Least-squares Deconvolution Research Articles

The magnetic field of the chemically peculiar star V352 Peg

ABSTRACTWe present a spectropolarimetric analysis of the hot star V352 Peg. We have acquired 18 spectropolarimetric observations of the star with ESPaDOnS at the CFHT between 2018 and 2019 and completed our data set with one archival ESPaDOnS measurement obtained in 2011. Our analysis of the spectra shows that the star is on the main sequence and chemically peculiar, i.e. it is a Bp star, with overabundances of iron peak elements (Ti, Cr, and Fe) and underabundance of He and O. Through a Least-Square Deconvolution of each spectrum, we extracted the mean Zeeman signature and mean line profile of thousands of spectral lines and detected a magnetic field in V352 Peg. By modelling the Stokes I and V profiles and using the Oblique Rotator Model, we determined the geometrical configuration of V352 Peg. We also performed Zeeman–Doppler Imaging (ZDI) to provide a more detailed characterization of the magnetic field of V352 Peg and its surface chemical distributions. We find a magnetic field that is mainly dipolar, dominantly poloidal, and largely non-axisymmetric with a dipole field strength of ∼9 kG and a magnetic axis almost perpendicular to the rotation axis. The strong variability of Stokes I profiles also suggests the presence of chemical spots at the stellar surface.

Deconvolution of Ears' Activity (DEA): A New Experimental Paradigm to Investigate Central Auditory Processing.

A novel experimental paradigm, “deconvolution of ears' activity” (DEA), is presented which allows to disentangle overlapping neural activity from both auditory cortices when two auditory stimuli are presented closely together in time in each ear. Pairs of multi-tone complexes were presented either binaurally, or sequentially by alternating presentation order in each ear (i.e., first tone complex of the pair presented to one ear and second tone complex to the other ear), using stimulus onset asynchronies (SOAs) shorter than the neural response length. This timing strategy creates overlapping responses, which can be mathematically separated using least-squares deconvolution. The DEA paradigm allowed the evaluation of the neural representation in the auditory cortex of responses to stimuli presented at syllabic rates (i.e., SOAs between 120 and 260 ms). Analysis of the neuromagnetic responses in each cortex offered a sensitive technique to study hemispheric lateralization, ear representation (right vs. left), pathway advantage (contra- vs. ipsi-lateral) and cortical binaural interaction. To provide a proof-of-concept of the DEA paradigm, data was recorded from three normal-hearing adults. Results showed good test-retest reliability, and indicated that the difference score between hemispheres can potentially be used to assess central auditory processing. This suggests that the method could be a potentially valuable tool for generating an objective “auditory profile” by assessing individual fine-grained auditory processing using a non-invasive recording method.

Deep learning-based point-spread function deconvolution for migration image deblurring

High-resolution seismic imaging is crucial for deriving an accurate geologic section and ensuring successful petroleum exploration. However, traditional high-resolution imaging methods, such as least-squares reverse time migration (LSRTM) and migration deconvolution, usually involve high computational costs for approximating the inverse Hessian matrix with limited improvements in resolution. To obtain high-resolution migration images and reduce computing costs, we present a deep learning-based point-spread function (PSF) deconvolution method. We decompose the large Hessian matrix into small dispersed PSFs and design a convolutional neural network (CNN) to automatically predict the deconvolution operator of every single PSF. The deconvolution operator eliminates the PSF effect and balances the insufficient illumination of the acquisition geometry. To obtain an efficient CNN model for predicting deconvolution operators, we trained 2500 pairs of PSFs and their corresponding deconvolution operators collected from part of a model using the regular PSF deconvolution method. After training the network, we could predict all deconvolution operators in a few seconds for the following processing of migration images. The results on synthetic and field-data applications indicate that our method could provide a deblurred migration image comparable to that of the LSRTM approaches with significantly reduced computational and memory costs.

Multi-mask least-squares deconvolution: extracting RVs using tailored masks

ABSTRACT To push the radial velocity (RV) exoplanet detection threshold, it is crucial to find more reliable RV extraction methods. The least-squares deconvolution (LSD) technique has been used to infer the stellar magnetic flux from spectropolarimetric data for the past two decades. It relies on the assumption that stellar absorption lines are similar in shape. Although this assumption is simplistic, LSD provides a good model for intensity spectra and likewise an estimate for their Doppler shift. We present the multi-mask least-squares deconvolution (MM-LSD) RV extraction pipeline that extracts the RV from two-dimensional echelle-order spectra using LSD with multiple tailored masks after continuum normalization and telluric absorption line correction. The flexibility of LSD allows to exclude spectral lines or pixels at will, providing a means to exclude variable lines or pixels affected by instrumental problems. The MM-LSD pipeline was tested on HARPS-N data for the Sun and selected well-observed stars with 5.7 < Vmag < 12.6. For FGK-type stars with median signal-to-noise ratio above 100, the pipeline delivered RV time series with on average 12 per cent lower scatter as compared to the HARPS-N RV extraction pipeline based on the cross-correlation function technique. The MM-LSD pipeline may be used as a standalone RV code, or modified and extended to extract a proxy for the magnetic field strength.

Finding magnetic north: an extraordinary magnetic field detection in Polaris and first results of a magnetic survey of classical Cepheids

ABSTRACT Classical Cepheids are essential objects in the study of stellar evolution and cosmology; however, we know little about their magnetic properties. We report the detection of Stokes V features interpreted as Zeeman signatures in four classical Cepheids using high-resolution spectropolarimetric observations obtained with ESPaDOnS at the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope. Eight observations of η Aql were acquired in 2017 covering its 7.2 d pulsation period, and single observations of Polaris, ζ Gem, δ Cep, and RT Aur were obtained in 2020 as part of our ongoing systematic survey. We use mean circular polarization Stokes V profiles generated using the least-squares deconvolution procedure to diagnose Zeeman signatures and measure mean longitudinal field strengths 〈Bz〉. We detect magnetic signatures across all pulsation phases of η Aql (−0.89 ± 0.47 G$\, \lt \langle B_{z}\rangle \lt 1.27\pm 0.40$ G), as well as in the single observations of Polaris (0.59 ± 0.16 G), ζ Gem (0.41 ± 0.16 G), and δ Cep (0.43 ± 0.19 G). The Stokes V profile of Polaris is detected at extremely high signal-to-noise ratio and implies a complex magnetic field topology. It stands in stark contrast to all other detected Stokes V profiles, which show unusual approximately unipolar positive circular polarization lobes analogous to those observed in some Am stars.

Topological changes in the magnetic field of LQ Hya during an activity minimum

Aims. Previous studies have related surface temperature maps, obtained with the Doppler imaging (DI) technique, of LQ Hya with long-term photometry. Here, we compare surface magnetic field maps, obtained with the Zeeman Doppler imaging (ZDI) technique, with contemporaneous photometry, with the aim of quantifying the star’s magnetic cycle characteristics. Methods. We inverted Stokes IV spectropolarimetry, obtained with the HARPSpol and ESPaDOnS instruments, into magnetic field and surface brightness maps using a tomographic inversion code that models high signal-to-noise ratio mean line profiles produced by the least squares deconvolution (LSD) technique. The maps were compared against long-term ground-based photometry acquired with the T3 0.40 m Automatic Photoelectric Telescope (APT) at Fairborn Observatory, which offers a proxy for the spot cycle of the star, as well as with chromospheric Ca II H&K activity derived from the observed spectra. Results. The magnetic field and surface brightness maps reveal similar patterns relative to previous DI and ZDI studies: non-axisymmetric polar magnetic field structure, void of fields at mid-latitudes, and a complex structure in the equatorial regions. There is a weak but clear tendency of the polar structures to be linked with a strong radial field and the equatorial ones with the azimuthal field. We find a polarity reversal in the radial field between 2016 and 2017 that is coincident with a spot minimum seen in the long-term photometry, although the precise relation of chromospheric activity to the spot activity remains complex and unclear. The inverted field strengths cannot be easily related with the observed spottedness, but we find that they are partially connected to the retrieved field complexity. Conclusions. This field topology and the dominance of the poloidal field component, when compared to global magnetoconvection models for rapidly rotating young suns, could be explained by a turbulent dynamo, where differential rotation does not play a major role (so-called 2 or 2 dynamos) and axi- and non-axisymmetric modes are excited simultaneously. The complex equatorial magnetic field structure could arise from the twisted (helical) wreaths often seen in these simulations, while the polar feature would be connected to the mostly poloidal non-axisymmetric component that has a smooth spatial structure.

Study of chemically peculiar stars – I. High-resolution spectroscopy and K2 photometry of Am stars in the region of M44

ABSTRACT We present a study based on the high-resolution spectroscopy and K2 space photometry of five chemically peculiar stars in the region of the open cluster M44. The analysis of the high-precision photometric K2 data reveals that the light variations in HD 73045 and HD 76310 are rotational in nature and caused by spots or cloud-like co-rotating structures, which are non-stationary and short-lived. The time-resolved radial velocity measurements, in combination with the K2 photometry, confirm that HD 73045 does not show any periodic variability on time-scales shorter than 1.3 d, contrary to previous reports in the literature. In addition to these new rotational variables, we discovered a new heartbeat system, HD 73619, where no pulsational signatures are seen. The spectroscopic and spectropolarimetric analyses indicate that HD 73619 belongs to the peculiar Am class, with either a weak or no magnetic field, considering the 200-G detection limit of our study. The least-squares deconvolution profiles for HD 76310 indicate a complex structure in its spectra, suggesting that this star is either part of a binary system or surrounded by a cloud shell. When placed in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram, all studied stars are evolved from the main sequence and situated in the δ Scuti instability strip. This work is relevant for further detailed studies of chemically peculiar stars, for example on inhomogeneities (including spots) in the absence of magnetic fields and the origin of the pulsational variability in heartbeat systems.

KELT-9 as an Eclipsing Double-lined Spectroscopic Binary: A Unique and Self-consistent Solution to the System

Abstract Transiting hot Jupiters present a unique opportunity to measure absolute planetary masses due to the magnitude of their radial velocity signals and known orbital inclination. Measuring planet mass is critical to understanding atmospheric dynamics and escape under extreme stellar irradiation. Here we present the ultrahot Jupiter system KELT-9 as a double-lined spectroscopic binary. This allows us to directly and empirically constrain the mass of the star and its planetary companion without reference to any theoretical stellar evolutionary models or empirical stellar scaling relations. Using data from the PEPSI, HARPS-N, and TRES spectrographs across multiple epochs, we apply least-squares deconvolution to measure out-of-transit stellar radial velocities. With the PEPSI and HARPS-N data sets, we measure in-transit planet radial velocities using transmission spectroscopy. By fitting the circular orbital solution that captures these Keplerian motions, we recover a planetary dynamical mass of 2.17 ± 0.56 M J and stellar dynamical mass of 2.11 ± 0.78 M ⊙, both of which agree with the discovery paper. Furthermore, we argue that this system, as well as systems like it, are highly overconstrained, providing multiple independent avenues for empirically cross-validating model-independent solutions to the system parameters. We also discuss the implications of this revised mass for studies of atmospheric escape.

Mitigating stellar activity jitter with different line lists for least-squares deconvolution

Context. Stellar activity limits the radial velocity (RV) search and characterisation of exoplanets, as it introduces spurious noise (called jitter) in the data sets and prevents the correct retrieval of a planetary signal. This is key for M dwarfs, considering that they manifest high activity levels and are primary targets for present and future searches of habitable Earth-like planets. To perform precise RV measurements, multi-line numerical techniques like cross-correlation and least-squares deconvolution (LSD) are typically employed. Aims. Effective filtering of activity is crucial to achieving the sensitivity required for small planet detections. Here we analyse the impact of selecting different line lists for LSD on the dispersion in our RV data sets, to identify the line list that most effectively reduces the jitter. Methods. We employ optical spectropolarimetric observations of the active M dwarf EV Lac collected with ESPaDOnS and NARVAL, and study two line down-selection approaches: a parametric method based on line properties (depth, wavelength, magnetic sensitivity) and a randomised algorithm that samples the line combination space. We test the latter further to find the line list that singles out the activity signal from other sources of noise, and on AD Leo and DS Leo to examine its consistency at mitigating jitter for different activity levels. The analysis is complemented with planetary injection tests. Results. The parametric selection yields a RV RMS reduction of less than 10%, while the randomised selection yields a systematic improvement (>50%) regardless of the activity level of the star examined. Furthermore, if activity is the dominant source of noise, this approach allows the construction of lists containing mainly activity-sensitive lines, which could be used to enhance the rotational modulation of the resulting data sets and determine the stellar rotation period more robustly. Finally, the output line lists allow the recovery of a synthetic planet (0.3–0.6 MJup on a 10 d orbit) in the presence of both moderate (20 m s−1 semi-amplitude) and high (200 m s−1) activity levels, without substantially affecting the planet signal (between 60 and 120 m s−1).

Detection of anomalous element distribution in the extremely slowly rotating magnetic O9.7 V star HD 54879

ABSTRACT The O9.7 V star HD 54879 is currently the only massive magnetic star whose magnetic field geometry and rotation period are not constrained. Over the last 3 yr, we gathered additional observations of this star, obtained using various instruments at several astronomical facilities, with the aim to constrain the rotation period and the magnetic field geometry. The new data include the first full Stokes vector observations with the Potsdam Echelle Polarimetric and Spectroscopic Instrument (PEPSI), installed at the Large Binocular Telescope. The acquired spectropolarimetric observations show a very slow magnetic field variability related to the extremely slow rotation of HD 54879, which is also indicated in a dynamical spectrum, displaying variability of the Hα line. The most intriguing result of our study is the discovery of differences in longitudinal magnetic field strengths measured using different least-squares deconvolution (LSD) masks containing lines belonging to different elements. It is the first time that such a differential analysis of the field strength in dependence of the used lines is carried out for a magnetic O-type star. Since the LSD Stokes I profiles of the studied O, Si, and He line masks remain stable over all observing epochs, we conclude that the detection of different field strengths using lines belonging to these elements is related to the different formation depths, with the He lines formed much higher in the stellar atmosphere compared to the silicon and the oxygen lines, and non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) effects. Our numerical magnetospherical model suggests the presence of enhanced gas density that fills the volume inside the field lines close to the star.

The magnetic field and magnetosphere of Plaskett’s star: a fundamental shift in our understanding of the system

ABSTRACT Plaskett’s ‘star’ appears to be one of a small number of short-period binary systems known to contain a hot, massive, magnetic star. We combine an extensive spectropolarimetric (Stokes V) data set with archival photometry and spectropolarimetry to establish the essential characteristics of the magnetic field and magnetosphere of the rapidly rotating, broad-line component of the system. We apply least-squares deconvolution (LSD) to infer the longitudinal magnetic field from each Stokes V spectrum. Using the time series of longitudinal field measurements, in combination with CoRoT photometry and equivalent width measurements of magnetospheric spectral lines, we infer the rotation period of the magnetic star to be equal to $1.21551^{+0.00028}_{-0.00034}$ d. Modelling the Stokes V LSD profiles with Zeeman–Doppler Imaging, we produce the first reliable magnetic map of an O-type star. We find a magnetic field that is predominantly dipolar, with an obliquity near 90° and a polar strength of about 850 G. We update the calculations of the theoretical magnetospheric parameters, and in agreement with their predictions we identify clear variability signatures of the H α, H β, and He ii λ4686 lines confirming the presence of a dense centrifugal magnetosphere surrounding the star. Finally, we report a lack of detection of radial velocity (RV) variations of the observed Stokes V profiles, suggesting that historical reports of the large RV variations of the broad-line star’s spectral lines may be spurious. This discovery may motivate a fundamental revision of the historical model of the Plaskett’s star as a near-equal mass O + O binary system.

The GAPS Programme at TNG

Context. Giant planets in short-period orbits around bright stars represent optimal candidates for atmospheric and dynamical studies of exoplanetary systems. Aims. We aim to analyse four transits of WASP-33b observed with the optical high-resolution HARPS-N spectrograph to confirm its nodal precession, study its atmosphere, and investigate the presence of star-planet interactions. Methods. We extracted the mean line profiles of the spectra using the least-squares deconvolution method, and we analysed the Doppler shadow and the radial velocities. We also derived the transmission spectrum of the planet, correcting it for the stellar contamination due to rotation, centre-to-limb variations, and pulsations. Results. We confirm the previously discovered nodal precession of WASP-33b, almost doubling the time coverage of the inclination and projected spin-orbit angle variation. We find that the projected obliquity reached a minimum in 2011, and we used this constraint to derive the geometry of the system, and in particular its obliquity at that epoch (ϵ = 113.99° ± 0.22°) and the inclination of the stellar spin axis (is = 90.11° ± 0.12°). We also derived the gravitational quadrupole moment of the star J2 = (6.73 ± 0.22) × 10−5, which we find to be in close agreement with the theoretically predicted value. Small systematics errors are computed by shifting the date of the minimum projected obliquity. We present detections of Hα and Hβ absorption in the atmosphere of the planet, with a contrast almost twice as small as that previously detected in the literature. We also find evidence for the presence of a pre-transit signal, which repeats in all four analysed transits and should thus be related to the planet. The most likely explanation lies in a possible excitation of a stellar pulsation mode by the presence of the planetary companion. Conclusions. A future common analysis of all available datasets in the literature will help shed light on the possibility that the observed Balmer lines’ transit depth variations are related to stellar activity and pulsation, and to set constraints on the planetary temperature–pressure structure and thus on the energetics possibly driving atmospheric escape. A complete orbital phase coverage of WASP-33b with high-resolution spectroscopic (and spectro-polarimetric) observations could help us to understand the nature of the pre-transit signal.

Magnetic field of the eclipsing binary UV Piscium

Aims. The goal of this work is to study magnetic fields of the cool, eclipsing binary star UV Piscium (UV Psc). This system contains two active late-type stars, UV Psc A (G5V) and B (K3V). To obtain a complete picture, the properties of both global and local magnetic field structures are studied for both components. Methods. High-resolution intensity and circular polarisation spectra, collected in 2016 with the ESPaDOnS spectropolarimeter at the CFHT, were used to analyse the magnetic field of UV Psc. To increase the signal-to-noise ratio, the multi-line technique of least-squares deconvolution (LSD) was used to obtain average Stokes IV profiles. Then, a Zeeman-Doppler imaging (ZDI) code was employed to obtain the large-scale magnetic field topology and brightness distribution for both components of UV Psc. In addition, the small-scale magnetic fields, not visible to ZDI, were studied using the Zeeman intensification of Fe I lines. Results. The orbital and fundamental parameters of the system were revised based on the new radial velocity measurements. Maps of the surface magnetic field for both components of UV Psc were obtained, the large-scale magnetic fields feature strong toroidal and non-axisymetric components. UV Psc A and B have average global field strengths of 137 G and 88 G, respectively. The small-scale fields are notably stronger, with average strengths of 2.5 and 2.2 kG, respectively. Only ∼5% of the total magnetic field strength is recovered with ZDI. Our results are in agreement with previous studies of partly-convective stars. Overall, UV Psc A has a stronger magnetic field compared to UV Psc B. Due to the eclipsing binary geometry, certain magnetic field features are not detectable using circular polarisation only. An investigation into theoretical linear polarisation profiles shows that they could be used to reveal antisymmetric components of the magnetic field. This result also has implications for the study of exoplanetary transit hosts. The successful use of Zeeman intensification shows the method’s ability to extract information on magnetic fields for stars rotating significantly more rapidly than in previous studies.

The GAPS programme at TNG

Context. Transiting ultra-hot Jupiters are ideal candidates for studying the exoplanet atmospheres and their dynamics, particularly by means of high-resolution spectra with high signal-to-noise ratios. One such object is KELT-20b. It orbits the fast-rotating A2-type star KELT-20. Many atomic species have been found in its atmosphere, with blueshifted signals that indicate a day- to night-side wind. Aims. We observe the atmospheric Rossiter-McLaughlin effect in the ultra-hot Jupiter KELT-20b and study any variation of the atmospheric signal during the transit. For this purpose, we analysed five nights of HARPS-N spectra covering five transits of KELT-20b. Methods. We computed the mean line profiles of the spectra with a least-squares deconvolution using a stellar mask obtained from the Vienna Atomic Line Database (Teff = 10 000 K, log g = 4.3), and then we extracted the stellar radial velocities by fitting them with a rotational broadening profile in order to obtain the radial velocity time-series. We used the mean line profile residuals tomography to analyse the planetary atmospheric signal and its variations. We also used the cross-correlation method to study a previously reported double-peak feature in the FeI planetary signal. Results. We observed both the classical and the atmospheric Rossiter-McLaughlin effect in the radial velocity time-series. The latter gave us an estimate of the radius of the planetary atmosphere that correlates with the stellar mask used in our work (Rp+atmo∕Rp = 1.13 ± 0.02). We isolated the planetary atmospheric trace in the tomography, and we found radial velocity variations of the planetary atmospheric signal during transit with an overall blueshift of ≈10 km s−1, along with small variations in the signal depth, and less significant, in the full width at half maximum (FWHM). We also find a possible variation in the structure and position of the FeI signal in different transits. Conclusions. We confirm the previously detected blueshift of the atmospheric signal during the transit. The FWHM variations of the atmospheric signal, if confirmed, may be caused by more turbulent condition at the beginning of the transit, by a variable contribution of the elements present in the stellar mask to the overall planetary atmospheric signal, or by iron condensation. The FeI signal show indications of variability from one transit to the next.

MOBSTER – V. Discovery of a magnetic companion star to the magnetic β Cep pulsator HD 156424

ABSTRACT HD 156424 (B2 V) is a little-studied magnetic hot star in the Sco OB4 association, previously noted to display both high-frequency radial velocity (RV) variability and magnetospheric H α emission. We have analysed the Transiting Exoplanet Survery Satellite (TESS) light curve, and find that it is a β Cep pulsator with 11 detectable frequencies, 4 of which are independent p-modes. The strongest frequency is also detectable in RVs from ground-based high-resolution spectroscopy. RVs also show a long-term variation, suggestive of orbital motion with a period of ∼years; significant differences in the frequencies determined from TESS and RV data sets are consistent with a light-time effect from orbital motion. Close examination of the star’s spectrum reveals the presence of a spectroscopic companion, however, as its RV is not variable it cannot be responsible for the orbital motion and we therefore infer that the system is a hierarchical triple with a so-far undetected third star. Reanalysis of least-squares deconvolution profiles from ESPaDOnS and HARPSpol spectropolarimetry reveals the surprising presence of a strong magnetic field in the companion star, with 〈Bz〉 about +1.5 kG as compared to 〈Bz〉 ∼−0.8 kG for the primary. HD 156424 is thus the second hot binary with two magnetic stars. We are unable to identify a rotational period for HD 156424A. The magnetospheric H α emission appears to originate around HD 156424B. Using H α, as well as other variable spectral lines, we determine a period of about 0.52 d, making HD 156424B one of the most rapidly rotating magnetic hot stars.

τ9 Eri: a bright pulsating magnetic Bp star in a 5.95-d double-lined spectroscopic binary

ABSTRACT τ9 Eri is a Bp star that was previously reported to be a single-lined spectroscopic binary. Using 17 ESPaDOnS spectropolarimetric (Stokes V) observations, we identified the weak spectral lines of the secondary component and detected a strong magnetic field in the primary. We performed orbital analysis of the radial velocities of both components to find a slightly eccentric orbit (e = 0.129) with a period of 5.95382(2) d. The longitudinal magnetic field (Bℓ) of the primary was measured from each of the Stokes V profiles, with typical error bars smaller than 10 G. Equivalent widths (EWs) of least-squares deconvolution profiles corresponding to only the Fe lines were also measured. We performed frequency analysis of both the Bℓ and EW measurements, as well as of the Hipparcos, SMEI, and TESS photometric data. All sets of photometric observations produce two clear, strong candidates for the rotation period of the Bp star: 1.21 and 3.82 d. The Bℓ and EW measurements are consistent with only the 3.82-d period. We conclude that HD 25267 consists of a late-type Bp star (M = $3.6_{-0.2}^{+0.1}~\mathrm{ M}_\odot$, T = $12580_{-120}^{+150}$ K) with a rotation period of 3.82262(4) d orbiting with a period of 5.95382(2) d with a late-A/early-F type secondary companion (M = 1.6 ± 0.1 M⊙, T = $7530_{-510}^{+580}$ K). The Bp star’s magnetic field is approximately dipolar with i = 41 ± 2°, β = 158 ± 5°, and Bd = 1040 ± 50 G. All evidence points to the strong 1.209912(3)-d period detected in photometry, along with several other weaker photometric signals, as arising from g-mode pulsations in the primary.

Pollux: A weak dynamo-driven dipolar magnetic field and implications for its probable planet

Context.Pollux is considered as an archetype of a giant star hosting a planet since its radial velocity (RV) presents very stable sinusoidal variations with a period of about 590 d. We then discovered a weak magnetic field at its surface using spectropolarimetry, questioning the planetary hypothesis.Aims.We followed up our investigations on Pollux to characterize its magnetic field and to infer the effects of magnetic activity on the RV variations.Methods.We first used ESPaDOnS at CFHT and then Narval at TBL to obtain StokesIand StokesVspectra of Pollux to study their variations for a duration of 4.25 years, that is, for more than two periods of the RV variations. We used the least-squares deconvolution profiles to measure the longitudinal magnetic field and to perform a Zeeman Doppler imaging (ZDI) investigation.Results.The longitudinal magnetic field of Pollux is found to vary with a sinusoidal behavior and a period similar to that of the RV variations. From the ZDI investigation a rotation period of Pollux is determined to be equal to 660 ± 15 days and possibly different than the period of variations of the RV. As to the magnetic topology, the poloidal component is dominant and almost purely dipolar with an inclination of 10.5° of the dipole with respect to the rotation axis. The mean strength of the surface magnetic field is 0.44 G. Pollux is found approximately as active as the Sun observed as a star and this activity could induce moderate RV variations.Conclusions.As to the origin of the magnetic field of Pollux, we favor the hypothesis that it is maintained through contemporaneous dynamo action. Pollux appears as the representative of a class of slowly rotating and weakly magnetic G-K red giants. To explain the sinusoidal RV variations of Pollux, two scenarios are proposed. If the RV period is different from the rotation period, the observed periodic RV variations are due to the hosted planet and the contribution of Pollux magnetic activity is not significantly detected. In the peculiar case in which the two periods are equal, we cannot discard the possibility that the activity of Pollux could explain the total RV variations and that the planet hypothesis would appear unnecessary. In any case magnetic activity could contribute significantly to RV variations in some intermediate mass G-K red giants hosting planets, particularly those with small amplitude RV variations.

β Cas: The first δ Scuti star with a dynamo magnetic field

Context. F-type stars are characterised by several physical processes such as different pulsation mechanisms, rotation, convection, diffusion, and magnetic fields. The rapidly rotating δ Scuti star β Cas can be considered as a benchmark star to study the interaction of several of these effects. Aims. We investigate the pulsational and magnetic field properties of β Cas. We also determine the star’s apparent fundamental parameters and chemical abundances. Methods. Based on photometric time series obtained from three different space missions (BRITE-Constellation, SMEI, and TESS), we conduct a frequency analysis and investigate the stability of the pulsation amplitudes over four years of observations. We investigate the presence of a magnetic field and its properties using spectropolarimetric observations taken with the Narval instrument by applying the least-squares deconvolution and Zeeman-Doppler imaging techniques. Results. The star β Cas shows only three independent p-mode frequencies down to the few ppm-level; its highest amplitude frequency is suggested to be an n = 3, ℓ = 2, m = 0 mode. Its magnetic field structure is quite complex and almost certainly of a dynamo origin. The atmosphere of β Cas is slightly deficient in iron peak elements and slightly overabundant in C, O, and heavier elements. Conclusions. Atypically for δ Scuti stars, we can only detect three pulsation modes down to exceptionally low noise levels for β Cas. The star is also one of very few δ Scuti pulsators known to date to show a measurable magnetic field and the first δ Scuti star with a dynamo magnetic field. These characteristics make β Cas an interesting target for future studies of dynamo processes in the thin convective envelopes of F-type stars, the transition region between fossil and dynamo fields, and the interaction between pulsations and magnetic field.

The anomalous atmospheric structure of the strongly magnetic Ap star HD 166473

ABSTRACT High-resolution spectropolarimetric observations of the strongly magnetic, superslowly rotating rapidly oscillating Ap star HD 166473 are used to investigate the implications of the presence of a variable strong magnetic field on the vertical and surface horizontal distribution of various chemical elements. The analysis of the calculated least-squares deconvolution Stokes I and V profiles confirms the previously reported detection of non-uniform horizontal surface distribution of several chemical elements. To test the vertical abundance stratification of iron peak and rare earth elements, magnetic field measurements were carried out using spectral lines of these elements belonging to neutral and ionized stages. We find clear indication of the existence of a relation between the magnetic field strength and its orientation and vertical element stratification: magnetic field values obtained for elements in different stages close to the magnetic equator are rather similar, whereas the dispersion in field strengths is remarkably large in the regions close to magnetic field poles. At the phases of negative and positive extrema the mean longitudinal field strength determined from the analysis of the rare-earth element lines is usually stronger than when using Fe and Cr. The strongest mean longitudinal magnetic field, up to −4160 ± 226 G, is detected using the La ii line list at the negative extremum, followed by the measurements using the Pr iii lines with 〈Bz〉=−3740 ± 343 G and the Ce ii lines with 〈Bz〉 = −3372 ± 247 G. The strongest mean longitudinal magnetic field of positive polarity, up to 3584 ± 354 G is detected using the Pr iii lines, followed by the measurement 〈Bz〉 = 2517 ± 249 G using the Ce ii lines.

Li-rich giant stars under scrutiny: binarity, magnetic activity, and the evolutionary status after Gaia DR2

ABSTRACT We present a study of the evolutionary state of a few lithium-rich giant stars based on the Gaia Data Release 2 (DR2) parallaxes and photometry. We also investigate the chromospheric activity, the presence of a surface magnetic field, and the radial velocity for our sample stars. We analysed both archive and new data. We gathered archive spectra from several instruments, mainly ELODIE and NARVAL, and we added new data acquired with the spectrograph MUSICOS. We applied the least-squares deconvolution technique to obtain Stokes V and I mean profiles to compute longitudinal magnetic field for a subset. Moreover, for the same subset, we analysed the Ca ii H&K emission lines to calculate the S-index. We also derived atmospheric parameters and Li abundances for all 18 stars of our sample. We found that stars previously classified as red giant branch (RGB) may actually be at a different evolutionary state. Furthermore, we identified that most stars in our sample with detection of surface magnetic field show at least moderate rotation velocities, but none the less, we could not detect a magnetic field in two fast rotators. Because of our small sample of magnetic giants, it is difficult to determine if the presence of surface magnetic field and the Li-rich giant phenomena could be somehow linked. The large variation of the radial velocity of part of our sample indicates that some of them might have a binary companion, which may change the way we look at the Li problem in giant stars.