatory longitude migration synchronized to P in T1, but had a much larger migration than P in T2. This might indicate the evolution of the internal magnetic configuration. Chromospheric activity indicators were found to be tightly correlated with each other and revealed rotational modulation as well as a long-term decrease of emissions, implying the existence and evolution of magnetic activity on HD 134319.