Hydrogen-deficient Carbon Research Articles

Modelling hydrogen-deficient carbon stars in mesa – the effects of total mass and mass ratio

ABSTRACT Hydrogen-deficient carbon (HdC) stars are rare, low-mass, chemically peculiar, supergiant variables believed to be formed by a double white dwarf (DWD) merger, specifically of a carbon/oxygen- (CO-) and a helium-white dwarf (He-WD). They consist of two subclasses – the dust-producing R Coronae Borealis (RCB) variables and their dustless counterparts the dustless HdCs (dLHdCs). Additionally, there is another, slightly cooler set of potentially related carbon stars, the DY Persei type variables which have some, but not conclusive, evidence of hydrogen-deficiency. Recent works have begun to explore the relationship between these three classes of stars, theorizing that they share an evolutionary pathway (a DWD merger) but come from different binary populations, specifically different total masses ($M_\text{tot}$) and mass ratios (q). In this work, we use the mesa modelling framework that has previously been used to model RCB stars and vary the merger parameters, $M_\text{tot}$ and q, to explore how those parameters affect the abundances, temperatures, and luminosities of the resultant post-merger stars. We find that lower $M_\text{tot}$ and larger q’s both decrease the luminosity and temperatures of post-merger models to the region of the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram populated by the dLHdCs. These lower $M_\text{tot}$ and larger q models also have smaller oxygen isotopic ratios ($^{16}$O/$^{18}$O) which is consistent with recent observations of dLHdCs compared to RCBs. None of the models generated in this work can explain the existence of the DY Persei type variables, however this may arise from the assumed metallicity of the models.

An Infrared Census of R Coronae Borealis Stars II—Spectroscopic Classifications and Implications for the Rate of Low-mass White Dwarf Mergers

We present results from a systematic infrared (IR) census of R Coronae Borealis (RCB) stars in the Milky Way, using data from the Palomar Gattini IR (PGIR) survey. RCB stars are dusty, erratic variable stars presumably formed from the merger of a He-core and a CO-core white dwarf (WD). PGIR is a 30 cm J-band telescope with a 25 deg2 camera that surveys 18,000 deg2 of the northern sky (δ > −28°) at a cadence of 2 days. Using PGIR J-band lightcurves for ∼60 million stars together with mid-IR colors from WISE, we selected a sample of 530 candidate RCB stars. We obtained near-IR spectra for these candidates and identified 53 RCB stars in our sample. Accounting for our selection criteria, we find that there are a total of ≈350−100+150 RCB stars in the Milky Way. Assuming typical RCB lifetimes, this corresponds to an RCB formation rate of 0.8–5 × 10−3 yr−1, consistent with observational and theoretical estimates of the He-CO WD merger rate. We searched for quasi-periodic pulsations in the PGIR lightcurves of RCB stars and present pulsation periods for 16 RCB stars. We also examined high-cadenced TESS lightcurves for RCB and the chemically similar, but dustless hydrogen-deficient carbon (dLHdC) stars. We find that dLHdC stars show variations on timescales shorter than RCB stars, suggesting that they may have lower masses than RCB stars. Finally, we identified 3 new spectroscopically confirmed and 12 candidate Galactic DY Per type stars—believed to be colder cousins of RCB star—doubling the sample of Galactic DY Per type stars.

HdC and EHe stars through the prism of Gaia DR3

Context. Upon its release the Gaia DR3 catalogue has led to tremendous progress in multiple fields of astronomy by providing the complete astrometric solution for nearly 1.5 billion sources. Aims. We analysed the photometric and astrometric results for Hydrogen-deficient Carbon (HdC), Extreme Helium (EHe), and DYPer type stars to identify any potential biases. This analysis aimed to select stars suitable for kinematic and spatial distribution studies. Methods. We investigated the information obtained from the Gaia image parameter determination (IPD) process, which was cross-matched with Gaia light curves. One main objective was to understand the impact of photometric declines in R Coronae Borealis (RCB) stars on Gaia astrometry. Results. Based on the evidence gathered, we have reached the conclusion that the astrometric fits for numerous RCB stars, including R CrB itself, are not valid due to the Gaia point spread function (PSF) chromaticity effect in both shape and centroid. The astrometric results of all stars with a significant time-dependent colour variation should be similarly affected. RCB stars might thus be promising sources to correct this effect in future Gaia releases. Furthermore, after validating the Gaia astrometric results for 92 stars, we observed that the majority of HdC and EHe stars are distributed across the three old stellar structures, the thick disk, the bulge and the halo. However, we have also uncovered evidence indicating that some HdC and EHe stars exhibit orbits characteristic of the thin disk. This is also particularly true for all DYPer type stars under study. Finally, we have produced a list of star memberships for each Galactic substructure, and provided a list of heliocentric radial velocities and associated errors for targets not observed by Gaia DR3. Conclusions. We are beginning to observe a relationship between kinematics, stellar population, and metallicity in RCB and EHe stars. That relation can be explained, within the double degenerate scenario, by the large range in the delay time distribution expected from population synthesis simulations, particularly through the HybCO merger channel.

HdC and EHe stars through the prism of Gaia DR3

Context. The Gaia DR3 release includes heliocentric radial velocity measurements and velocity variability indices for tens of millions of stars observed over 34 months. Aims. In this study, we utilise these indices to investigate the intrinsic radial velocity variations of Hydrogen-deficient Carbon (HdC) stars and Extreme Helium (EHe) stars across their large ranges of temperature and brightness. Methods. Taking advantage of the newly defined HdC temperature classes, we examine the evolution of the total velocity amplitude with effective temperature. Additionally, we analyse the variation in the dust production rate of R Coronae Borealis (RCB) stars with temperature using two different proxies for the photometric state of RCB stars: one from Gaia and another from the 2MASS survey. Results. Our observations revealed a trend in the evolution of the maximum radial velocity amplitude across each HdC temperature class. Similarly, we also observed a correlation between stellar temperature and the dust production rate. Conclusions. Interestingly, we possibly observed for the first time some variations of the intrinsic radial velocity amplitude and the dust production rate with HdC temperature class. If confirmed, these variations would indicate that the helium shell-burning giant stage starts with strong atmospheric motions that decrease in strength, up to ~6000 K, before picking up again as the HdC star atmosphere shrinks further in size and reaches warmer temperatures. Moreover, the dust formation rate appears to be much higher in colder RCB stars compared to warmer ones.

The Asteroseismological Richness of RCB and dLHdC Stars

RCB stars are L ≈ 104 L ⊙ solar-mass objects that can exhibit large periods of extinction from dust ejection episodes. Many exhibit semi-regular pulsations in the range of 30–50 days with semi-amplitudes of 0.05–0.3 mag. Space-based photometry has discovered that solar-like oscillations are ubiquitous in hydrogen-dominated stars that have substantial outer convective envelopes, so we explore the hypothesis that the pulsations in RCB stars and the closely related dustless hydrogen-deficient carbon (dLHdC) stars, which have large convective outer envelopes of nearly pure helium, have a similar origin. Through stellar modeling and pulsation calculations, we find that the observed periods and amplitudes of these pulsations follows the well-measured phenomenology of their H-rich brethren. In particular, we show that the observed modes are likely of angular orders l = 0, 1, and 2 and predominantly of an acoustic nature (i.e., p-modes with low radial order). The modes with largest amplitude are near the acoustic cutoff frequency appropriately rescaled to the helium-dominated envelope, and the observed amplitudes are consistent with that seen in high-luminosity (L > 103 L ⊙) H-rich giants. We also find that for T eff ≳ 5400 K, an hydrogen-deficient carbon stellar model exhibits a radiative layer between two outer convective zones, creating a g-mode cavity that supports much longer period (≈100 days) oscillations. Our initial work was focused primarily on the adiabatic modes, but we expect that subsequent space-based observations of these targets (e.g., with TESS or Plato) are likely to lead to a larger set of detected frequencies that would allow for a deeper study of the interiors of these rare stars.

The distribution, kinematics, and luminosities of extreme helium stars as probes of their origin and evolution

ABSTRACT Hydrogen-deficient stars include the cool R CrB variable (RCBs) and hydrogen-deficient carbon (HdCs) giants through extreme helium stars (EHes) to the very hot helium-rich subdwarfs (He-sdO and O(He) stars) and white dwarfs. With surfaces rich in helium, nitrogen, and carbon, their origins have been identified with the merger of two white dwarfs. Using Gaia to focus on the EHes, we aim to identify progenitor populations and test the evolution models. Gaia DR3 measurements and ground-based radial velocities have been used to compute Galactic orbits using galpy. Each orbit has been classified by population; EHe stars are found in all of the thin disc, thick disc, halo, and bulge, as are RCB, HdC, and He-sdO stars. Spectral energy distributions were constructed for all EHes, to provide angular diameters, and hence radii and luminosities. The EHes fall into two luminosity groups divided at $L \approx 2500 \, {\rm L_{\odot }}$. This supports theory for the origin of EHes, and is the strongest confirmation so far in terms of luminosity. The lower luminosity EHes correspond well with the post-merger evolution of a double helium white dwarf binary. Likewise, the higher luminosity EHes match the post-merger evolution of a carbon/oxygen plus helium white dwarf binary. In terms of parent populations, current models predict that double white dwarf mergers should occur in all Galactic populations, but favour mergers arising from recent star formation (i.e. thin disc), whereas the statistics favour an older epoch (i.e. thick disc).

IRAS 00450+7401 and the Mid-infrared Fade/Burst Cycle of R Coronae Borealis-type Stars

We present optical and infrared imaging and spectroscopy of the R Coronae Borealis-type (R Cor Bor) star IRAS 00450+7401. Optical spectra further confirm its classification as a cool R Cor Bor system, having a hydrogen-deficient carbon star spectral subclass of HdC5 or later. Mid-infrared spectroscopy reveals the typical ∼8 μm “hump” seen in other R Cor Bor stars and no other features. A modern-epoch spectral energy distribution shows bright emission from hot dust having T dust > 600 K. Historical infrared data reveal generally cooler dust color temperatures combined with long-term fading trends, but provide no discernible correlation between flux level and temperature. Investigating the most mid-infrared variable R Cor Bor stars found in IRAS, AKARI, and WISE data reveals similar fading trends, bursts that can show a factor of up to 10 change in flux density between epochs, and blackbody-fit dust color temperatures that span 400–1300 K. While some R Cor Bor stars such as IRAS 00450+7401 appear to undergo fade/burst cycles in the mid-infrared, significant gaps in temporal coverage prevent conclusively identifying any preferred timescale for their mid-infrared variability and circumstellar dust temperature changes.

A spectral classification system for hydrogen-deficient carbon stars

ABSTRACTStellar spectral classification has been highly useful in the study of stars. While there is a currently accepted spectral classification system for carbon stars, the subset of hydrogen-deficient carbon (HdC) stars has not been well described by such a system, due predominantly to their rarity and their variability. Here we present the first system for the classification of HdCs based on their spectra, which is made wholly on their observable appearance. We use a combination of dimensionality reduction and clustering algorithms with human classification to create such a system with eight total classes corresponding to temperature, and an additional second axis corresponding to the carbon molecular band strength. We classify over half of the known sample of HdC stars using this, and roughly calibrate the temperatures of each class using their colours. Additionally, we express trends in the occurrence of certain spectral peculiarities such as the presence of hydrogen and lithium lines. We also present three previously unpublished spectra, report the discovery of two new Galactic dustless HdC stars, and additionally discuss one especially unique star that appears to border between the hottest HdCs and the coolest extreme helium stars.

The dawn of a new era for dustless HdC stars withGaiaeDR3

Context.Decades after their discovery, only four hydrogen-deficient carbon (HdC) stars were known to have no circumstellar dust shell. This is in complete contrast to the ∼130 known Galactic HdC stars that are notorious for being heavy dust producers, that is the R Coronae Borealis (RCB) stars. Together, they form a rare class of supergiant stars that are thought to originate from the merger of CO/He white dwarf (WD) binary systems, otherwise known as the double-degenerate scenario.Aims.We searched for new dustless HdC (dLHdC) stars to understand their Galactic distribution, to estimate their total number in the Milky Way, and to study their evolutionary link with RCB stars and extreme helium (EHe) stars, the final phase of HdC stars.Methods.We primarily used the 2MASS andGaiaeDR3 all-sky catalogues to select candidates that were then followed-up spectroscopically. We studied the distribution of known and newly discovered stars in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram.Results.We discovered 27 new dLHdC stars, one new RCB star, and two new EHe stars. Surprisingly, 20 of the new dLHdC stars share a characteristic of the known dLHdC star HD 148839, having lower atmospheric hydrogen deficiencies. The uncovered population of dLHdC stars exhibits a bulge-like distribution, like the RCB stars, but show multiple differences from RCB stars that indicate that they are a different population of HdC stars. This population follows its own evolutionary sequence with a fainter luminosity and also a narrow range of effective temperatures, between 5000 and 8000 K. Not all the new dLHdC stars belong to this new population, as we found an indication of a current low dust production activity around 4 of them: the warm F75, F152, and C526, and the cold A166. They might be typical RCB stars passing through a transition time, entering or leaving the RCB phase.Conclusions.For the first time, we have evidence of a wide range of absolute magnitudes in the overall population of HdC stars, spanning more than 3 mag. In the favoured formation framework, this is explained by a wide range in the initial total WD binary mass, which leads to a series of evolutionary sequences with distinct maximum brightness and initial temperature. The cold Galactic RCB stars are also noticeably fainter than the Magellanic RCB stars, possibly due to a difference in metallicity between the original population of stars, resulting in a different WD mass ratio. The unveiled population of dLHdC stars indicates that the ability to create dust might be linked to the initial total mass. In our Galaxy, there could be as many dLHdC stars as RCB stars.

R Coronae Borealis and dustless hydrogen-deficient carbon stars likely have different oxygen isotope ratios

Context. R Coronae Borealis (RCB) and dustless Hydrogen-deficient Carbon (dLHdC) stars are believed to be remnants of low mass white dwarf mergers. These supergiant stars have peculiar hydrogen-deficient carbon-rich chemistries and stark overabundances of 18O. RCB stars undergo dust formation episodes resulting in large-amplitude photometric variations that are not seen in dLHdC stars. Recently, the sample of known dLHdC stars in the Milky Way has more than quintupled with the discovery of 27 new dLHdC stars. Aims. It has been suggested that dLHdC stars have lower 16O/18O than RCB stars. We aim to compare the 16O/18O ratios for a large sample of dLHdC and RCB stars to examine this claim. Methods. We present medium resolution (R ≈ 3000) near-infrared spectra of 20 newly discovered dLHdC stars. We also present medium resolution (R ≈ 3000 − 8000) K-band spectra for 49 RCB stars. Due to the several free parameters and assumptions in our fitting strategy, we provide wide range estimates on the 16O/18O ratios of seven dLHdC and 33 RCB stars that show 12C16O and 12C18O absorption bands, and present the largest sample of such 16O/18O wide-range values for dLHdC and RCB stars to date. Results. We find that six of the seven dLHdC stars have 16O/18O < 0.5, while 28 of the 33 RCB stars have 16O/18O > 1. We also confirm that unlike RCB stars, dLHdC stars do not show strong blueshifted (> 200 km s−1) He I 10 833 Å absorption, suggesting the absence of strong, dust-driven winds around them. Conclusions. Although we only can place wide range estimates on the 16O/18O and these are more uncertain in cool RCBs, our medium resolution spectra suggest that most dLHdC stars have lower 16O/18O than most RCB stars. This confirms one of the first, long-suspected spectroscopic differences between RCB and dLHdC stars. The different oxygen isotope ratios rule out the existing picture that RCB stars represent an evolved stage of dLHdC stars. Instead, we suggest that whether the white dwarf merger remnant is a dLHdC or RCB star depends on the mass ratios, masses and compositions of the merging white dwarfs. Future high resolution spectroscopic observations will help confirm and more precisely quantify the difference between the oxygen isotope ratios of the two classes.

Peculiar hydrogen-deficient carbon stars: strontium-rich stars and the s-process

Context. R Coronae Borealis (RCB) variables and their non-variable counterparts, the dustless Hydrogen-deficient Carbon (dLHdC) stars have been known to exhibit enhanced s-processed material on their surfaces, especially Sr, Y, and Ba. No comprehensive work has been done to explore the s-process in these types of stars, however one particular RCB star, U Aqr, has been under scrutiny for its extraordinary Sr enhancement. Aims. We aim to identify RCB and dLHdC stars that have significantly enhanced Sr abundances, such as U Aqr, and use stellar evolution models to begin to estimate the type of neutron exposure that occurs in a typical HdC star. Methods. We compared the strength of the Sr II 4077 Å spectral line to Ca II H to identify the new subclass of Sr-rich HdCs. We additionally used the structural and abundance information from existing RCB MESA models to calculate the neutron exposure parameter, τ. Results. We identified six stars in the Sr-rich class. Two are RCBs, and four are dLHdCs. We additionally found that the preferred RCB MESA model has a neutron exposure τ ≃ 0.1 mb−1, which is lower than the estimated τ between 0.15 and 0.6 mb−1 for the Sr-rich star U Aqr found in the literature. We found trends in the neutron exposure corresponding to He-burning shell temperature, metallicity, and assumed s-processing site. Conclusions. We have found a sub-class of six HdCs known as the Sr-rich class, which tend to lie in the halo, outside the typical distribution of RCBs and dLHdCs. We found that dLHdC stars are more likely to be Sr-rich than RCBs, with an occurrence rate of ~13% for dLHdCs and ~2% for RCBs. This is one of the first potential spectroscopic differences between RCBs and dLHdCs, along with dLHdCs having stronger surface abundances of 18O. We additionally found neutron exposure trends in our RCB models that will aide in understanding the interplay between model parameters and surface s-process elements.

A new infrared photometric study of hydrogen-deficient carbon stars, R CrB stars and extreme helium stars in our galaxy

We have collected almost all HdC, RCB and EHe stars up to date to investigate their infrared properties, in particular, their radiation mechanisms in the infrared, using the observational data from 2MASS, WISE and IRAS missions. Because HdC stars, RCB stars and EHe stars all belong to the category of extremely hydrogen-deficient stars and they definitely have some evolutionary connections.It is found from this paper that all RCB stars have infrared excesse in the wavelength region from the near infrared to the far infrared covered by 2MASS, WISE and IRAS due to dust while almost all HdC stars and EHe stars have no or little infrared excess.From 2MASS, WISE and IRAS two-color diagrams, it is also found that the majority of these three kinds of stars are around the power law distributions in the near infrared possibly indicative of their infrared radiations from the warm dust in the disk-like envelope. It is also found that in the mid- and far infrared regions some stars are around the power law distribution perhaps due to dust from disk-like envelope while some stars are around the blackbody distribution maybe due to the cold and extended nebulosity nearby.

Modelling R Coronae Borealis stars: effects of He-burning shell temperature and metallicity

ABSTRACT The R Coronae Borealis (RCB) stars are extremely hydrogen-deficient carbon stars that produce large amounts of dust, causing sudden deep declines in brightness. They are believed to be formed primarily through white dwarf mergers. In this paper, we use mesa to investigate how post-merger objects with a range of initial He-burning shell temperatures from 2.1 to 5.4 × 108 K with solar and subsolar metallicities evolve into RCB stars. The most successful model of these has subsolar metallicity and an initial temperature near 3 × 108 K. We find a strong dependence on initial He-burning shell temperature for surface abundances of elements involved in the CNO cycle, as well as differences in effective temperature and radius of RCBs. Elements involved in nucleosynthesis present around 1 dex diminished surface abundances in the 10 per cent solar metallicity models, with the exception of carbon and lithium that are discussed in detail. Models with subsolar metallicities also exhibit longer lifetimes than their solar counterparts. Additionally, we find that convective mixing of the burned material occurs only in the first few years of post-merger evolution, after which the surface abundances are constant during and after the RCB phase, providing evidence for why these stars show a strong enhancement of partial He-burning products.

Selective CO Evolution from Photoreduction of CO2 on a Metal-Carbide-Based Composite Catalyst.

A selective CO evolution from photoreduction of CO2 in water was achieved on a noble-metal-free, carbide-based composite catalyst, as demonstrated by a CO selectivity of 98.3% among all carbon-containing products and a CO evolution rate of 29.2 μmol h-1, showing superiority to noble-metal-based catalyst. A rapid separation of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs and improved CO2 adsorption on the surface of the carbide component are responsible for the excellent performance of the catalyst. The high CO selectivity is accompanied by a predominant H2 evolution, which is believed to provide a proton-deficient environment around the catalyst to favor the formation of hydrogen-deficient carbon products. The present work provides general insights into the design of a catalyst with a high product selectivity and also the carbon evolution chemistry during a photocatalytic reaction.

Are DY Persei Stars Cooler Cousins of R Coronae Borealis Stars?

Abstract In this paper we present, for the first time, the study of low resolution H- and K-band spectra of 7 DY Per type and suspect stars, as well as DY Persei itself. We also observed H- and K-band spectra of 3 R Coronae Borealis (RCB) stars, 1 hydrogen-deficient carbon (HdC) star, and 14 cool carbon stars, including normal giants as comparisons. High 12C/13C and low 16O/18O ratios are characteristic features of majority RCBs and HdCs. We have estimated 16O/18O ratios of the program stars from the relative strengths of the 12C16O and 12C18O molecular bands observed in K-band. Our preliminary analysis suggests that a quartet of the DY Per suspects, along with DY Persei itself, seem to show isotopic ratio strength consistent with that of RCB/HdC stars, whereas two of them do not show significant 13C and 18O in their atmospheres. Our analysis provides further indications that DY Per type stars could be related to the RCB/HdC class of stars.

Optical Spectroscopy at Deep Light Minimum of R Coronae Borealis

ABSTRACTWe present optical spectroscopy late in a deep minimum for the quintessential hydrogen-deficient carbon star R Coronae Borealis. Starting 3.5 years into the current deep and long minimum, we have secured observations that reveal some of the oddest optical spectra ever obtained for any astronomical object. Helium emission lines from triplet transitions, strong Ca II H and K emission, and forbidden lines of oxygen and nitrogen are the only spectral features observed. The spectra can be interpreted as coming from a chromospheric-like region lying above a carbon shell ejection front combined with a large-scale nebular-like region surrounding the star.“The variable star R Coronae Borealis is a jewel worthy of a place in any crown. It is one of the most interesting and most peculiar of all variables, and is often called the ideal irregular variable. Its times of minimum are distributed at random, according to the laws of pure chance”—Margaret Mayall (1962)

SUBARU/HDS STUDY OF HE 1015–2050: SPECTRAL EVIDENCE OF R CORONAE BOREALIS LIGHT DECLINE

Hydrogen deficiency and a sudden optical light decline by about 6-8 mag are two principal characteristics of R Coronae Borealis (RCB) stars. The high latitude carbon star HE 1015-2050 was identified as a hydrogen-deficient carbon star from low-resolution spectroscopy. Photometric data of the Catalina Real-Time Transient Survey gathered between 2006 February and 2012 May indicate that the object exhibits no variability. However, a high-resolution (R ~ 50,000) optical spectrum of this object obtained with the 8.2m Subaru telescope using High Dispersion Spectrograph on the 2012 January 13 offers sufficient spectral evidences for the object being a cool HdC star of RCB type undergoing light decline. In contrast to the Na I D broad absorption features, seen in the low-resolution spectra on several occasions, the high-resolution spectrum exhibits Na I D2 and D1 features in emission. A few emission lines due to Mg I, Sc II, Ti I, Ti II, Fe II and Ba I are also observed in the spectrum of this object for the first time. Such emission features combined with neutral and singly ionized lines of Ca, Ti, Fe, etc., in absorption are reportedly seen in RCBs spectra in the early stage of decline or during the recovery to maximum. Further, the light decline of RCBs is ascribed to the formation of a cloud of soot that obscures the visible photosphere. Presence of such circumstellar material is evident from the polarimetric observations with an estimated V-band percentage polarization of ~1.7% for this object.

THE HOT R CORONAE BOREALIS STAR DY CENTAURI IS A BINARY

The remarkable hot R Coronae Borealis star DY Cen is revealed to be the first and only binary system to be found among the R Coronae Borealis (RCB) stars and their likely relatives, including the Extreme Helium stars and the hydrogen-deficient carbon stars. Radial velocity determinations from 1982-2010 have shown DY Cen is a single-lined spectroscopic binary in an eccentric orbit with a period of 39.67 days. It is also one of the hottest and most H-rich member of the class of RCB stars. The system may have evolved from a common-envelope to its current form.

THE GALACTIC R CORONAE BOREALIS STARS: THE C2SWAN BANDS, THE CARBON PROBLEM, AND THE12C/13C RATIO

Observed spectra of R Coronae Borealis (RCB) and hydrogen-deficient carbon (HdC) stars are analyzed by synthesizing the C2 Swan bands (1,0), (0,0), and (0,1) using our detailed line list and the Uppsala model atmospheres. The (0,1) and (0,0) C2 bands are used to derive the 12C abundance, and the (1,0) 12C13C band to determine the 12C/13C ratios. The carbon abundance derived from the C2 Swan bands is about the same for the adopted models constructed with different carbon abundances over the range: 8.5 (C/He = 0.1%), to 10.5 (C/He = 10%). Carbon abundances derived from C I lines are about a factor of 4 lower than the carbon abundance of the adopted model atmosphere over the same C/He interval, as reported by Asplund et al. (2000), who dubbed the mismatch between adopted and derived C abundance the 'carbon problem'. In principle, the carbon abundances obtained from C2 Swan bands and that assumed for the model atmosphere can be equated for a particular choice of C/He that varies from star to star. Then, the carbon problem for C2 bands is eliminated. However, such C/He ratios are in general less than those of the EHe stars, the seemingly natural relatives to the RCB and HdC stars. A more likely solution to the C2 carbon problem may lie in a modification of the model atmosphere's temperature structure. The derived carbon abundances and the 12C/13C ratios are discussed in light of the double degenerate (DD) and the final flash (FF) scenarios.

HE 1015–2050: DISCOVERY OF A HYDROGEN-DEFICIENT CARBON STAR AT HIGH GALACTIC LATITUDE

Medium resolution spectral analysis of candidate Faint High Latitude Carbon (FHLC) stars from Hamburg/ESO survey has given us the potential to discover objects of rare types. Two primary spectral characteristics of R Coroanae Borealis (RCB) stars are hydrogen deficiency and weaker CN bands relative to C_{2} bands. They are also characterized by their characteristic location in the J-H, H-K plane with respect to cool carbon stars. From a spectral analysis of a sample of 243 candidate FHLC stars, we have discovered a hydrogen-deficient carbon (HdC) star HE 1015-2050, at high Galactic latitude. A differential analysis of its spectrum with that of the spectrum of U Aquarii (U Aqr), a well-known cool HdC star of RCB type, provides sufficient evidence to put this object in a group same as that of U Aqr. Further, it is shown that HE 1015-2050 does not belong to any of the C-star groups CH, C-R, C-N or C-J. Cool RCB stars form a group of relatively rare astrophysical objects; approximately 51 are known in the Galaxy and some 18 in the Large Magellanic Clouds (LMC) and five in Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). The present discovery adds a new member to this rare group. Although its spectral characteristics and its location in the J-H vs H-K plane places HE 1015-2050 in the same group to which U Aqr belongs, extended photometric observations would be useful to learn if there is any sudden decline in brightness, this being a characteristic property of HdC stars of RCB type.