HgMn Stars Research Articles

Astrometric-Spectroscopic Determination of the Absolute Masses of the HgMn Binary Star φ Herculis

The Mercury-Manganese star Phi Her is a well known spectroscopic binary that has been the subject of a recent study by Zavala et al. (2006), in which they resolved the companion using long-baseline interferometry. The total mass of the binary is now fairly well established, but the combination of the spectroscopy with the astrometry has not resulted in individual masses consistent with the spectral types of the components. The motion of the center of light of Phi Her was clearly detected by the Hipparcos satellite. Here we make use of the Hipparcos intermediate data (`abscissa residuals') and show that by combining them in an optimal fashion with the interferometry the individual masses can be obtained reliably using only astrometry. We re-examine and then incorporate existing radial-velocity measurements into the orbital solution, obtaining improved masses of 3.05 +/- 0.24 M_Sun and 1.614 +/- 0.066 M_Sun that are consistent with the theoretical mass-luminosity relation from recent stellar evolution models. These mass determinations provide important information for the understanding of the nature of this peculiar class of stars.

Detection of variable Si II, Mn II, and Fe II emission lines in the magnetic Bp star a Centauri

Context. The nature of non-variable high-excitation emission lines detected in the optical spectra of normal late-B type and chemically peculiar HgMn and PGa stars is still poorly understood.

Main-sequence magnetic CP stars: II. Physical parameters and chemical composition of the atmosphere

This paper continues a series of reviews dedicated to magnetic CP stars. The occurrence frequency of CP stars among B5–F0-type main-sequence stars is shown to be equal to about 15–20%. The problems of identification and classification of these objects are addressed. We prefer the classification of Preston, which subdivides chemically peculiar stars into the following groups: Am, λ Boo, Ap/Bp, Hg-Mn, He-weak, and He-strong stars. The main characteristic features of objects of each group are briefly analyzed. The rotation velocities of CP stars are shown to be about three times lower than those of normal stars of the same spectral types (except for λ Boo and He-strong objects). The rotation periods of CP stars range from 0.5 to 100 days, however, there is also a small group of objects with especially long (up to several tens of years) variability periods. All kinds of peculiar stars can be found in visual binaries, with Am-and Hg-Mn-type stars occurring mostly in short-period binaries with P < 10 days, and the binary rate of these stars is close to normal. The percentage of binaries among magnetic stars (20%) is lower than among normal stars. A rather large fraction of CP1-and CP2-type stars was found to occur in young clusters (with ages smaller than 107 years). Photometric and spectral variability of peculiar stars of various types is discussed, and it is shown that only objects possessing magnetic fields exhibit light and spectral variations. The chemical composition of the atmospheres of CP stars of various types is considered. The abundances of various elements are usually determined by comparing the line profiles in the observed spectrum with those of the synthetic spectra computed for various model atmospheres. Different mechanisms are shown to contribute to chemical inhomogeneity at the star’s surface, and the hypothesis of selective diffusion of atoms in a stable atmosphere is developed. Attention is also paid to the problems of the determination of local chemical composition including the stratification of elements. Some of the coolest SrCrEu peculiar stars are found to exhibit fast light variations with periods ranging from 6 to 15 min. These variations are unassociated with rotation, but are due to nonradial pulsations. The final part of the the review considers the fundamental parameters of CP stars. The effective temperatures, luminosities, radii, and masses of these objects are shown to agree with the corresponding physical parameters of normal main-sequence stars of the same spectral types.

The Mercury‐Manganese Binary StarφHerculis: Detection and Properties of the Secondary and Revision of the Elemental Abundances of the Primary

Observations of the mercury-manganese star Her with the Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer (NPOI) conclusively reveal the previously unseen companion in this single-lined binary system. The NPOI data were used to predict a spectral type of A8 V for the secondary star Her B. This prediction was subsequently confirmed by spectroscopic observations obtained at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory. Her B is rotating at 50 ± 3 km s-1, in contrast to the 8 km s-1 lines of Her A. Recognizing the lines from the secondary permits one to separate them from those of the primary. The abundance analysis of Her A shows an abundance pattern similar to those of other HgMn stars, with Al being very underabundant and Sc, Cr, Mn, Zn, Ga, Sr, Y, Zr, Ba, Ce, and Hg being very overabundant.

Spectroscopic analysis of the SB3 system 74 Aqr

In this paper, we present the first quantitative abundance analysis of the SB3 system whose primary is the well-known mercury–manganese (HgMn) star 74 Aqr (= HD 216494). From the fit of the Hβ profile, obtained at the orbital phase of maximum separation between A and B components, we determined the effective temperatures and surface gravities of each component: TAeff= 12 000 K, log gA= 3.70, TBeff= 11 500 K, log gB= 3.90 and TCeff= 11 500 K, log gC= 4.10. These values are validated by the coincidence of abundances derived from different ionization states of iron. We find that this system is heterogeneous from the point of view of the chemical composition: HD 216494 A shows the typical spectral features, with the exception of strontium underabundance, of HgMn stars. Apart from a mild helium underabundance and overabundance of two rare earths (praseodymium and neodymium), HD 216494 B does not show any other anomaly. The fast rotating C component, in spite of the difficulties found in the identification of its spectral lines, seems to be the only normal star of the system.

HD 65949: the highest known mercury excess of any CP star?

ESO spectra of HD 65949 show it to be unlike any of the well-known types within its temperature range $\approx$ 13600K. It is neither a silicon, nor a mercury-manganese star, though it has a huge Hg II line at $\lambda$3984. We estimate $\log({\rm Hg/H}) + 12.0 \approx 7.4$. This is higher than any published stellar mercury abundance. HD 65949 is a member of a nearby open cluster, NGC 2516, which is only slightly older than the Pleiades, and has been of recent interest because of its numerous X-ray emission stars, including HD 65949 itself, or a close companion. A longitudinal magnetic field of the order of -290 Gauss at the 4.7~$\sigma$ level was very recently diagnosed from accurate circular spectropolarimetric observations with FORS 1 at the VLT. The spectral lines are sharp, allowing a thorough identification study. Second spectra of Ti, Cr, and Fe are rich. Mn II is well identified but not unusually strong. Numerous lines of S II and P II are found, but not Ga II. The resonance lines of Sr II are strong. While many Y II lines are identified, and Nb II is very likely present, {\it no} Zr II lines were found. Xe II is well identified. Strong absorptions from the third spectra of the lanthanides Pr, Nd, and Ho are present, but lines from the second spectra of lanthanides are extremely weak or absent. Among lines from the heavier elements, those of Pt II are clearly present, and the heaviest isotope, $^{198}$Pt, is indicated. The uncommon spectrum of Re II is certain, while Os II and Te II are highly probable. Several of the noted anomalies are unusual for a star as hot as HD 65949.

Inhomogeneous surface distribution of chemical elements in the eclipsing binary AR Aur: a new challenge for our understanding of HgMn stars

We present the results of a high spectral resolution study of the eclipsing binary AR Aur. AR Aur is the only known eclipsing binary with a HgMn primary star exactly on the zero-age main sequence (ZAMS) and a secondary star still contracting towards the ZAMS. We detect, for the first time in the spectra of the primary star, that for many elements the line profiles are variable over the rotation period. The strongest profile variations are found for the elements Pt, Hg, Sr, Y, Zr, He and Nd, while the line profiles of O, Na, Mg, Si, Ca, Ti and Fe show only weak distortions over the rotation period. The slight variability of He and Y is also confirmed by the study of high-resolution spectra of another HgMn star: a And. A preliminary modelling of the inhomogeneous distribution has been carried out for Sr and Y. Our analysis shows that these elements are very likely concentrated in a fractured ring along the rotational equator. It may be an essential clue for the explanation of the origin of the chemical anomalies in HgMn stars (which are very frequently found in binary and multiple systems) that one large fraction of the ring is missing exactly on the surface area which is permanently facing the secondary, and another small one on the almost opposite side. The results presented about the inhomogeneous distribution of various chemical elements over the stellar surface of the primary suggest new directions for investigations to solve the question of the origin of abundance anomalies in B-type stars with HgMn peculiarity.

A search for magnetic fields in the variable HgMn starαAndromedae

Context: .The chemically peculiar HgMn stars are a class of Bp stars which have historically been found to be both non-magnetic and non-variable. Remarkably, it has recently been demonstrated that the bright, well-studied HgMn star ? And exhibits clear Hg ii line profile variations indicative of a non-uniform surface distribution of this element. Aims: .With this work, we have conducted an extensive search for magnetic fields in the photosphere of ? And. Methods: .We have acquired new circular polarisation spectra with the MuSiCoS and ESPaDOnS spectropolarimeters. We have also obtained FORS1 circular polarisation spectra from the ESO Archive, and considered all previously published magnetic data. This extensive dataset has been used to systematically test for the presence of magnetic fields in the photosphere of ? And. We have also examined the high-resolution spectra for line profile variability. Results: .The polarimetric and magnetic data provide no convincing evidence for photospheric magnetic fields. The highest-S/N phase- and velocity-resolved Stokes V profiles, obtained with ESPaDOnS, allow us to place a 3? upper limit of about 100 G on the possible presence of any undetected pure dipolar, quadrupolar or octupolar surface magnetic fields (and just 50 G for fields with significant obliquity). We also consider and dismiss the possible existence of more complex fossil and dynamo-generated fields, and discuss the implications of these results for explaining the non-uniform surface distribution of Hg. The very high-quality ESPaDOnS spectra have allowed us to confidently detect variability of Hg ii ? 6149, ? 5425 and ? 5677. The profile variability of the Hg ii lines is strong, and similar to that of the Hg ii ? 3984 line. On the other hand, variability of other lines (e.g. Mn, Fe) is much weaker, and appears to be attributable to orbital modulation, continuum normalisation differences and weak, variable fringing.

Improved oscillator strengths and wavelengths in Hf II, with applications to stellar elemental abundances

Aims. We present new and improved radiative lifetimes for eight levels in HfI and 18 levels in HfII, along with oscillator strengths and wavelengths for 195 transitions in HfII. With these data we determine the abundance of hafnium in two chemically peculiar stars: the hot-Am star HR 3383 and the HgMn star chi Lupi, and discuss the implications of the new data to the hafnium abundance for the Sun and the metal-poor galactic halo stars CS 22892-052 and CS 31082-001. Methods. The oscillator strengths are derived by combining radiative lifetimes measured with the laser induced fluorescence technique and branching fractions determined from intensity calibrated Fourier transform spectra. The hafnium abundance in the two sharp-lined peculair stars is determined by comparison of spectra obtained from instruments onboard the Hubble Space Telescope with synthetic spectra, while the abundance of hafnium in the solar photosphere and the metal-poor halo stars is discussed in terms of rescaling previous investigations using the new g f values. Results. The abundance enhancement of hafnium has been determined in HR 3383 to be +1.7 dex and that for chi Lupi A is +1.3 dex. In the course of the analysis we have also determined an abundance enhancement for molybdenum in HR 3383 to be +1.2 dex, which is similar to that known for. Lupi A. The abundances in the metal-poor halo stars CS 31082-001 and CS 22892-052 were rescaled to log epsilon(Hf) = -0.75 and -0.82 respectively, with smaller 1 sigma uncertainty. This has the effect of improving the theoretical fits of r-process nucleosynthesis to abundance data for heavy elements. The change of g f values also implies that the hafnium abundance in the solar photosphere should be reduced by up to 0.2 dex, thereby inducing a discrepancy with the meteoritic hafnium abundance. (Less)

Evolution of magnetic fields in stars across the upper main sequence: I. Catalogue of magnetic field measurements with FORS 1 at the VLT

To properly understand the physics of Ap and Bp stars it is particularly important to identify the origin of their magnetic fields. For that, an accurate knowledge of the evolutionary state of stars that have a measured magnetic field is an important diagnostic. Previous results based on a small and possibly biased sample suggest that the distribution of magnetic stars with mass below 3M⊙ in the H-R diagram differs from that of normal stars in the same mass range (Hubrig et al. 2000). In contrast, higher mass magnetic Bp stars may well occupy the whole main-sequence width (Hubrig, Scholler & North 2005b). In order to rediscuss the evolutionary state of upper main sequence magnetic stars, we define a larger and bias-free sample of Ap and Bp stars with accurate Hipparcos parallaxes and reliably determined longitudinal magnetic fields. We used FORS 1 at the VLT in its spectropolarimetric mode to measure the magnetic field in chemically peculiar stars where it was unknown or poorly known as yet. In this first paper we present our results of the mean longitudinal magnetic field measurements in 136 stars. Our sample consists of 105 Ap and Bp stars, two PGa stars, 17 HgMn stars, three normal stars, and nine SPB stars. A magnetic field was for the first time detected in 57 Ap and Bp stars, in four HgMn stars, one Pga star, one normal B-type star and four SPB stars. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Elemental abundance analyses with DAO spectrograms

We performed elemental abundances analyses of the mercury-manganese (HgMn) stars 53 Tau, β Tau, and y Crv consistent with previous studies of similar stars in this series. The derived v sin i values for the last two stars are 59 and 32 km s -1 , respectively, both of which are greater than those of HgMn stars previously studied. For 53 Tau this analysis using selected wavelength regions replaces one performed with coadded photographic spectra. A stricter upper limit is placed on any Hg II λ3984 line. The abundances of β Tau are usually greater than those of y Crv. But the later star has a Hg II λ3984 line which the former lacks. Our analysis of v Her, which was performed with spectrograms obtained with CCD detectors, is extended by using additional spectrograms to increase the range of wavelengths covered longward of A4800. Minor changes in the derived abundances result.

The chemical composition of HR 1512, a peculiar helium-weak star

We have used high-resolution spectra to study the chemical composition of HR 1512, a star with effective temperature T eff = 15 200 K, atmospheric gravity log g = 3.52, microturbulence parameter V t = 1.5 km/s, and rotation rate v sin i = 17 km s−1. We confirm the presence of a helium deficiency (−0.6 dex), indicating that HR 1512 is a helium-weak star. Its considerable phosphorus excess (1.6 dex) testifies that the star belongs to the PGa subtype. We suggest that the He and P abundances increase with height; i.e., that there is stratification of He and P in the star’s atmosphere. Among the CNO elements, nitrogen demonstrates an underabundance of −0.4 dex, while the abundances of carbon and oxygen are solar. Deficits of about −0.5 or −0.6 dex were also found for Mg, Si, and S. A neon excess of 0.4 dex was derived from our non-LTE analysis of NeI lines. The largest excess among the iron-peak elements (Cr, Mn, Fe, and Ni) is 0.6 dex, for manganese; the abundances of chromium and nickel display excesses of 0.5 and 0.3 dex, respectively, while the iron abundance is almost normal. The chemical anomalies of HR 1512 generally agree with those for mercury-manganese stars. This supports the hypothesis that PGa stars represent an extension of HgMn stars to higher temperatures.

On the Gaiiand GaiiiResonance Lines and the Implication for Chemical Stratification in HgMn Stars

The gallium abundance in HgMn stars has been reported to be different for analyses conducted from spectral lines in the optical versus those from the ultraviolet. We pursue this ultraviolet-optical discrepancy from a line-blending perspective by investigating the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) spectrum of the sharp-lined HgMn binary star chi Lup. Its gallium abundance is derived to be log N-Ga = 4.5 (log N-H = 12) based on nonresonance Ga II lines, and we are able to demonstrate the line-blending problems associated with the abundances determined from the resonance lines of Ga II lambda 1414 and Ga III lambda 1495. The HST STIS spectrum for chi Lup is also compared with a co-added International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) spectrum to further illustrate the importance of accounting for the line blending in quantitative abundance analyses. We have compared an IUE co-added spectrum of mu Lep with an LTE-based synthetic spectrum and managed to fit both Ga II lambda 1414 and Ga III lambda 1495 with an abundance of log N-Ga = 7.3. However, the fitting of these lines requires a dramatic change in the radiative damping constants, which may indicate a breakdown in our LTE modeling or the need to include other atmospheric effects. (Less)

Inhomogeneous distribution of mercury on the surfaces of rapidly rotating HgMn stars

Starspots are usually associated with the action of magnetic fields at the stellar surfaces. However, recently an inhomogeneous chemical distribution of mercury was found for the mercury-manganese (HgMn) star alpha And -- a well-established member of a non-magnetic subclass of the chemically peculiar stars of the upper main sequence. In this study we present first results of the high-resolution survey of the HgII 3984 resonance line in the spectra of rapidly rotating HgMn stars with atmospheric parameters similar to those of alpha And. We use spectrum synthesis modelling and take advantage of the Doppler resolution of the stellar surfaces to probe horizontal structure of mercury distribution. Clear signatures of spots are found in the HgII 3984 line profiles of HR 1185 and HR 8723. Two observations of the latter star separated by two days give evidence for the line profile variability. We conclude that inhomogeneous distribution of Hg is a common phenomenon for the rapidly rotating HgMn stars in the 13000--13800 K effective temperature range independently of the stellar evolutionary stage. These results establish existence of a new class of spectrum variable spotted B-type stars. It is suggested that the observed Hg inhomogeneities arise from dynamical instabilities in the chemical diffusion processes and are unrelated to magnetic phenomena.

Using the seismology of non-magnetic chemically peculiar stars as a probe of dynamical processes in stellar interiors

Chemical composition is a good tracer of the hydrodynamical processes that occur in stars as they often lead to mixing and particle transport. By comparing abundances predicted by models and those observed in stars we can infer some constraints on those mixing processes. As pulsations in the stars are often very sensitive to chemical composition, we can use asteroseismology to probe the internal chemical composition of stars where no direct observations are possible. In this paper I focus on main sequence stars Am, λ Bootis, and HgMn stars and discuss what we can learn of mixing processes in these stars from seismology.

The calcium isotopic anomaly in magnetic CP stars

Chemically peculiar stars in the magnetic sequence can show the same isotopic anomaly in calcium previously discovered for mercury-manganese stars in the non-magnetic sequence. In extreme cases, the dominant isotope is the exotic 48^Ca. Measurements of Ca II lines arising from 3d-4p transitions reveal the anomaly by showing shifts up to 0.2 AA for the extreme cases - too large to be measurement errors. We report measurements of miscellaneous objects, including two metal-poor stars, two apparently normal F-stars, an Am-star, and the N-star U Ant. Demonstrable anomalies are apparent only for the Ap stars. The largest shifts are found in rapidly oscillating Ap stars and in one weakly magnetic Ap star, HD 133792. We note the possible relevance of these shifts for the GAIA mission.

Diffusion and pulsations in slowly rotating B stars

Diffusion in cool B stars of the main sequence has been shown to strongly affect opacities and convection in cool B stars of the main sequence. We show here that diffusion in B stars maintains or enhances the excitation of pulsations in these stars. This result conflicts with observations as cool B stars that show evidence of diffusion, the HgMn stars, are stable to the current detection level. We discuss possible implications of this discrepancy for the models.

3He and4He Abundance Stratification in the3He and Related Stars

We have used the CFHT and Gemini South telescopes to obtain high-resolution, high signal-to-noise optical and near-infrared spectra of several lines of neutral helium in a number of helium-peculiar, HgMn and related stars. Since the helium lines observed have 3 He isotope shifts of up to 1 A and sample a large range of continuous opacities in the program stars, these spectra are being used to search for the presence of 3 He in their photospheres and, where 3 He is present, examine the possible stratification of both isotopes of helium in their atmospheres. Analysis of a number of previously identified 3 He stars provides strong evidence for different vertical stratification profiles of 3 He and 4 He in these stars. 4 He is generally enhanced deep in the photospheres but sharply depleted high in the atmospheres while 3 He appears to be confined to a narrow layer above the 4 He.

Uvby FCAPT photometry of the mCP stars HR 2258, MW Vul, and HR 9017 and the HgMn star 46 ρ Aqr

Differential Stromgren uvby observations from the Four College Automated Photoelectric Telescope are presented for the magnetic CP (mCP) stars HR 2258, MW Vul, and HR 9017 and the HgMn star 46 ρ Aqr. A period for HR 2258 of 15.0313 days satisfactorily phases photometry over a 30 year time span. Recent observations of MW Vul agree in phasing with those taken 13 years ago, but the amplitudes in u, v, b ,a ndy are greater and the light curves have changed shape especially in the falling branch. This type of behavior has not been seen before in any slowly rotating mCP star. It is a signature of the precession of the rotational axis which brings different parts of the surface into view. A period of 0.92738 days is found for HR 9017 which is similar to that derived by Winzer. Changes in the v-c values between observations taken in the Spring and Fall of 2003 for 46 ρ Aqr may be due to its companion.

Heavy Element Abundances in Late‐B and Early‐A Stars. I. Co‐AddedIUESpectra of HgMn Stars

Very heavy elements (Pt, Au, Hg, Tl, and Bi) are found to be enhanced inthe atmospheres of the chemically peculiar stars of the upper mainsequence by up to a million times the solar system levels. Suchenhancements are believed to result from atmospheric dynamics (i.e.,diffusion) rather than scenarios that dredge up nuclear-processedmaterial to the surface or transfer processed material between binarycompanions. However, the theoretical framework needs to be furtherconstrained by observations beyond the realm of the spectral types forwhich such abundance enhancements are observed at optical wavelengths.The International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite collected spectraof bright stars for which chemical peculiarities have been derived fromground-based data. For several elements the abundance enhancements haveonly been recently measured using Hubble Space Telescope data and havetherefore not yet been exploited in the IUE data. We have initiated aprogram to analyze IUE high-dispersion spectra to more fullycharacterize the pattern of very heavy element enhancement for manymercury-manganese (HgMn) stars and to potentially extend the spectralclass (effective temperature) boundaries over which these abundanceanomalies are known to exist. The abundances of very heavy elements inchemically normal B and A-type stars provide a base level that may becompared with the solar system abundances. These early spectral typestars may therefore reveal clues for galactic chemical evolution studiessince they were formed at a later epoch than the Sun in the history ofthe Galaxy. This first paper presents the motivation for the analyses tofollow, outlines our spectral co-addition technique for IUE spectra, anddiscusses the choice of model atmospheres and the synthetic spectrumprocedures, while initiating the study by highlighting the abundance ofgold in several HgMn stars.