Evolution Of Massive Stars Research Articles

A Comparison of Rotating and Binary Stellar Evolution Models: Effects on Massive Star Populations

Abstract Both rotation and interactions with binary companions can significantly affect massive star evolution, altering interior and surface abundances, mass loss rates and mechanisms, observed temperatures and luminosities, and their ultimate core-collapse fates. The Geneva and the Binary Population and Spectral Synthesis (BPASS) stellar evolution codes include detailed treatments of the effects of rotation and binary evolution, respectively, and can illustrate the impact of these phenomena on massive stars and stellar populations. However, a direct comparison of these two widely used codes is vital if we hope to use their predictions for interpreting observations. In particular, rotating and binary models will predict different young stellar populations, impacting the outputs of stellar population synthesis (SPS) and the resulting interpretation of large samples of massive stars based on commonly used tools such as star count ratios. Here we compare the Geneva and BPASS evolutionary models, using an interpolated SPS scheme introduced in our previous work and a novel Bayesian framework to present the first in-depth direct comparison of massive stellar populations produced from single, rotating, and binary nonrotating evolution models. We calculate both models’ predicted values of star count ratios and compare the results to observations of massive stars in Westerlund 1, h + χ Persei, and both Magellanic Clouds. We also consider the limitations of both the observations and the models, and how to quantitatively include observational completeness limits in SPS models. We demonstrate that the methods presented here, when combined with robust stellar evolutionary models, offer a potential means of estimating the physical properties of massive stars in large stellar populations.

Discovery of β Cep pulsations in the eclipsing binary V453 Cygni

ABSTRACT V453 Cyg is an eclipsing binary containing 14 and 11 $\, {\rm M}_\odot$ stars in an eccentric short-period orbit. We have discovered β Cep-type pulsations in this system using Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite data. We identify seven significant pulsation frequencies, between 2.37 and 10.51 d−1, in the primary star. These include six frequencies that are separated by yet significantly offset from harmonics of the orbital frequency, indicating they are tidally perturbed modes. We have determined the physical properties of the system to high precision: V453 Cyg A is the first β Cep pulsator with a precise mass measurement. The system is a vital tracer of the physical processes that govern the evolution of massive single and binary stars.

Advances in the Direct Study of Carbon Burning in Massive Stars.

The ^{12}C+^{12}C fusion reaction plays a critical role in the evolution of massive stars and also strongly impacts various explosive astrophysical scenarios. The presence of resonances in this reaction at energies around and below the Coulomb barrier makes it impossible to carry out a simple extrapolation down to the Gamow window-the energy regime relevant to carbon burning in massive stars. The ^{12}C+^{12}C system forms a unique laboratory for challenging the contemporary picture of deep sub-barrier fusion (possible sub-barrier hindrance) and its interplay with nuclear structure (sub-barrier resonances). Here, we show that direct measurements of the ^{12}C+^{12}C fusion cross section may be made into the Gamow window using an advanced particle-gamma coincidence technique. The sensitivity of this technique effectively removes ambiguities in existing measurements made with gamma ray or charged-particle detection alone. The present cross-section data span over 8 orders of magnitude and support the fusion-hindrance model at deep sub-barrier energies.

COBRaS: The e-MERLIN 21 cm Legacy survey of Cygnus OB2

Context.The role of massive stars is central to an understanding of galactic ecology. It is important to establish the details of how massive stars provide radiative, chemical, and mechanical feedback in galaxies. Central to these issues is an understanding of the evolution of massive stars, and the critical role of mass loss via strongly structured winds and stellar binarity. Ultimately, and acting collectively, massive stellar clusters shape the structure and energetics of galaxies.Aims.We aim to conduct high-resolution, deep field mapping at 21 cm of the core of the massive Cygnus OB2 association and to characterise the properties of the massive stars and colliding winds at this waveband.Methods.We used seven stations of the e-MERLIN radio facility, with its upgraded bandwidth and enhanced sensitivity to conduct a 21 cm census of Cygnus OB2. Based on 42 hours of observations, seven overlapping pointings were employed over multiple epochs during 2014 resulting in 1σsensitivities down to ∼21μJy and a resolution of ∼180 mas.Results.A total of 61 sources are detected at 21 cm over a ∼0.48° × 0.48° region centred on the heart of the Cyg OB2 association. Of these 61 sources, 33 are detected for the first time. We detect a number of previously identified sources including four massive stellar binary systems, two YSOs, and several known X-ray and radio sources. We also detect the LBV candidate (possible binary system) and blue hypergiant star of Cyg OB2 #12.Conclusions.The 21 cm observations secured in the COBRaS Legacy project provide data to constrain conditions in the outer wind regions of massive stars; determine the non-thermal properties of massive interacting binaries; examine evidence for transient sources, including those associated with young stellar objects; and provide unidentified sources that merit follow-up observations. The 21 cm data are of lasting value and will serve in combination with other key surveys of Cyg OB2, includingChandraandSpitzer.

Centrifugally driven mass-loss and outbursts of massive stars

ABSTRACT Rotation and mass-loss are crucially interlinked properties of massive stars, strongly affecting their evolution and ultimate fate. Massive stars rotating near their break-up limit shed mass centrifugally, creating Be stars with circumstellar discs and possibly driving outbursts. Using the mesa stellar evolution code, we examine the effects of efficient angular momentum transport on the main-sequence and post-main-sequence rotational evolution of massive stars. In rapid rotators, angular momentum transported from the contracting core to the expanding envelope can spin-up the surface layers past the break-up rate, particularly for stars near (or beyond) the end of the main-sequence and in low-metallicity environments. We also demonstrate that centrifugal instabilities could arise in rapidly rotating massive stars, potentially triggering the S Doradus outbursts observed in luminous blue variable stars. Prior mass accretion from a binary companion increases both the likelihood and the intensity of centrifugal mass-loss. We discuss implications for massive stellar evolution, Be stars, and luminous blue variables.

Theoretical investigation of the Humphreys–Davidson limit at high and low metallicity

Context. Current massive star evolution grids are not able to simultaneously reproduce the empirical upper luminosity limit of red supergiants, the Humphrey–Davidson (HD) limit, nor the blue-to-red (B/R) supergiant ratio at high and low metallicity. Although previous studies have shown that the treatment of convection and semi-convection plays a role in the post-main-sequence (MS) evolution to blue or red supergiants (RSGs), a unified treatment for all metallicities has not been achieved so far. Aims. We focus on developing a better understanding of what drives massive star evolution to blue and red supergiant phases, with the ultimate aim of reproducing the HD limit at varied metallicities. We discuss the consequences of classifying B and R in the B/R ratio and clarify what is required to quantify a relatable theoretical B/R ratio for comparison with observations. Methods. For solar, Large Magellanic Cloud (50% solar), and Small Magellanic Cloud (20% solar) metallicities, we develop eight grids of MESA models for the mass range 20–60 M⊙ to probe the effect of semi-convection and overshooting on the core helium-burning phase. We compare rotating and non-rotating models with efficient (αsemi = 100) and inefficient semi-convection (αsemi = 0.1), with high and low amounts of core overshooting (αov of 0.1 or 0.5). The red and blue supergiant evolutionary phases are investigated by comparing the fraction of core He-burning lifetimes spent in each phase for a range of masses and metallicities. Results. We find that the extension of the convective core by overshooting αov = 0.5 has an effect on the post-MS evolution that can disable semi-convection, leading to more RSGs, but a lack of BSGs. We therefore implement αov = 0.1, which switches on semi-convective mixing, but for standard αsemi = 1 would result in an HD limit that is higher than observed at low Z (Large and Small Magellanic Clouds). Therefore, we need to implement very efficient semi-convection of αsemi = 100, which reproduces the HD limit at log L/L⊙ ∼ 5.5 for the Magellanic Clouds while simultaneously reproducing the Galactic HD limit of log L/L⊙ ∼ 5.8 naturally. The effect of semi-convection is not active at high metallicities because the envelope structure is depleted by strong mass loss such that semi-convective regions could not form. Conclusions. Metallicity-dependent mass loss plays an indirect, yet decisive role in setting the HD limit as a function of Z. For a combination of efficient semi-convection and low overshooting with standard Ṁ(Z), we find a natural HD limit at all metallicities.

A VLT/FLAMES survey for massive binaries in Westerlund 1

Context. The formation, properties, and evolution of massive stars remain subject to considerable theoretical and observational uncertainty. This impacts on fields as diverse as galactic feedback, the production of cosmic rays, and the nature of the progenitors of both electromagnetic and gravitational wave transients. Aims. The young massive clusters many such stars reside within provide a unique laboratory for addressing these issues. In this work we provide a comprehensive stellar census of Westerlund 1 in order to to underpin such efforts. Methods. We employed optical spectroscopy of a large sample of early-type stars to determine cluster membership for photometrically-identified candidates, characterise their spectral type, and identify new candidate spectroscopic binaries. Results. Sixty nine new members of Westerlund 1 are identified via I-band spectroscopy. Together with previous observations, they illustrate a smooth and continuous morphological sequence from late-O giant through to OB supergiant. Subsequently, the progression bifurcates, with one branch yielding mid-B to late-F hypergiants, and cool supergiants, and the other massive blue stragglers prior to a diverse population of H-depleted WRs. We identify a substantial population of O-type stars with very broad Paschen series lines, a morphology that is directly comparable to known binaries in the cluster. In a few cases additional low-resolution R-band spectroscopy is available, revealing double-lined He I profiles and confirming binarity for these objects; suggesting a correspondingly high binary fraction amongst relatively unevolved cluster members. Conclusions. Our current census remains incomplete, but indicates that Westerlund 1 contains at least 166 stars with initial masses estimated to lie between ∼25 M⊙ and ∼50 M⊙, with more massive stars already lost to supernova. Our data is consistent with the cluster being co-eval, although binary interaction is clearly required to yield the observed stellar population, which is characterised by a uniquely rich cohort of hypergiants ranging from spectral type O to F, with both mass-stripped primaries and rejuvenated secondaries or merger products present. Future observations of Wd1 and similar stellar aggregates hold out the prospect of characterising both single- and binary- evolutionary channels for massive stars and determining their relative contributions. This in turn will permit the physical properties of such objects at the point of core-collapse to be predicted, which is of direct relevance for understanding the formation of relativistic remnants such as the magnetars associated with Wd1 and other young massive clusters.

Mass loss and the Eddington parameter: a new mass-loss recipe for hot and massive stars

ABSTRACT Mass loss through stellar winds plays a dominant role in the evolution of massive stars. In particular, the mass-loss rates of very massive stars ($\gt 100\, M_{\odot}$) are highly uncertain. Such stars display Wolf–Rayet spectral morphologies (WNh), whilst on the main sequence. Metal-poor very massive stars are progenitors of gamma-ray bursts and pair instability supernovae. In this study, we extended the widely used stellar wind theory by Castor, Abbott & Klein from the optically thin (O star) to the optically thick main-sequence (WNh) wind regime. In particular, we modify the mass-loss rate formula in a way that we are able to explain the empirical mass-loss dependence on the Eddington parameter (Γe). The new mass-loss recipe is suitable for incorporation into current stellar evolution models for massive and very massive stars. It makes verifiable predictions, namely how the mass-loss rate scales with metallicity and at which Eddington parameter the transition from optically thin O star to optically thick WNh star winds occurs. In the case of the star cluster R136 in the Large Magellanic Cloud we find in the optically thin wind regime $\dot{M} \propto \Gamma _{\rm e}^{3}$, while in the optically thick wind regime $\dot{M} \propto 1/ (1 - \Gamma _{\rm e})^{3.5}$. The transition from optically thin to optically thick winds occurs at Γe, trans ≈ 0.47. The transition mass-loss rate is $\log \dot{M}~(\mathrm{M}_{\odot } \, \mathrm{yr}^{-1}) \approx -4.76 \pm 0.18$, which is in line with the prediction by Vink & Gräfener assuming a volume filling factor of $f_{\rm V} = 0.23_{-0.15}^{+0.40}$.

Systematic Variations of CO J = 2−1/1–0 Ratio and Their Implications in The Nearby Barred Spiral Galaxy M83

Abstract We present spatial variations of the CO J = 2−1/1–0 line ratio ( ) in the barred spiral galaxy M83 using Total Power Array (single-dish telescopes) data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. While the intensities of these two lines correlate tightly, varies over the disk, with a disk average ratio of 0.69, and shows the galactic center and a two-arm spiral pattern. It is high (≳0.7) in regions of high molecular gas surface density (Σmol), but ranges from low to high ratios in regions of low Σmol. The ratio correlates well with the spatial distributions and intensities of far-ultraviolet (FUV) and infrared (IR) emissions, with FUV being the best correlated. It also correlates better with the ratio of specific intensities at 70 and 350 μm, a proxy for dust temperature, than with the IR intensities. Taken together, these results suggest either a direct or indirect link between the dust heating by the interstellar radiation field and the condition of giant molecular clouds (GMCs), even though no efficient mechanism is known for a thermal coupling of dust and bulk gas in GMCs. We speculate that the large spread of in low Σmol regions, mostly at the downstream sides of spiral arms, may be due to the evolution of massive stars after spiral arm passage. Having in a late phase escaped from the spiral arms and their parental clouds, they may contribute to the dust heating by FUV and gas heating by cosmic rays produced by supernovae.

Candidate LBV stars in galaxy NGC 7793 found via HST photometry + MUSE spectroscopy

ABSTRACT Only about 19 Galactic and 25 extragalactic bonafide luminous blue variables (LBVs) are known to date. This incomplete census prevents our understanding of this crucial phase of massive star evolution which leads to the formation of heavy binary black holes via the classical channel. With large samples of LBVs one could better determine the duration and maximum stellar luminosity which characterize this phase. We search for candidate LBVs (cLBVs) in a new galaxy, NGC 7793. For this purpose, we combine high spatial resolution images from two Hubble Space Telescope (HST) programs with optical spectroscopy from the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE). By combining PSF-fitting photometry measured on F547M, F657N, and F814W images, with restrictions on point-like appearance (at HST resolution) and H α luminosity, we find 100 potential cLBVs, 36 of which fall in the MUSE fields. Five of the latter 36 sources are promising cLBVs which have MV ≤ −7 and a combination of: H α with a P-Cygni profile; no [O i]$\, \lambda 6300$ emission; weak or no [O iii]$\, \lambda 5007$ emission; large [N ii]/H α relative to H ii regions; and [S ii]$\, \lambda 6716$/[S ii]$\, \lambda 6731\sim 1$. It is not clear if these five cLBVs are isolated from O-type stars, which would favour the binary formation scenario of LBVs. Our study, which approximately covers one fourth of the optical disc of NGC 7793, demonstrates how by combining the above HST surveys with multi-object spectroscopy from 8-m class telescopes, one can efficiently find large samples of cLBVs in nearby galaxies.

The Tarantula Massive Binary Monitoring

Context. Accurate stellar parameters of individual objects in binary systems are essential to constrain the effects of binarity on stellar evolution. These parameters serve as a prerequisite to probing existing and future theoretical evolutionary models. Aims. We aim to derive the atmospheric parameters of the 31 double-lined spectroscopic binaries in the Tarantula Massive Binary Monitoring sample. This sample, composed of detached, semi-detached and contact systems with at least one of the components classified as an O-type star, is an excellent test-bed to study how binarity can impact our knowledge of the evolution of massive stars. Methods. In the present paper, 32 epochs of FLAMES/GIRAFFE spectra are analysed by using spectral disentangling to construct the individual spectra of 62 components. We then apply the CMFGEN atmosphere code to determine their stellar parameters and their helium, carbon, and nitrogen surface abundances. Results. Among the 31 systems that we study in the present paper, we identify between 48 and 77% of them as detached, likely pre-interacting systems, 16% as semi-detached systems, and between 5 and 35% as systems in or close to contact phase. Based on the properties of their components, we show that the effects of tides on chemical mixing are limited. Components on longer-period orbits show higher nitrogen enrichment at their surface than those on shorter-period orbits, in contrast to expectations of rotational or tidal mixing, implying that other mechanisms play a role in this process. For semi-detached systems, components that fill their Roche lobe are mass donors. They exhibit higher nitrogen content at their surface and rotate more slowly than their companions. By accreting new material, their companions spin faster and are likely rejuvenated. Their locations in the N − v sin i diagram tend to show that binary products are good candidates to populate the two groups of stars (slowly rotating, nitrogen-enriched objects and rapidly rotating non-enriched objects) that cannot be reproduced through single-star population synthesis. Finally, we find no peculiar surface abundances for the components in (over-)contact systems, as has been suggested by evolutionary models for tidal mixing. Conclusions. This sample, consisting of 31 massive binary systems, is the largest sample of binaries composed of at least one O-type star to be studied in such a homogeneous way by applying spectral disentangling and atmosphere modelling. The study of these objects gives us strong observational constraints to test theoretical binary evolutionary tracks.

Effect of optical depth on study of chemical properties of massive star forming clumps

Here we present the study on chemical properties of massive star forming clumps using N2H+(1-0), H13CO+(1-0), HCN(1-0) and HN13C(1-0) data from the literature [Astron. Astrophys. 563, A97 (2014)]. We found that abundances of H13CO+ and HN13C are affected by H2 column densities. As the median values of these two abundances increase by nearly 10 times from stages A to B, H13CO+ and HN13C are suitable for tracing the evolution of massive star forming clumps. The order of rapidity in growth of abundances of all the four studied molecules from stages A to B, is H13CO+, HCN, HN13C, and N2H+, from the highest to the lowest. Our results suggest that the observing optically thin molecular lines with high angular resolution are necessary to study the chemical evolution of massive star forming clumps.

Nuclear astrophysics at Gran Sasso : the study of BBN and post-main sequence fusion reactions at LUNA

The first nuclei were formed a few minutes after the Big Bang, through the process called Big Bang nucleosynthesis, that left our universe containing about 75% hydrogen, 24% helium by mass, with small traces of other elements such as lithium and the hydrogen isotope deuterium. Heavier nuclei are produced during the different characteristic phases of the star evolution. At astrophysical energies the cross section of nuclear processes is usually extremely small and the cosmogenic background prevents their measurement at stellar energies on Earth surface. Deep underground in the Gran Sasso laboratory, several crucial reactions involved in hydrogen burning has been measured directly at astrophysical energies by the LUNA (Laboratory for Underground Nuclear Astrophysics) Collaboration with both the LUNA-50kV and the LUNA-400kV accelerators. This intense work will continue with the installation of a new LUNA-MV machine able to provide hydrogen, helium and carbon high current beams: the new facility will allow to explore the helium and carbon burning processes, by studying the key reactions shaping the evolution of massive stars towards their final fate. The present contribution is aimed to summarise the most recent results achieved by LUNA Collaboration and to highlight the rich experimental program connected to the new facility.

A detailed non-LTE analysis of LB-1: Revised parameters and surface abundances

Context. It has recently been proposed that LB-1 is a binary system at 4 kpc consisting of a B-type star of 8 M⊙ and a massive stellar black hole (BH) of 70 M⊙. This finding challenges our current theories of massive star evolution and formation of BHs at solar metallicity. Aims. Our objective is to derive the effective temperature, surface gravity, and chemical composition of the B-type component in order to determine its nature and evolutionary status and, indirectly, to constrain the mass of the BH. Methods. We use the non-LTE stellar atmosphere code FASTWIND to analyze new and archival high-resolution data. Results. We determine (Teff, log g) values of (14 000 ± 500 K, 3.50 ± 0.15 dex) that, combined with the Gaia parallax, imply a spectroscopic mass, from log g, of 3.2+2.1−1.9 M⊙ and an evolutionary mass, assuming single star evolution, of 5.2+0.3−0.6 M⊙. We determine an upper limit of 8 km s−1 for the projected rotational velocity and derive the surface abundances; we find the star to have a silicon abundance below solar, and to be significantly enhanced in nitrogen and iron and depleted in carbon and magnesium. Complementary evidence derived from a photometric extinction analysis and Gaia yields similar results for Teff and log g and a consistent distance around 2 kpc. Conclusions. We propose that the B-type star is a slightly evolved main sequence star of 3–5 M⊙ with surface abundances reminiscent of diffusion in late B/A chemically peculiar stars with low rotational velocities. There is also evidence for CN-processed material in its atmosphere. These conclusions rely critically on the distance inferred from the Gaia parallax. The goodness of fit of the Gaia astrometry also favors a high-inclination orbit. If the orbit is edge-on and the B-type star has a mass of 3–5 M⊙, the mass of the dark companion would be 4–5 M⊙, which would be easier to explain with our current stellar evolutionary models.

The effects of surface fossil magnetic fields on massive star evolution – II. Implementation of magnetic braking in mesa and implications for the evolution of surface rotation in OB stars

ABSTRACT The time evolution of angular momentum and surface rotation of massive stars are strongly influenced by fossil magnetic fields via magnetic braking. We present a new module containing a simple, comprehensive implementation of such a field at the surface of a massive star within the Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics (mesa) software instrument. We test two limiting scenarios for magnetic braking: distributing the angular momentum loss throughout the star in the first case, and restricting the angular momentum loss to a surface reservoir in the second case. We perform a systematic investigation of the rotational evolution using a grid of OB star models with surface magnetic fields (M⋆ = 5–60 M⊙, Ω/Ωcrit = 0.2–1.0, Bp = 1–20 kG). We then employ a representative grid of B-type star models (M⋆ = 5, 10, 15 M⊙, Ω/Ωcrit = 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, Bp = 1, 3, 10, 30 kG) to compare to the results of a recent self-consistent analysis of the sample of known magnetic B-type stars. We infer that magnetic massive stars arrive at the zero-age main sequence (ZAMS) with a range of rotation rates, rather than with one common value. In particular, some stars are required to have close-to-critical rotation at the ZAMS. However, magnetic braking yields surface rotation rates converging to a common low value, making it difficult to infer the initial rotation rates of evolved, slowly rotating stars.

Type Ic supernova of a 22 M⊙ progenitor

ABSTRACT Type Ic supernovae (SNe Ic) are a sub-class of core-collapse SNe that exhibit no helium or hydrogen lines in their spectra. Their progenitors are thought to be bare carbon–oxygen cores formed during the evolution of massive stars that are stripped of their hydrogen and helium envelopes sometime before collapse. SNe Ic present a range of luminosities and spectral properties, from luminous GRB-SNe with broad-lined spectra to less luminous events with narrow-line spectra. Modelling SNe Ic reveals a wide range of both kinetic energies, ejecta masses, and 56Ni masses. To explore this diversity and how it comes about, light curves and spectra are computed from the ejecta following the explosion of an initially 22 M⊙ progenitor that was artificially stripped of its hydrogen and helium shells, producing a bare CO core of ∼5 M⊙, resulting in an ejected mass of ∼4 M⊙, which is an average value for SNe Ic. Four different explosion energies are used that cover a range of observed SNe. Finally, 56Ni and other elements are artificially mixed in the ejecta using two approximations to determine how element distribution affects light curves and spectra. The combination of different explosion energy and degree of mixing produces spectra that roughly replicate the distribution of near-peak spectroscopic features of SNe Ic. High explosion energies combined with extensive mixing can produce red, broad-lined spectra, while minimal mixing and a lower explosion energy produce bluer, narrow-lined spectra.

The evolution of massive binary systems

The evolution of massive stars in close binary systems is significantly different from single star evolution due to a series of interactions between the two stellar components. Such massive close binary systems are linked to various astrophysical phenomena, for example Wolf-Rayet stars, supernova type Ib and Ic, X-ray binaries and gamma-ray bursts. Also, the emission of gravitational waves, recently observed by the LIGO-Virgo detectors, is associated with mergers in binary systems containing compact objects, relics of massive stars - black holes and neutron stars. Evolutionary calculations of massive close binary systems were performed by various authors, but many aspects are not yet fully understood. In this paper, the main concepts of massive close binary evolution are reviewed, together with the most important parameters that can influence the final outcome of the binary system evolution, such as rotation, magnetic fields, stellar wind mass loss and mass accretion efficiency during interactions. An extensive literature overview of massive close binary models in the light of exciting observations connected with those systems is presented.

Testing massive star evolution, star-formation history, and feedback at low metallicity

Context.The supergiant ionized shell SMC-SGS 1 (DEM 167), which is located in the outer Wing of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), resembles structures that originate from an energetic star-formation event and later stimulate star formation as they expand into the ambient medium. However, stellar populations within and surrounding SMC-SGS 1 tell a different story.Aims.We present a photometric study of the stellar population encompassed by SMC-SGS 1 in order to trace the history of such a large structure and its potential influence on star formation within the low-density, low-metallicity environment of the SMC.Methods.For a stellar population that is physically associated with SMC-SGS 1, we combined near-ultraviolet (NUV) photometry from the Galaxy Evolution Explorer with archival optical (V-band) photometry from the ESO Danish 1.54 m Telescope. Given their colors and luminosities, we estimated stellar ages and masses by matching observed photometry to theoretical stellar isochrone models.Results.We find that the investigated region supports an active, extended star-formation event spanning ∼25−40 Myr ago, as well as continued star formation into the present. Using a standard initial mass function, we infer a lower bound on the stellar mass from this period of ∼3 × 104 M⊙, corresponding to a star-formation intensity of ∼6 × 10−3 M⊙kpc−2yr−1.Conclusions.The spatial and temporal distributions of young stars encompassed by SMC-SGS 1 imply a slow, consistent progression of star formation over millions of years. Ongoing star formation, both along the edge and interior to SMC-SGS 1, suggests a combined stimulated and stochastic mode of star formation within the SMC Wing. We note that a slow expansion of the shell within this low-density environment may preserve molecular clouds within the volume of the shell, leaving them to form stars even after nearby stellar feedback expels local gas and dust.

Pulsational Pair-instability Supernovae. I. Pre-collapse Evolution and Pulsational Mass Ejection

Abstract We calculate the evolution of massive stars, which undergo pulsational pair-instability (PPI) when the O-rich core is formed. The evolution from the main sequence through the onset of PPI is calculated for stars with initial masses of 80–140 M ⊙ and metallicities of Z = 10−3−1.0 Z ⊙. Because of mass loss, Z ≤ 0.5 Z ⊙ is necessary for stars to form He cores massive enough (i.e., mass >40 M ⊙) to undergo PPI. The hydrodynamical phase of evolution from PPI through the beginning of Fe-core collapse is calculated for He cores with masses of 40−62 M ⊙ and Z = 0. During PPI, electron–positron pair production causes a rapid contraction of the O-rich core, which triggers explosive O-burning and a pulsation of the core. We study the mass dependence of the pulsation dynamics, thermodynamics, and nucleosynthesis. The pulsations are stronger for more massive He cores and result in a large amount of mass ejection such as 3–13 M ⊙ for 40−62 M ⊙ He cores. These He cores eventually undergo Fe-core collapse. The 64 M ⊙ He core undergoes complete disruption and becomes a pair-instability supernova. The H-free circumstellar matter ejected around these He cores is massive enough to explain the observed light curve of Type I (H-free) superluminous supernovae with circumstellar interaction. We also note that the mass ejection sets the maximum mass of black holes (BHs) to be ∼50 M ⊙, which is consistent with the masses of BHs recently detected by VIRGO and aLIGO.

Mind the Gap: The Location of the Lower Edge of the Pair-instability Supernova Black Hole Mass Gap

Abstract Detections of gravitational waves are now starting to probe the mass distribution of stellar mass black holes (BHs). Robust predictions from stellar models are needed to interpret these. Theory predicts the existence of a gap in the BH mass distribution because of pair-instability supernovae. The maximum BH mass below the gap is the result of pulsational mass loss. We evolve massive helium stars through their late hydrodynamical phases of evolution using the open-source MESA stellar evolution code. We find that the location of the lower edge of the mass gap at 45 is remarkably robust against variations in the metallicity (≈3 ), the treatment of internal mixing (≈1 ), and stellar wind mass loss (≈4 ), making it the most robust predictor for the final stages of the evolution of massive stars. The reason is that the onset of the instability is dictated by the near-final core mass, which in turn sets the resulting BH mass. However, varying the reaction rate within its 1σ uncertainties shifts the location of the gap between 40 and 56 . We provide updated analytic fits for population synthesis simulations. Our results imply that the detection of merging BHs can provide constraints on nuclear astrophysics. Furthermore, the robustness against metallicity suggests that there is a universal maximum for the location of the lower edge of the gap, which is insensitive to the formation environment and redshift for first-generation BHs. This is promising for the possibility to use the location of the gap as a “standard siren” across the universe.