Field Horizontal-branch Stars Research Articles

On the Use of Field RR Lyrae as Galactic Probes. III. The α-element Abundances*

Abstract We provide the largest and most homogeneous sample of α-element (Mg, Ca, Ti) and iron abundances for field RR Lyrae (RRLs; 162 variables) by using high-resolution spectra. The current measurements were complemented with similar abundances available in the literature for 46 field RRLs brought to our metallicity scale. We ended up with a sample of old (t ≥ 10 Gyr), low-mass stellar tracers (208 RRLs: 169 fundamental, 38 first overtone, and 1 mixed mode) covering 3 dex in iron abundance (−3.00 ≤ [Fe/H] ≤ 0.24). We found that field RRLs are ∼0.3 dex more α poor than typical halo tracers in the metal-rich regime ([Fe/H] ≥ −1.2), while in the metal-poor regime ([Fe/H] ≤ −2.2) they seem to be on average ∼0.1 dex more α enhanced. This is the first time that the depletion in α elements for solar iron abundances is detected on the basis of a large, homogeneous, and coeval sample of old stellar tracers. Interestingly, we also detected a close similarity in the [α/Fe] trend between α-poor, metal-rich RRLs and red giants (RGs) in the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy as well as between α-enhanced, metal-poor RRLs and RGs in ultrafaint dwarf galaxies. These results are supported by similar elemental abundances for 46 field horizontal branch stars. These stars share with RRLs the same evolutionary phase and the same progenitors. This evidence further supports the key role that old stellar tracers play in constraining the early chemical enrichment of the halo and, in particular, in investigating the impact that dwarf galaxies have had in the mass assembly of the Galaxy.

Double-Mode Radial Pulsations among RR Lyrae Stars

Double-mode RR Lyr type stars are important for studies of properties of horizontal-branch stars. In particular, two periods coupled with spectral properties give a mass estimate that is independent of evolutionary models. Here, we present 59 new Galactic double-mode RR Lyr stars found in the LINEAR survey data with the fundamental radial mode and the first overtone exited (RRd stars). These stars may be useful for constraining the mass–metallicity relation for field horizontal-branch stars. Also, new RRd stars found in the LMC by EROS-II are verified. We present the updated Petersen diagram and the distribution of the fundamental mode periods. Comments on selected variable stars from LINEAR and LMC EROS-II surveys are also presented, including very rare objects: the third known mode-switching RR Lyr and a Cepheid pulsating simultaneously in three radial modes.

A spectral atlas of λ Bootis stars

Since the discovery of ? Bootis stars, a permanent confusion about their classification can be found in literature. This group of non-magnetic, Population I, metal-poor A to F-type stars, has often been used as some sort of trash can for "exotic" and spectroscopically dubious objects. Some attempts have been made to establish a homogeneous group of stars which share the same common properties. Unfortunately, the flood of "new" information (e.g. UV and IR data) led again to a whole zoo of objects classified as ? Bootis stars, which, however, are apparent non-members. To overcome this unsatisfying situation, a spectral atlas of well established ? Bootis stars for the classical optical domain was compiled. It includes intermediate dispersion (40 and 120? mm-1) spectra of three ? Bootis, as well as appropriate MK standard stars. Furthermore, "suspicious" objects, such as shell and Field Horizontal Branch stars, have been considered in order to provide to classifiers a homogeneous reference. As a further step, a high resolution (8? mm-1) spectrum of one "classical" ? Bootis star in the same wavelength region (3800-4600?) is presented. In total, 55 lines can be used for this particular star to derive detailed abundances for nine heavy elements (Mg, Ca, Sc, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Sr and Ba).

A SEARCH FOR FIELD HORIZONTAL-BRANCH STARS NEAR THE SOUTH GALACTIC POLE

Searches for field horizontal-branch (FHB) stars in the halo of the Galaxy in the past have been carried out by several techniques, such as objective-prism surveys and visual or infrared photometric surveys. By choosing adequate color criteria, it is possible to improve the efficiency of identifying bona fide FHB stars among the other objects that exhibit similar characteristics, such as main-sequence A-stars, blue stragglers, subdwarfs, etc. In this work, we report the results of a spectroscopic survey carried out near the south Galactic pole intended to validate FHB stars originally selected from the HK objective-prism survey of Beers and colleagues, based on near-infrared color indices. A comparison between the stellar spectra obtained in this survey with theoretical stellar atmosphere models allows us to determine T eff, log g, and [Fe/H] for 13 stars in the sample. Stellar temperatures were calculated from measured (B – V) o , when this measurement was available (16 stars). The color index criteria adopted in this work are shown to correctly classify 30% of the sample as FHB, 25% as non-FHB (main-sequence stars and subdwarfes), whereas 40% could not be distinguished between FHB and main-sequence stars. We compare the efficacy of different color criteria in the literature intended to select FHB stars, and discuss the use of the Mg II 4481 line to estimate the metallicity.

A spectroscopic survey of FHB stars near the south galactic pole

AbstractWe present the results of a medium-resolution spectroscopic survey of 43 field horizontal-branch (FHB) candidates carried out near the south galactic pole, selected from the original list of FHB candidates compiled by Beers et al. (2007). The observation list includes only stars classified as “high-probability” candidates, according to their 2MASS infrared colours. Atmospheric parameters of some stars have been obtained by comparing some spectral features with theoretical models provided by Kurucz (1993). A comparison between the grid of model atmospheres with some parameters of the Hδ line allowed the determination of log g, whilst [Fe/H] was estimated by the equivalent widths of the MgII 4481 and Caii lines. About 77% of the sample have been classified as FHB stars, 10% as subdwarfs, whilst the remaining 13% are probably main-sequence A-type stars far from the Galactic plane.

A Catalog of Candidate Field Horizontal‐Branch and A‐Type Stars. III. A 2MASS‐Cleaned Version

We present coordinates and available photometric information (either from previous or recent broadband UBV observations, and near-infrared photometry from the 2MASS Point Source Catalog) for 12,056 stars (11,516 of which are unique) identified in the HK Survey of Beers and colleagues as candidate field horizontal-branch or A-type stars. These stars, in the apparent magnitude range 10 ≤ B ≤ 16.0, were selected using an objective-prism/interference-filter survey technique. The availability of 2MASS information permits assembly of a cleaned version of this catalog, comprising likely blue horizontal-branch (BHB) stars or blue stragglers in the color interval [-0.2 ≤ (B - V)0 ≤ +0.2], which are of particular interest for investigation of the structure, kinematics, and dynamics of the thick disk and inner halo of the Milky Way, the total mass and mass profile of the Galaxy, and as potential foreground/background objects in efforts to bracket distances to high-velocity clouds of H I. A comparison of the stars classified as high-likelihood BHB candidates with previous classifications based on UBV photometry and medium-resolution spectroscopy indicates that this class contains 78% correct identifications.

Broadband UBVR C I C Photometry of Horizontal‐Branch and Metal‐poor Candidates from the HK and Hamburg/ESO Surveys. I.

We report broadband UBV and/or BVRCIC CCD photometry for a total of 1857 stars in the thick-disk and halo populations of the Galaxy. The majority of our targets were selected as candidate field horizontal-branch or other A-type stars (FHB/ A, N = 576), or candidate low-metallicity stars (N = 1221), from the HK and Hamburg/ESO objective-prism surveys. Similar data for a small number of additional stars from other samples are also reported. These data are being used for several purposes. In the case of the FHB/ A candidates they are used to accurately separate the lower gravity FHB stars from various higher gravity A-type stars, a subsample that includes the so-called blue metal poor stars, halo and thick-disk blue stragglers, main-sequence A-type dwarfs, and Am and Ap stars. These data are also being used to derive photometric distance estimates to high-velocity hydrogen clouds in the Galaxy and for improved measurements of the mass of the Galaxy. Photometric data for the metal-poor candidates are being used to refine estimates of stellar metallicity for objects with available medium-resolution spectroscopy, to obtain distance estimates for kinematic analyses, and to establish initial estimates of effective temperature for analysis of high-resolution spectroscopy of the stars for which this information now exists.

A Catalog of Field Horizontal Branch Stars Aligned with High‐Velocity Clouds

We present a catalog of 430 field horizontal branch (FHB) stars, selected from the Hamburg/ESO Survey (HES), which fortuitously align with high column density neutral hydrogen (H I) high-velocity cloud (HVC) gas. These stars are ideal candidates for absorption-line studies of HVCs, attempts at which have been made for almost 40 years with little success. A parent sample of 8321 HES FHB stars was used to extract H I spectra along each line of sight, using the H I Parkes All-Sky Survey. All lines of sight aligned with high-velocity H I emission with peak brightness temperatures greater than 120 mK were examined. The H I spectra of these 430 probes were visually screened and cross-referenced with several HVC catalogs. In a forthcoming paper, we report on the results of high-resolution spectroscopic observations of a sample of stars drawn from this catalog.

Kinematics of the Galactic halo from horizontal branch stars in the Hamburg/ESO survey

Large samples of field horizontal branch (FHB) stars make excellent tracers of the Galactic halo; by studying their kinematics, one can infer important physical properties of our Galaxy. Here we present the results of a medium-resolution spectroscopic survey of 530 FHB stars selected from the Hamburg/ESO survey. The stars have a mean distance of ∼7 kpc and thus probe the inner parts of the Milky Way halo. We measure radial velocities from the spectra in order to test the model of Sommer-Larsen et al., who suggested that the velocity ellipsoid of the halo changes from radially dominated orbits to tangentially dominated orbits as one proceeds from the inner to the outer halo. We find that the present data are unable to discriminate between this model and a more simple isothermal ellipsoid; we suggest that additional observations towards the Galactic Centre might help to differentiate them.

Physical Parameters of SDSS Stars, the Nature of the SDSS ‘Ring around the Galaxy’, and the SEGUE Project

AbstractAlthough the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) was primarily envisioned as a tool for understanding the nature of the ‘high redshift’ universe, significant discoveries have already been made at lower redshift, z ∼ 0, through studies of stars in the Milky Way galaxy. We have begun to explore the nature of the Milky Way by detailed investigation of the publicly accessible SDSS archive, using spectroscopically targeted stars of special interest (e.g. field horizontal-branch stars, carbon-enhanced stars, and F- and G-type turnoff stars), as well as the stars originally selected as photometric and reddening standards. The first step is to use the SDSS data (which includes independently calibrated five-band photometry and spectrophotometry of individual stars) to derive reliable estimates of the stellar physical parameters, such as Teff, log g, and [Fe/H], for stars that have been observed to date. Of particular interest, at present, are the stars that are apparently associated with the Monoceros Stream (also known as the SDSS ‘Ring around the Galaxy’), for which we report derived metallicities. The techniques we have developed for derivation of the physical parameters for these stars are presently being applied to other stars in the SDSS database, including the Early Data Release (EDR), as well as the first official public database, DR-1. Here we report on the progress made to date, and comment on what might be explored in the near future from a dedicated extension of the SDSS survey (SEGUE) that specifically targets stars in the Milky Way.

The Mass of the Galaxy from Large Samples of Field Horizontal-Branch Stars in the SDSS Early Data Release

We present a new estimate of the mass of the Milky Way, making use of a large sample of 955 field horizontal-branch (FHB) stars from the Early Data Release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. This sample of stars has been classified on the basis of an automated analysis approach, in combination with other methods, in order to obtain estimates of the physical parameters of the stars, i.e., Teff, log g, [Fe/H], and should be relatively free of contamination from halo blue stragglers. the stars all have measured radial velocities and photometric distance estimates, and the sample includes objects as distant as ~ 75 kpc from the Galactic center. Application of a Bayesian likelihood method, for a specific model of the Galaxy, indicates that the total mass of the Galaxy lies in the range 1.5 − 4.0 × 1012 M⊙. Our sample appears to reveal a clear signature of a dual halo population of FHB stars, with the boundary between the inner and outer halo around 20 kpc, and the possibility of rather striking differences in the rotational properties of the Galaxy at low metallicity.

Rotation Velocities of Red and Blue Field Horizontal‐Branch Stars

We present measurements of the projected stellar rotation velocities (v sin i) of a sample of 45 candidate field horizontal-branch (HB) stars spanning a wide range of effective temperatures, from red HB stars with Teff 5000 K to blue HB stars with Teff of 17,000 K. Among the cooler blue HB stars (Teff = 7500-11500 K), we confirm prior studies showing that, although a majority of stars rotate at v sin i < 15 km s-1, there exists a subset of fast rotators with v sin i as high as 30-35 km s-1. All but one of the red HB stars in our sample have v sin i < 10 km s-1, and no analogous rotation bimodality is evident. We also identify a narrow-lined hot star (Teff 16,000 K) with enhanced photospheric metal abundances and helium depletion, similar to the abundance patterns found among hot BHB stars in globular clusters, and four other stars that may also belong in this category. We discuss details of the spectral line fitting procedure that we use to deduce v sin i and explore how measurements of field HB star rotation may shed light on the issue of HB star rotation in globular clusters.

The mass of the Milky Way: Limits from a newly assembled set of halo objects

We set new limits on the mass of the Milky Way, making use of the latest kinematic information for Galactic satellites and halo objects. Our sample consists of 11 satellite galaxies, 137 globular clusters, and 413 field horizontal-branch (FHB) stars up to distances of 10 kpc from the Sun. Roughly half of the objects in this sample have measured proper motions, permitting the use of their full space motions in our analysis. In order to bind these sample objects to the Galaxy, their rest-frame velocities must be lower than their escape velocities at their estimated distances. This constraint enables us to show that the mass estimate of the Galaxy is largely aected by several high-velocity objects (Leo I, Pal 3, Draco, and a few FHB stars), not by a single object alone (such as Leo I), as has often been the case in past analyses. We also find that a gravitational potential that gives rise to a declining rotation curve is insucient to bind many of our sample objects to the Galaxy; a possible lower limit on the mass of the Galaxy is about 2:2 10 12 M. To be more quantitative, we adopt a Bayesian likelihood approach to reproduce the observed distribution of the current positions and motions of the sample, in a prescribed Galactic potential that yields a flat rotation curve. This method enables a search for the most likely total mass of the Galaxy, without undue influence in the final result arising from the presence or absence of Leo I, provided that both radial velocities and proper motions are used. Although the best mass estimate depends somewhat on the model assumptions, such as the unknown prior probabilities for the model parameters, the resultant systematic change in the mass estimate is confined to a relatively narrow range of a few times 10 11 M, owing to our consideration of many FHB stars. The most likely total mass derived from this method is 2:5 +0:5 1:0 10 12 M

Spectroscopy of white dwarf candidates from the ESO Imaging Survey (EIS-WIDE)

In the ESO Imaging Survey of a 1.27 square degree field in the direction of the south galactic pole ("patch B" ) 32 point sources were identified as white dwarf candidates in the vs. two-color diagram by the EIS team and published as a candidate catalog. One of these was a previously known quasar. We have obtained low resolution spectra of 30 of the remaining sources. Of these only 6 are DA white dwarfs, one is a DQ white dwarf, one a DC. 11 candidates are quasars with redshifts between 1.4 and 3.3. The remaining sources are stars with narrow Balmer lines, in most cases probably field horizontal branch stars.

Metallicity estimates for A-, F-, and G-type stars from the Edinburgh-Cape Blue Object Survey

The Edinburgh-Cape Blue Object Survey is an ongoing project to identify and analyse a large sample of hot stars selected initially on the basis of photographic colours (down to a magnitude limit over the entire high-Galactic-latitude southern sky, and then studied with broad-band UBV photometry and medium-resolution spectroscopy. Due to unavoidable errors in the initial candidate selection, stars that are likely metal-deficient dwarfs and giants of the halo and thick-disc populations are inadvertently included, yet are of interest in their own right. In this paper we discuss a total of 206 candidate metal-deficient dwarfs, subgiants, giants, and horizontal-branch stars with photoelectric colours redder than and with available spectroscopy. Radial velocities, accurate to ∼10–15 km s−1, are presented for all of these stars. Spectroscopic metallicity estimates for these stars are obtained using a recently recalibrated relation between Ca ii K-line strength and colour. The identification of metal-poor stars from this colour-selection technique is remarkably efficient, and competitive with previous survey methods. An additional sample of 186 EC stars with photoelectric colours in the range composed primarily of field horizontal-branch stars and other, higher gravity, A- and B-type stars, is also analysed. Estimates of the physical parameters Teff, log g, and [Fe/H] are obtained for cooler members of this subsample, and a number of candidate RR Lyrae variables are identified.

A Search for Stars of Very Low Metal Abundance. III. UBV Photometry of Metal‐weak Candidates

We present photoelectric UBV photometry for some 2600 metal-poor dwarf and giant candidates selected from the HK objective-prism/interference-filter survey of Beers and colleagues. These data provide the basis for our ultraviolet-excess selection of objects having [Fe/H] ≲ -2.0 for a spectroscopic investigation in which we have obtained ~1-2 Å resolution spectra of some 1000 objects. The present material may also prove useful for investigations of the metal-poor dwarfs and giants more metal-rich than [Fe/H] = -2.0, as well as the misclassified subdwarf O and B stars, white dwarfs, blue metal-poor stars, and field horizontal-branch stars which appear in the catalog.

Spectroscopy of Hot Stars in the Galactic Halo. II. The Identification and Classification of Horizontal-Branch and Other A-Type Stars

We discuss a spectroscopic and photometric technique that enables the identification and classification of field horizontal-branch (FHB) and other A-type stars, even from relatively low signal-to-noise ratio medium-resolution spectra. This technique makes use of broadband UBV colors predicted from model atmosphere calculations and Balmer line profiles and Ca II K equivalent widths determined from synthetic spectra to estimate the physical parameters Teff, log g, and [Fe/H] for stars in the effective temperature range 6000–10,000 K.

The Red Horizontal-Branch Star HD 17072

We summarize the results of a spectroscopic analysis of HD 17072, finding it to be a metal-poor ([Fe/H] = -1.17) red horizontal-branch star with Teff = 5375 K and log g = 2.4. We also derive a radial velocity of 62.8 km s-1. It has the best determined Hipparcos trigonometric parallax among the metal-poor field horizontal-branch stars and supports the fainter luminosities for such stars found from statistical parallax and Baade-Wesselink analyses, in contradiction to the results of main-sequence fitting of metal-poor field dwarfs to globular cluster main sequences.

The absolute magnitude of field metal-poor horizontal branch stars

HIPPARCOS satellite parallaxes for 22 metal-poor field horizontal branch stars with Vo<9 are used to derive their absolute magnitude. The weighted mean value is Mv=+0.69+/-0.10 for an average metallicity of [Fe/H]=-1.41; a somewhat brighter average magnitude of Mv=+0.60+/-0.12 for an average metallicity of [Fe/H]=-1.51 is obtained eliminating HD17072, that might be on the first ascent of the giant branch rather than on the horizontal branch. The present values agree with determinations based on proper motions and application of the Baade-Wesselink method to field RR Lyraes; they are from 0.1 to 0.2 mag fainter than those based on calibration of cluster distances obtained by using local subdwarfs, and on alternative distance calibrators for the LMC. The possibility that there is a real difference between the luminosity of the horizontal branch for clusters and the field is briefly commented.

Spectral Characteristics of Field Horizontal-Branch Stars

view Abstract Citations (9) References (22) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Spectral Characteristics of Field Horizontal-Branch Stars Corbally, C. J. ; Gray, R. O. Abstract MK classifications and radial velocities are presented for 67 stars whose photometry makes them FHB candidates. Their spectra mostly do not show the classical FHB characteristics of narrow hydrogen lines and weak metallic lines, yet their radial velocities indicate that this is a Galactic halo group of stars. They form a prime set for investigation of their evolutionary status. Unexpectedly, 10λ Bootis-like spectra are found among this set of stars. Publication: The Astronomical Journal Pub Date: November 1996 DOI: 10.1086/118181 Bibcode: 1996AJ....112.2286C Keywords: STARS: HORIZONTAL-BRANCH; GALAXY: HALO full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (70)