Early Galactic Chemical Evolution Research Articles

Evidence for multiple nucleosynthetic processes from carbon-enhanced metal-poor stars in the Carina dwarf spheroidal galaxy

Context. Carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) stars ([C/Fe] > 0.7) are known to exist in large numbers at low metallicity in the Milky Way halo and are important tracers of early Galactic chemical evolution. However, very few stars of this kind have been identified in the classical dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxies, and detailed abundances, including neutron-capture element abundances, have only been reported for 13 stars. Aims. We aim to derive detailed abundances of six CEMP stars identified in the Carina dSph and compare the abundances to CEMP stars in other dSph galaxies and the Milky Way halo. This is the largest sample of CEMP stars in a dSph galaxy analysed to date. Methods. One-dimensional local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) elemental abundances are derived via equivalent width and spectral synthesis using high-resolution spectra of the six stars obtained with the MIKE spectrograph at Las Campanas Observatory. Results. We derived abundances or upper limits for up to 27 elements from C to Os in the six stars. Our analysis reveals one of the stars to be a CEMP-no star with very low neutron-capture element abundances. In contrast, the other five stars all show enhancements in neutron-capture elements in addition to their carbon enhancement, classifying them as CEMP-s and -r/s stars. The six stars have similar α and iron-peak element abundances to other stars in Carina, except for the CEMP-no star, which shows enhancement in Na, Mg, and Si. We explored the absolute carbon abundances (A(C)) of CEMP stars in dSph galaxies and find similar behaviour to that seen for Milky Way halo CEMP stars, but highlight that CEMP-r/s stars primarily have very high A(C) values. We also compared the neutron-capture element abundances of the CEMP-r/s stars in our sample to recent i-process yields, which provide a good match to the derived abundances.

Formation of the Abundance Boundaries of the Heavier Neutron-capture Elements in Metal-poor Stars

The abundance scatter of heavier r-process elements () relative to Fe ([r/Fe]) in metal-poor stars preserves excellent information of the star formation history and provides important insights into the various situations of the Galactic chemical enrichment. In this respect, the upper and lower boundaries of [r/Fe] could present useful clues for investigating the extreme situations of the star formation history and the early Galactic chemical evolution. In this paper, we investigate the formation of the upper and lower boundaries of [r/Fe] for the gas clouds. We find that, for a cloud from which metal-poor stars formed, the formation of the upper limits of [r/Fe] is mainly due to the pollution from a single main r-process event. For a cloud from which metal-poor stars formed, the formation of the lower limits of [r/Fe] is mainly due to the pollution from a single SN II event that ejects primary Fe.

NEUTRON STAR MERGERS AS THE ORIGIN OF r -PROCESS ELEMENTS IN THE GALACTIC HALO BASED ON THE SUB-HALO CLUSTERING SCENARIO

Binary mergers (NSMs) of double neutron star (and black hole-neutron star) systems are suggested to be major sites of r-process elements in the Galaxy by recent hydrodynamical and nucleosynthesis studies. It has been pointed out, however, that the estimated long lifetimes of neutron star binaries are in conflict with the presence of r-process-enhanced halo stars at metallicities as low as [Fe/H] ~ -3. To resolve this problem, we examine the role of NSMs in the early Galactic chemical evolution on the assumption that the Galactic halo was formed from merging sub-halos. We present simple models for the chemical evolution of sub-halos with total final stellar masses between 10^4 M_solar and 2 x 10^8 M_solar. Typical lifetimes of compact binaries are assumed to be 100 Myr (for 95% of their population) and 1 Myr (for 5%), according to recent binary population synthesis studies. The resulting metallcities of sub-halos and their ensemble are consistent with the observed mass-metallicity relation of dwarf galaxies in the Local Group, and the metallicity distribution of the Galactic halo, respectively. We find that the r-process abundance ratios [r/Fe] start increasing at [Fe/H] <= -3 if the star formation efficiencies are smaller for less massive sub-halos. In addition, the sub-solar [r/Fe] values (observed as [Ba/Fe] ~ -1.5 for [Fe/H] < -3) are explained by the contribution from the short-lived (~1 Myr) binaries. Our results indicate that NSMs may have a substantial contribution to the r-process element abundances throughout the Galactic history.

MAGNETOROTATIONALLY DRIVEN SUPERNOVAE AS THE ORIGIN OF EARLY GALAXY r -PROCESS ELEMENTS?

We examine magnetorotationally driven supernovae as sources of $r$-process elements in the early Galaxy. On the basis of thermodynamic histories of tracer particles from a three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamical core-collapse supernova model with approximated neutrino transport, we perform nucleosynthesis calculations with and without considering the effects of neutrino absorption reactions on the electron fraction ($Y_{e}$) during post-processing. We find that the peak distribution of $Y_{e}$ in the ejecta is shifted from $\sim0.15$ to $\sim0.17$ and broadened toward higher $Y_{e}$ due to neutrino absorption. Nevertheless, in both cases the second and third peaks of the solar $r$-process element distribution can be well reproduced. The rare progenitor configuration that was used here, characterized by a high rotation rate and a large magnetic field necessary for the formation of bipolar jets, could naturally provide a site for the strong $r$-process in agreement with observations of the early galactic chemical evolution.

The CH fraction of carbon stars at high Galactic latitudes

CH stars form a distinct class of objects with characteristic properties like iron deficiency, enrichment of carbon and overabundance in heavy elements. These properties can provide strong observational constraints for theoretical computation of nucleosynthesis at low-metallicity. An important question is the relative surface density of CH stars which can provide valuable inputs to our understanding on the role of low to intermediate-mass stars in the early Galactic chemical evolution. Spectroscopic characterization provides an effective way of identifying CH stars. The present analysis is aimed at a quantitative assessment of the fraction of CH stars in a sample of stars using a set of spectral classification criteria. The sample consists of 92 objects selected from a collection of candidate Faint High Latitude Carbon stars from the Hamburg/ESO survey. Medium resolution (R ~ 1300) spectra for these objects were obtained using OMR at VBO, Kavalur and HFOSC at HCT, IAO, Hanle, during 2007 - 2009 spanning a wavelength range 3800 - 6800 A. Spectral analysis shows 36 of the 92 objects to be potential CH stars; combined with our earlier studies (Goswami 2005, Goswami et al. 2007) this implies ~ 37% (of 243) objects as the CH fraction. We present spectral descriptions of the newly identified CH star candidates. Estimated effective temperatures, 12C/13C isotopic ratios and their locations on the two colour J-H vs H-K plot are used to support their identification.

Nucleosynthesis yields of core-collapse supernovae and hypernovae, and galactic chemical evolution

We present new nucleosynthesis yields as functions of the stellar mass, metallicity, and explosion energy (corresponding to normal supernovae and hypernovae). We apply the results to the chemical evolution of the solar neighborhood. Our new yields are based on the new developments in the observational/theoretical studies of supernovae (SNe) and extremely metal-poor (EMP) stars in the halo, which have provided excellent opportunities to test the explosion models and their nucleosynthesis. We use the light curve and spectra fitting of individual SN to estimate the mass of the progenitor, explosion energy, and produced 56Ni mass. Comparison with the abundance patterns of EMP stars has made it possible to determine the model parameters of core-collapse SNe, such as mixing-fallback parameters. More specifically, we take into account the two distinct new classes of massive SNe: (1) very energetic hypernovae, whose kinetic energy (KE) is more than 10 times the KE of normal core-collapse SNe, and (2) very faint and low energy SNe (faint SNe). These two new classes of SNe are likely to be “black-hole-forming” SNe with rotating or non-rotating black holes. Nucleosynthesis in hypernovae is characterized by larger abundance ratios ( Zn , Co , V , Ti ) / Fe and smaller ( Mn , Cr ) / Fe than normal SNe, which can explain the observed trends of these ratios in EMP stars. Nucleosynthesis in faint SNe is characterized by a large amount of fall-back, which explains the abundance pattern of the most Fe-poor stars. These comparisons suggest that black-hole-forming SNe made important contributions to the early galactic (and cosmic) chemical evolution.

The Chemical Compositions of the Extreme Halo Stars HE 0107-5240 and HE 1327-2326 Inferred from Three-dimensional Hydrodynamical Model Atmospheres

We investigate the impact of realistic three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamical model stellar atmospheres on the determination of elemental abundances in the carbon-rich, hyper-iron-poor stars HE 0107-5240 and HE 1327-2326. We derive the chemical compositions of the two stars by means of a detailed 3D analysis of spectral lines under the assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE). The lower temperatures of the line-forming regions of the hydrodynamical models cause changes in the predicted spectral line strengths. In particular, we find the 3D abundances of C, N, and O to be lower by about -0.8 dex (or more) than estimated from a 1D analysis. The 3D abundances of iron peak elements are also decreased but by smaller factors (about -0.2 dex). We caution, however, that the neglected non-LTE effects might actually be substantial for these metals. We finally discuss possible implications for studies of early Galactic chemical evolution.

Hypernovae and Gamma-Ray Bursts

The nature of very energetic supernovae (hypernovae) is discussed. They are the explosive death of stars more massive than ~20–25M ⊙, probably linked to the enigmatic Gamma-Ray Bursts. The optical properties of hypernovae indicate that they are significantly aspherical. Synthetic light curves and late-phase spectra of aspherical supernova/hypernova models are presented. These models can account for the optical observations of SNe 1998bw and 2002ap. The abundance patterns of hypernovae are characterized by large ratios (Zn, Co)/Fe and small ratios (Mn, Cr)/Fe, indicating a significant contribution of hypernovae to the early Galactic chemical evolution.

Nucleosynthesis in Hypernovae and Population III Supernovae

Recent studies of core-collapse supernovae have revealed the existence of two distinct classes of massive supernovae (SNe): 1) very energetic SNe (Hypernovae), whose kinetic energy exceeds 1052 erg, about 10 times the KE of normal core-collapse SNe, and 2) very faint and low energy SNe (E≲0.5×1051 erg; Faint supernovae). These two classes of supernovae are likely to be "black-hole-forming" supernovae with rotating or non-rotating black holes. Nucleosynthesis in Hypernovae is characterized by larger abundance ratios (Zn,Co,V,Ti)/Fe and smaller (Mn,Cr)/Fe than normal supernovae, which can explain the observed trend of these ratios in extremely metal-poor stars. Nucleosynthesis in Faint supernovae is characterized by a large amount of fall-back. We show that the abundance pattern of the most Fe-poor star, HE0107-5240, and other extremely metal-poor (EMP) stars are in good accord with those of black-hole-forming supernovae, but not pair-instability supernovae. This suggests that black-hole-forming supernovae made important contributions to the early Galactic (and cosmic) chemical evolution. Finally we discuss the nature of First (Pop III) Stars.

Yields of Population III Supernovae and the Abundance Patterns of Extremely Metal-Poor Stars

The abundance patterns of extremely metal-poor (EMP) stars provide us with important information on nucleosynthesis in supernovae (SNe) formed in a Pop III or EMP environment, and thus on the nature of the first stars in the Universe. We review nucleosynthesis yields of various types of those SNe, focusing on core-collapse (black-hole-forming) SNe with various progenitor masses, explosion energies (including Hypernovae), and asphericity. We discuss the implications of the observed trends in the abundance ratios among iron-peak elements, and the large C/Fe ratio observed in certain EMP stars with particular attention to recently discovered hyper metal-poor (HMP) stars. We show that the abundance pattern of the HMP stars with [Fe/H] &lt;−5 and other EMP stars are in good accord with those of black-hole-forming supernovae, but not pair-instability supernovae. This suggests that black-hole-forming supernovae made important contributions to the early Galactic (and cosmic) chemical evolution. Finally we discuss the nature of First (Pop III) Stars.

CH stars at high Galactic latitudes

In the present work we report on several CH stars identified in a sample of Faint High Latitude Carbon stars from Hamburg survey and discuss their medium resolution spectra covering a wavelength range 4000 - 6800 \AA . Estimation of the depths of bands (1,0) $^{12}$C$^{12}$C ${\lambda}$4737 and (1,0) $^{12}$C$^{13}$C ${\lambda}$4744 in these stars indicate isotopic ratio $^{12}$C/$^{13}$C ${\sim}$ 3, except for a few exceptions; these ratios are consistent with existing theories of CH stars evolution. The stars of Hamburg survey, a total of 403 objects were reported to be carbon star candidates with strong C$_{2}$ and CN molecular bands. In the first phase of observation, we have acquired spectra of ninety one objects. Inspection of the objects spectra show fifty one objects with C$_{2}$ molecular bands in their spectra of which thirteen stars have low flux below about 4300 \AA . Twenty five objects show weak or moderate CH and CN bands, twelve objects show weak but detectable CH bands in their spectra and there are three objects which do not show any molecular bands due to C$_{2}$, CN or CH in their spectra. Objects with C$_{2}$ molecular bands and with good signals bluewards of 4300 \AA which show prominent CH bands in their spectra are potential candidate CH stars. Thirty five such candidates are found in the present sample of ninty one objects observed so far. The set of CH stars identified could be the targets of subsequent observation at high resolution for a detail and comprehensive analysis for understanding their role in early Galactic chemical evolution.

Nucleosynthesis in Population III Supernovae

AbstractStars more massive than ~ 20–25 M⊙ form a black hole at the end of their evolution. Stars with non-rotating black holes are likely to collapse ”quietly” ejecting a small amount of heavy elements (Faint supernovae). In contrast, stars with rotating black holes are likely to give rise to very energetic supernovae (Hypernovae). Nucleosynthesis in Hypernovae is characterized by larger abundance ratios (Zn,Co,V,Ti)/Fe and smaller (Mn,Cr)/Fe than normal supernovae, which can explain the observed trend of these ratios in extremely metal-poor stars. Nucleosynthesis in Faint supernovae is characterized by a large amount of fall-back. We show that the abundance pattern of the recently discovered most Fe-poor star, HE0107-5240, and other extremely metal-poor carbon-rich stars are in good accord with those of black-hole-forming supernovae, but not pair-instability supernovae. This suggests that black-hole-forming supernovae made important contributions to the early Galactic (and cosmic) chemical evolution as the First (Pop III) Supernovae.

Nucleosynthesis in Black-Hole-Forming Supernovae

SummaryStars more massive than ~ 20 − 25 M⊙ form a black hole at the end of their evolution. Stars with non-rotating black holes are likely to collapse “quietly” ejecting a small amount of heavy elements (faint supernovae). In contrast, stars with rotating black holes are likely to give rise to very energetic supernovae (hypernovae). We present distinct nucleosynthesis features of these two types of “black-hole-forming” supernovae. Nucleosynthesis in hypernovae is characterized by larger abundance ratios (Zn, Co, V, Ti)/Fe and smaller (Mn, Cr)/Fe than normal supernovae, which can explain the observed trend of these ratios in extremely metal-poor stars. Nucleosynthesis in faint supernovae is characterized by a large amount of fall-back. We show that the abundance pattern of the recently discovered most Fe-poor star, HE0107-5240, and other extremely metal-poor carbon-rich stars are in good accord with those of black-hole-forming supernovae, but not pair-instability supernovae. This suggests that black-hole-forming supernovae made important contributions to the early Galactic (and cosmic) chemical evolution. Finally we discuss the nature of first (Pop III) Stars.

The Nature of Lyα Blobs: Supernova-dominated Primordial Galaxies

We consider a forming galaxy undergoing multitudinous supernova (SN) explosions, as a possible model of \lya blobs (LABs). For this purpose, an ultra--high resolution hydrodynamic simulation is performed using $1024^3$ grid points, where SN remnants are resolved with sufficient accuracy. It is found that multiple SN explosions produce kpc--size expanding hot bubbles, which drive cool, dense shells by strong shock. The colliding high--density cooling shells radiate intensive \lya emission, resulting in a high \lya luminosity of $\sim10^{43}$ erg s$^{-1}$, comparable to the observed level in LABs. Also, recently discovered bubbly features in some LABs are quite similar to the structure predicted in the present simulation. Furthermore, the result demonstrates that LABs are representative of evolving primordial galaxies; they could hold direct information on the early chemical enrichment of galaxies, contrary to present--day galaxies which have undergone intense recycling of interstellar matter, thus erasing most of the early chemical history. It turns out that the metal mixing proceeds in a very inhomogeneous fashion, so that there appears a large spread of metallicity, that is,$[{\rm Fe/H}] \approx 0 {\rm ~to} -5$ or $[{\rm O/H}] \approx 1 {\rm ~to} -4$. Hence, the early galactic chemical evolution may have proceeded in a different manner from that hitherto considered in one--zone models.

Hypernovae: Their Properties and Gamma-Ray Burst Connection

Natures of very energetic supernovae, i.e., hypernovae, are discussed. They are the explosive deaths of stars more massive than ∼ 20-25M, probably being linked to enigmatic Gamma-Ray Bursts: Optical properties of hypernovae indicate that they are significantly aspherical, while so far no detailed modeling of such an explosion is available. We present light curves and late-phase spectra of aspherical supernova/hypernova models, showing that the optical observations of SNe 1998bw and 2002ap can be well accounted for. The abundance patterns of hypernovae are characterized by large ratios (Zn, Co)/Fe and small ratios (Mn, Cr)/Fe, indicating significant contribution to the early Galactic chemical evolution.

Bipolar Supernova Explosions: Nucleosynthesis and Implications for Abundances in Extremely Metal‐Poor Stars

Hydrodynamics and explosive nucleosynthesis in bipolar supernova explosions are examined to account for some peculiar properties of hypernovae as well as peculiar abundance patterns of metal-poor stars. The explosion is assumed to be driven by bipolar jets that are powered by accretion onto a central remnant. The energy injection rate by the jets is assumed to be proportional to the accretion rate, i.e., Ėjet = αc2. We explore the features of the explosions with varying progenitors' masses and jet properties. The outcomes are different from conventional spherical models. (1) In the bipolar models, Fe-rich materials are ejected at high velocities along the jet axis, while O-rich materials occupy the central region, whose density becomes very high as a consequence of continuous accretion from the side. This configuration can explain some peculiar features in the light curves and the nebular spectra of hypernovae. (2) Production of 56Ni tends to be smaller than in spherical thermal bomb models. To account for a large amount of 56Ni observed in hypernovae, the jets should be initiated when the compact remnant mass is still smaller than 2-3 M☉, or they should be very massive and slow. (3) Ejected isotopes are distributed as follows in order of decreasing velocities: 64Zn, 59Co, 56Fe, 44Ti, and 4He at the highest velocities; 55Mn, 52Cr, 32S, and 28Si at the intermediate velocities; and 24Mg and 16O at the lowest velocities. (4) The abundance ratios (Zn, Co)/Fe are enhanced while the ratios (Mn, Cr)/Fe are suppressed. This can account for the abundance pattern of extremely metal-poor stars. These agreements between the models and observations suggest that hypernovae are driven by bipolar jets and have significantly contributed to the early Galactic chemical evolution.

Nucleosynthesis in hypernovae and extremely metal-poor stars

Hypernovae are the core-collapse supernovae with very large explosion energies (⪆ 10 52 ergs). Nucleosynthesis in hypernovae show the following characteristics: 1) Higher energy explosions tend to produce larger [(Zn, Co, V)/Fe] and smaller [(Mn, Cr)/Fe], which can explain the trend observed in very metal-poor stars. 2) Because of enhanced α-rich freezeout, 44Ca, 48Ti, and 64Zn are produced more abundantly than in normal supernovae. The large [(Ti, Zn)/Fe]ratios observed in very metal-poor stars strongly suggest a significant contribution of hypernovae. 3) Oxygen burning takes place in more extended regions in hypernovae, which makes the Si/O ratio larger. We thus suggest that hypernovae make important contribution to the early Galactic (and cosmic) chemical evolution. We then discuss the evolutionary origin of the recently discovered most Fe deficient star, HE0107-5240. We show that the abundance pattern of HE0107-5240 and other extremely metal-poor (EMP) stars are in good accord with those of supernovae which originate from ∼ 20–130 M ⊙ stars and form ∼ 3–10 M ⊙ black holes.

Bipolar explosion models for hypernovae

Bipolar explosion models for hypernovae (very energetic supernovae) are presented. These models provide a favorable situation to explain some unexpected features in observations of hypernovae, e.g., high velocity matter dominated by Fe and low velocity matter dominated by O. The overall abundance of these models gives a good fit, at least qualitatively, to abundances in extremely metal-poor stars. We suggest hypernovae be driven by bipolar jets and contribute significantly to the early Galactic chemical evolution.

Nucleosynthesis in Black-Hole-Forming Supernovae and Extremely Metal-Poor Stars

Stars more massive than ∼ 20 – 25 M⊙ form a black hole at the end of their evolution. Stars with non-rotating black holes are likely to collapse “quietly" ejecting a small amount of heavy elements (Faint supernovae). In contrast, stars with rotating black holes are likely to give rise to very energetic supernovae (Hypernovae). We present distinct nucleosynthesis features of these two types of “black-hole-forming" supernovae. Nucleosynthesis in Hypernovae are characterized by larger abundance ratios (Zn,Co,V,Ti)/Fe and smaller (Mn,Cr)/Fe, which can explain the observed trend of these ratios in extremely metal-poor stars. Nucleosynthesis in Faint supernovae is characterized by a large amount of fall-back. We show that the abundance pattern of the recently discovered most Fe deficient star, HE0107-5240, and other extremely metal-poor carbon-rich stars are in good accord with those of black-hole-forming supernovae, but not pair-instability supernovae. This suggests that black-hole-forming supernovae made important contributions to the early Galactic (and cosmic) chemical evolution. Finally we discuss the nature of First (Pop III) Stars.

Hypernovae and their nucleosynthesis

We review the characteristics of nucleosynthesis in ‘hypernovae’, i.e., core-collapse supernovae with very large explosion energies (≳ 1052 ergs). The hypernova yields show the following characteristics: (i) the mass ratio between the complete and incomplete Si burning regions is larger in hypernovae than normal supernovae. As a result, higher energy explosions tend to produce larger [(Zn, Co, V)/Fe] and smaller [(Mn, Cr)/Fe], which could explain the trend observed in very metal-poor stars; (ii) because of enhanced α-rich freeze-out, 44Ca, 48Ti, and 64Zn are produced more abundantly than in normal supernovae. The large [(Ti, Zn)/Fe] ratios observed in very metal poor stars strongly suggest a significant contribution of hypernovae; and (iii) oxygen burning takes place in more extended regions in hypernovae to synthesize a larger amount of Si, S, Ar, and Ca (‘Si’), which makes the ‘Si’/O ratio larger. The abundance pattern of the starburst galaxy M 82 may be attributed to hypernova explosions. We thus suggest that hypernovae make important contribution to the early Galactic (and cosmic) chemical evolution.