Line Formation Calculations Research Articles

Quantitative spectroscopy of multiple OB stars. I. The quadruple system HD 37061 at the centre of Messier 43

The majority of massive stars are located in binary or multiple star systems. This poses additional challenges to quantitative analyses that use model atmospheres because little information is currently available on the chemical composition of such systems. The members of the quadruple star system HD 37061, which excites the H ii region Messier 43 in Orion, are fully characterised. Accurate and precise abundances for all elements with lines traceable in the optical spectrum are derived for the first time. A hybrid non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (non-LTE) approach, using line-blanketed hydrostatic model atmospheres computed with the Atlas12 code in combination with non-LTE line-formation calculations with Detail and Surface was employed. A high-resolution composite spectrum was analysed for the atmospheric parameters and elemental abundances of the individual stars. Fundamental stellar parameters were derived based on stellar evolution tracks, and the interstellar reddening was characterised. We determined the fundamental parameters and chemical abundances for three stars in the HD\,37061 system. The fourth and faintest star in the system shows no distinct spectral features, as a result of its fast rotation. However, this star has noticeable effects on the continuum. The derived element abundances and determined ages of the individual stars are consistent with each other, and the abundances coincide with the cosmic abundance standard. We find an excellent agreement between our spectroscopic distance and the Gaia Data Release 3 parallax distance.

Quantitative spectroscopy of late O-type main-sequence stars with a hybrid non-LTE method

Context. Late O-type stars at luminosities log L/L⊙ ≲ 5.2 show weak winds with mass-loss rates lower than 10−8 M⊙ yr−1. This implies that, unlike their more massive and more luminous siblings, their photospheric layers are not strongly affected by the stellar wind. Aims. A hybrid non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (non-LTE) approach – line-blanketed hydrostatic model atmospheres computed under the assumption of LTE in combination with non-LTE line-formation calculations – is tested for analyses of late O-type stars with masses up to ~25 M⊙. A sample of 20 mostly sharp-lined Galactic O stars of spectral types O8 to O9.7 and luminosity classes V and IV, previously studied in the literature using full non-LTE model atmospheres, is investigated. Methods. Hydrostatic and plane-parallel atmospheric structures and synthetic spectra computed with Kurucz’s ATLAS12 code together with the non-LTE line-formation codes DETAIL and SURFACE, which account for the effects of turbulent pressure on the atmosphere, were employed. High-resolution spectra were analysed for atmospheric parameters using hydrogen lines, multiple ionisation equilibria, and elemental abundances. Fundamental stellar parameters were derived by considering stellar evolution tracks and Gaia Early Data Release 3 (EDR3) parallaxes. Interstellar reddening was characterised by fitting spectral energy distributions from the UV to the mid-IR. Results. A high precision and accuracy is achieved for all derived parameters for 16 sample stars (4 objects show composite spectra). Turbulent pressure effects turn out to be significant for the quantitative analysis. Effective temperatures are determined to 1–3% uncertainty levels, surface gravities to 0.05 to 0.10 dex, masses to better than 8%, radii to better than 10%, and luminosities to better than 20% uncertainty typically. Abundances for C, N, O, Ne, Mg, Al, and Si are derived with uncertainties of 0.05–0.10 dex and for helium within 0.03–0.05 dex (1σ standard deviations) in general. Overall, results from previous studies using unified photosphere plus wind (full) non-LTE model atmospheres are reproduced, and with higher precision. The improvements are most pronounced for elemental abundances, and smaller microturbulent velocities are found. An overall good agreement is found between our spectroscopic distances and those from Gaia. Gaia EDR3-based distances to the Lac OB1b association and to the open clusters NGC 2244, IC 1805, NGC 457, and IC 1396 are determined as a byproduct. The derived N/C versus N/O abundance ratios tightly follow the predictions from stellar evolution models. Two ON stars show a very high degree of mixing of CNO-processed material and appear to stem from binary evolution.

Quantitative spectroscopy of B-type supergiants

Context. B-type supergiants are versatile tools to address a number of highly-relevant astrophysical topics, ranging from stellar atmospheres over stellar and galactic evolution to the characterisation of interstellar sightlines and to the cosmic distance scale. Aims. A hybrid non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) approach, involving line-blanketed model atmospheres computed under the assumption of LTE in combination with line formation calculations that account for deviations from LTE, is tested for quantitative analyses of B-type supergiants of mass up to about 30 M⊙, characterising a sample of 14 Galactic objects in a comprehensive way. Methods. Hydrostatic plane-parallel atmospheric structures and synthetic spectra computed with Kurucz’s ATLAS 12 code together with the non-LTE line-formation codes DETAIL/SURFACE are compared to results from full non-LTE calculations with TLUSTY, and the effects of turbulent pressure on the models are investigated. High-resolution spectra at signal-to-noise ratio >130 are analysed for atmospheric parameters, using Stark-broadened hydrogen lines and multiple metal ionisation equilibria, and for elemental abundances. Fundamental stellar parameters are derived by considering stellar evolution tracks and Gaia early data release 3 (EDR3) parallaxes. Interstellar reddening and the reddening law along the sight lines towards the target stars are determined by matching model spectral energy distributions to observed ones. Results. Our hybrid non-LTE approach turns out to be equivalent to hydrostatic full non-LTE modelling for the deeper photospheric layers of the B-type supergiants under consideration, where most lines of the optical spectrum are formed. Turbulent pressure can become relevant for microturbulent velocities larger than 10 km s−1. The changes in the atmospheric density structure affect many diagnostic lines, implying systematic changes in atmospheric parameters, for instance an increase in surface gravities by up to 0.05 dex. A high precision and accuracy is achieved for all derived parameters by bringing multiple indicators to agreement simultaneously. Effective temperatures are determined to 2–3% uncertainty, surface gravities to better than 0.07 dex, masses to about 5%, radii to about 10%, luminosities to better than 25%, and spectroscopic distances to 10% uncertainty typically. Abundances for chemical species that are accessible from the optical spectra (He, C, N, O, Ne, Mg, Al, Si, S, Ar, and Fe) are derived with uncertainties of 0.05–0.10 dex (1σ standard deviations). The observed spectra are reproduced well by the model spectra. The derived N/C versus N/O ratios tightly follow the predictions from Geneva stellar evolution models that account for rotation, and spectroscopic and Gaia EDR3 distances are closely matched. Finally, the methodology is tested for analyses of intermediate-resolution spectra of extragalactic B-type supergiants.

Chemical Evolution of R-process Elements in Stars (CERES)

Aims. The Chemical Evolution of R-process Elements in Stars (CERES) project aims to provide a homogeneous analysis of a sample of metal-poor stars ([Fe/H] < –1.5). We present the stellar parameters and the chemical abundances of elements up to Zr for a sample of 52 giant stars. Methods. We relied on a sample of high signal-to-noise UVES spectra. We determined stellar parameters from Gaia photometry and parallaxes. Chemical abundances were derived using spectrum synthesis and model atmospheres. Results. We determined chemical abundances of 26 species of 18 elements: Na, Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Y, and Zr. For several stars, we were able to measure both neutral and ionised species, including Si, Sc, Mn, and Zr. We have roughly doubled the number of measurements of Cu for stars at [Fe/H] ≤ −2.5. The homogeneity of the sample made it possible to highlight the presence of two Zn-rich stars ([Zn/Fe] ∼ +0.7), one r-rich and the other r-poor. We report the existence of two branches in the [Zn/Fe] versus [Ni/Fe] plane and suggest that the high [Zn/Fe] branch is the result of hypernova nucleosynthesis. We discovered two stars with peculiar light neutron-capture abundance patterns: CES1237+1922 (also known as BS 16085-0050), which is ∼1 dex underabundant in Sr, Y, and Zr with respect to the other stars in the sample, and CES2250-4057 (also known as HE 2247-4113), which shows a ∼1 dex overabundance of Sr with respect to Y and Zr. Conclusions. The high quality of our dataset allowed us to measure hardly detectable ions. This can provide guidance in the development of line formation computations that take deviations from local thermodynamic equilibrium and hydrodynamical effects into account.

The Pristine survey – XIV. Chemical analysis of two ultra-metal-poor stars

ABSTRACT Elemental abundances of the most metal-poor stars reflect the conditions in the early Galaxy and the properties of the first stars. We present a spectroscopic follow-up of two ultra-metal-poor stars ([Fe/H] < −4.0) identified by the survey Pristine: Pristine 221.8781+9.7844 and Pristine 237.8588+12.5660 (hereafter Pr 221 and Pr 237, respectively). Combining data with earlier observations, we find a radial velocity of −149.25 ± 0.27 and −3.18 ± 0.19 km s−1 for Pr 221 and Pr 237, respectively, with no evidence of variability between 2018 and 2020. From a one-dimensional (1D) local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) analysis, we measure [Fe/H]LTE = −4.79 ± 0.14 for Pr 221 and −4.22 ± 0.12 for Pr 237, in good agreement with previous studies. Abundances of Li, Na, Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Ti, Fe, and Sr were derived based on the non-LTE (NLTE) line formation calculations. When NLTE effects are included, we measure slightly higher metallicities: [Fe/H]NLTE = −4.40 ± 0.13 and −3.93 ± 0.12, for Pr 221 and Pr 237, respectively. Analysis of the G band yields [C/Fe]1D-LTE ≤ +2.3 and [C/Fe]1D-LTE ≤ +2.0 for Pr 221 and Pr 237. Both stars belong to the low-carbon band. Upper limits on nitrogen abundances are also derived. Abundances for other elements exhibit good agreement with those of stars with similar parameters. Finally, to get insight into the properties of their progenitors, we compare NLTE abundances to theoretical yields of zero-metallicity supernovae (SNe). This suggests that the SNe progenitors had masses ranging from 10.6 to 14.4 M⊙ and low-energy explosions with (0.3–1.2) × 1051 erg.

The chemical make-up of the Sun: A 2020 vision

Context.The chemical composition of the Sun is a fundamental yardstick in astronomy, relative to which essentially all cosmic objects are referenced. As such, having accurate knowledge of the solar elemental abundances is crucial for an extremely broad range of topics.Aims.We reassess the solar abundances of all 83 long-lived elements, using highly realistic solar modelling and state-of-the-art spectroscopic analysis techniques coupled with the best available atomic data and observations.Methods.The basis for our solar spectroscopic analysis is a three-dimensional (3D) radiative-hydrodynamical model of the solar surface convection and atmosphere, which reproduces the full arsenal of key observational diagnostics. New complete and comprehensive 3D spectral line formation calculations taking into account of departures from local thermodynamic equilibrium (non-LTE) are presented for Na, Mg, K, Ca, and Fe using comprehensive model atoms with reliable radiative and collisional data. Our newly derived abundances for C, N, and O are based on a 3D non-LTE analysis of permitted and forbidden atomic lines as well as 3D LTE calculations for a total of 879 molecular transitions of CH, C2, CO, NH, CN, and OH. Previous 3D-based calculations for another 50 elements are re-evaluated based on updated atomic data, a stringent selection of lines, improved consideration of blends, and new non-LTE calculations available in the literature. For elements where spectroscopic determinations of the quiet Sun are not possible, the recommended solar abundances are revisited based on complementary methods, including helioseismology (He), solar wind data from the Genesis sample return mission (noble gases), sunspot observations (four elements), and measurements of the most primitive meteorites (15 elements).Results.Our new improved analysis confirms the relatively low solar abundances of C, N, and O obtained in our previous 3D-based studies: logϵC = 8.46 ± 0.04, logϵN = 7.83 ± 0.07, and logϵO = 8.69 ± 0.04. Excellent agreement between all available atomic and molecular indicators is achieved for C and O, but for N the atomic lines imply a lower abundance than for the molecular transitions for unknown reasons. The revised solar abundances for the other elements also typically agree well with our previously recommended values, with only Li, F, Ne, Mg, Cl, Kr, Rb, Rh, Ba, W, Ir, and Pb differing by more than 0.05 dex. The here-advocated present-day photospheric metal mass fraction is only slightly higher than our previous value, mainly due to the revised Ne abundance from Genesis solar wind measurements:Xsurface = 0.7438 ± 0.0054,Ysurface = 0.2423 ± 0.0054,Zsurface = 0.0139 ± 0.0006, andZsurface/Xsurface = 0.0187 ± 0.0009. Overall, the solar abundances agree well with those of CI chondritic meteorites, but we identify a correlation with condensation temperature such that moderately volatile elements are enhanced by ≈0.04 dex in the CI chondrites and refractory elements possibly depleted by ≈0.02 dex, conflicting with conventional wisdom of the past half-century. Instead, the solar chemical composition more closely resembles that of the fine-grained matrix of CM chondrites with the expected exception of the highly volatile elements.Conclusions.Updated present-day solar photospheric and proto-solar abundances are presented for 83 elements, including for all long-lived isotopes. The so-called solar modelling problem – a persistent discrepancy between helioseismology and solar interior models constructed with a low solar metallicity similar to that advocated here – remains intact with our revised solar abundances, suggesting shortcomings with the computed opacities and/or treatment of mixing below the convection zone in existing standard solar models. The uncovered trend between the solar and CI chondritic abundances with condensation temperature is not yet understood but is likely imprinted by planet formation, especially since a similar trend of opposite sign is observed between the Sun and solar twins.

Comparative high-resolution spectroscopy of M dwarfs: Exploring non-LTE effects

Context.M dwarfs are key targets for high-resolution spectroscopy and model atmosphere analyses because of the high incidence of these stars in the solar neighbourhood and their importance as exoplanetary hosts. Several methodological challenges make such analyses difficult, leading to significant discrepancies in the published results.Aims.The aim of our work is to compare M dwarf parameters derived by recent high-resolution near-infrared studies with each other and with fundamental stellar parameters. We also assess to what extent deviations from local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) for iron and potassium influence the outcome of these studies.Methods.We carry out line formation calculations based on a modern model atmosphere grid appropriate for M dwarfs along with a synthetic spectrum synthesis code that treats formation of atomic and molecular lines in cool-star atmospheres including departures from LTE. We use near-infrared spectra collected with the CRIRES instrument at the ESO VLT as reference observational data.Results.We find that the effective temperatures obtained with spectroscopic techniques in different studies mostly agree to better than 100 K and are mostly consistent with the fundamental temperatures derived from interferometric radii and bolometric fluxes. At the same time, much worse agreement in the surface gravities and metallicities is evident. Significant discrepancies in the latter parameters appear when results of the studies based on the optical and near-infrared observations are intercompared. We demonstrate that non-LTE effects are negligible for Fe Iin M-dwarf atmospheres but are important for K I, which has a number of strong lines in the near-infrared spectra of these stars. These effects, leading to potassium abundance and metallicity corrections on the order of 0.2 dex, may be responsible for some of the discrepancies in the published analyses. Differences in the temperature–pressure structures of the atmospheric models may be another factor contributing to the deviations between the spectroscopic studies, in particular at low metallicities and high effective temperatures.Conclusions.High-resolution spectroscopic studies of M dwarfs are yet to reach the level of consistency and reproducibility typical of similar investigations of FGK stars. Attention should be given to details of the line formation physics as well as input atomic and molecular data. Collecting high-quality spectra with a wide wavelength coverage of M dwarfs with known fundamental parameters is an essential step in benchmarking spectroscopic parameter determination of low-mass stars.

Comparative high-resolution spectroscopy of M dwarfs - exploring non-LTE effects

M dwarfs are key targets for high-resolution spectroscopic analyses due to a high incidence of these stars in the solar neighbourhood and their importance as exoplanetary hosts. Several methodological challenges make such analyses difficult, leading to significant discrepancies in the published results. We compare M dwarf parameters derived by recent high-resolution near-infrared studies with each other and with fundamental stellar parameters. We also assess to what extent deviations from local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) for Fe and K influence the outcome of these studies. We carry out line formation calculations based on a modern model atmosphere grid along with a synthetic spectrum synthesis code that treats formation of atomic and molecular lines in cool-star atmospheres including departures from LTE. We use near-infrared spectra collected with the CRIRES instrument at the ESO VLT as reference observational data. We find that the effective temperatures obtained by the different studies mostly agree to better than 100 K. We see a much worse agreement in the surface gravities and metallicities. We demonstrate that non-LTE effects are negligible for Fe I in M-dwarf atmospheres but are important for K I. These effects, leading to K abundance and metallicity corrections on the order of 0.2 dex, may be responsible for some of the discrepancies in the published analyses. Differences in the temperature-pressure structures of the atmospheric models may be another factor contributing to the discrepancies, in particular at low metallicities and high effective temperatures. In high-resolution spectroscopic studies of M dwarfs attention should be given to details of the line formation physics as well as input atomic and molecular data. Collecting high-quality, wide wavelength coverage spectra of benchmark M dwarfs is an essential future step.

The relationship between photometric and spectroscopic oscillation amplitudes from 3D stellar atmosphere simulations.

We establish a quantitative relationship between photometric and spectroscopic detections of solar-like oscillations using ab initio, 3D, hydrodynamical numerical simulations of stellar atmospheres. We present a theoretical derivation as a proof of concept for our method. We perform realistic spectral line formation calculations to quantify the ratio between luminosity and radial velocity amplitude for two case studies: the Sun and the red giant ϵ Tau. Luminosity amplitudes are computed based on the bolometric flux predicted by 3D simulations with granulation background modelled the same way as asteroseismic observations. Radial velocity amplitudes are determined from the wavelength shift of synthesized spectral lines with methods closely resembling those used in Birmingham Solar Oscillations Network (BiSON) and Stellar Oscillations Network Group (SONG) observations. Consequently, the theoretical luminosity to radial velocity amplitude ratios are directly comparable with corresponding observations. For the Sun, we predict theoretical ratios of 21.0 and 23.7ppm [m s-1]-1 from BiSON and SONG, respectively, in good agreement with observations 19.1 and 21.6ppm [m s-1]-1. For ϵ Tau, we predict K2 and SONG ratios of 48.4ppm [m s-1]-1, again in good agreement with observations 42.2ppm [m s-1]-1, and much improved over the result from conventional empirical scaling relations that give 23.2ppm [m s-1]-1. This study thus opens the path towards a quantitative understanding of solar-like oscillations, via detailed modelling of 3D stellar atmospheres.

The 3D non-LTE solar nitrogen abundance from atomic lines

Nitrogen is an important element in various fields of stellar and Galactic astronomy, and the solar nitrogen abundance is crucial as a yardstick for comparing different objects in the cosmos. In order to obtain a precise and accurate value for this abundance, we carried out N I line formation calculations in a 3D radiative-hydrodynamic STAGGER model solar atmosphere in full 3D non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (non-LTE). We used a model atom that includes physically motivated descriptions for the inelastic collisions of N I with free electrons and with neutral hydrogen. We selected five N I lines of high excitation energy to study in detail, based on their strengths and on their being relatively free of blends. We found that these lines are slightly strengthened from non-LTE photon losses and from 3D granulation effects, resulting in negative abundance corrections of around − 0.01 dex and − 0.04 dex, respectively. Our advocated solar nitrogen abundance is log ɛN = 7.77, with the systematic 1σ uncertainty estimated to be 0.05 dex. This result is consistent with earlier studies after correcting for differences in line selections and equivalent widths.

Inelastic O+H collisions and the O I 777 nm solar centre-to-limb variation

The O I777 nm triplet is a key diagnostic of oxygen abundances in the atmospheres of FGK-type stars; however, it is sensitive to departures from local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE). The accuracy of non-LTE line formation calculations has hitherto been limited by errors in the inelastic O+H collisional rate coefficients; several recent studies have used the Drawin recipe, albeit with a correction factorSHthat is calibrated to the solar centre-to-limb variation of the triplet. We present a new model oxygen atom that incorporates inelastic O+H collisional rate coefficients using an asymptotic two-electron model based on linear combinations of atomic orbitals, combined with a free electron model based on the impulse approximation. Using a 3D hydrodynamicSTAGGERmodel solar atmosphere and 3D non-LTE line formation calculations, we demonstrate that this physically motivated approach is able to reproduce the solar centre-to-limb variation of the triplet to 0.02 dex, without any calibration of the inelastic collisional rate coefficients or other free parameters. We infer log ϵO= 8.69 ± 0.03 from the triplet alone, strengthening the case for a low solar oxygen abundance.

NLTE Analysis of Copper Lines in Different Stellar Populations∗

Abstract The copper abundances of 29 metal-poor stars are determined based on the high-resolution, high-signal-to-noise ratio spectra from the UVES spectrograph at the ESO VLT telescope. Our sample consists of the stars of the Galactic halo, thick- and thin-disk, with [Fe/H] ranging from ∼−3.2 to ∼0.0 dex. The non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) effects of Cu i lines are investigated, and line formation calculations are presented for an atomic model of copper including 97 terms and 1089 line transitions. We adopted the recently calculated photoionization cross sections of Cu i, and investigated the hydrogen collision by comparing the theoretical and observed line profiles of our sample stars. The copper abundances are derived for both local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) and NLTE based on the spectrum synthesis methods. Our results show that the NLTE effects for Cu i lines are important for metal-poor stars, in particular for very metal-poor stars, and these effects depend on the metallicity. For very metal-poor stars, the NLTE abundance correction reaches as large as ∼+0.5 dex compared to standard LTE calculations. Our results indicate that [Cu/Fe] is under-abundant for metal-poor stars (∼−0.5 dex) when the NLTE effects are included.

A NLTE line formation for neutral and singly ionized calcium in model atmospheres of B-F stars

We present non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) line formation calculations for Ca I and Ca II in B-F stars. The sign and the magnitude of NLTE abundance corrections depend on line and stellar parameters. We determine calcium abundances for nine stars with reliable stellar parameters. For all stars, where the lines of both species could be measured, the NLTE abundances are found to be consistent within the error bars. We obtain consistent NLTE abundances from Ca II lines in the visible and near infra-red (IR, 8912-27, 9890 A) spectrum range, in contrast with LTE, where the discrepancy between the two groups of lines ranges from -0.5 dex to 0.6 dex for different stars. Our NLTE method reproduces the Ca II 8912-27, 9890 A lines observed in emission in the late B-type star HD 160762 with the classical plane-parallel and LTE model atmosphere. NLTE abundance corrections for lines of Ca I and Ca II were calculated in a grid of model atmospheres with 7000 K < Teff < 13000 K, 3.2 < log g < 5.0, -0.5 < [Fe/H] < 0.5, Vt = 2.0 km/s. Our NLTE results can be applied for calcium NLTE abundance determination from Gaia spectra, given that accurate continuum normalisation and proper treatment of the hydrogen Paschen lines are provided. The NLTE method can be useful to refine calcium underabundances in Am stars and to provide accurate observational constraints on the models of diffusion.

The photospheric solar oxygen project

The solar photospheric oxygen abundance is still widely debated. Adopting the solar chemical composition based on the "low" oxygen abundance, as determined with the use of three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamical model atmospheres, results in a well-known mismatch between theoretical solar models and helioseismic measurements that is so far unresolved. We carry out an independent redetermination of the solar oxygen abundance by investigating the center-to-limb variation of the OI IR triplet lines at 777 nm in different sets of spectra with the help of detailed synthetic line profiles based on 3D hydrodynamical CO5BOLD model atmospheres and 3D non-LTE line formation calculations with NLTETD. The idea is to simultaneously derive the oxygen abundance,A(O), and the scaling factor SH that describes the cross-sections for inelastic collisions with neutral hydrogen relative the classical Drawin formula. The best fit of the center-to-limb variation of the triplet lines achieved with the CO5BOLD 3D solar model is clearly of superior quality compared to the line profile fits obtained with standard 1D model atmospheres. Our best estimate of the 3D non-LTE solar oxygen abundance is A(O) = 8.76 +/- 0.02, with the scaling factor SH in the range between 1.2 and 1.8. All 1D non-LTE models give much lower oxygen abundances, by up to -0.15 dex. This is mainly a consequence of the assumption of a $\mu$-independent microturbulence.

GaiaFGK benchmark stars: Effective temperatures and surface gravities

Large Galactic stellar surveys and new generations of stellar atmosphere models and spectral line formation computations need to be subjected to careful calibration and validation and to benchmark tests. We focus on cool stars and aim at establishing a sample of 34 Gaia FGK Benchmark Stars with a range of different metallicities. The goal was to determine the effective temperature and the surface gravity independently from spectroscopy and atmospheric models as far as possible. Fundamental determinations of Teff and logg were obtained in a systematic way from a compilation of angular diameter measurements and bolometric fluxes, and from a homogeneous mass determination based on stellar evolution models. The derived parameters were compared to recent spectroscopic and photometric determinations and to gravity estimates based on seismic data. Most of the adopted diameter measurements have formal uncertainties around 1%, which translate into uncertainties in effective temperature of 0.5%. The measurements of bolometric flux seem to be accurate to 5% or better, which contributes about 1% or less to the uncertainties in effective temperature. The comparisons of parameter determinations with the literature show in general good agreements with a few exceptions, most notably for the coolest stars and for metal-poor stars. The sample consists of 29 FGK-type stars and 5 M giants. Among the FGK stars, 21 have reliable parameters suitable for testing, validation, or calibration purposes. For four stars, future adjustments of the fundamental Teff are required, and for five stars the logg determination needs to be improved. Future extensions of the sample of Gaia FGK Benchmark Stars are required to fill gaps in parameter space, and we include a list of suggested candidates.

The photospheric solar oxygen project

The solar photospheric abundance of oxygen is still a matter of debate. For about ten years some determinations have favoured a low oxygen abundance which is at variance with the value inferred by helioseismology. Among the oxygen abundance indicators, the forbidden line at 630nm has often been considered the most reliable even though it is blended with a NiI line. In Papers I and Paper II of this series we reported a discrepancy in the oxygen abundance derived from the 630nm and the subordinate [OI] line at 636nm in dwarf stars, including the Sun. Here we analyse several, in part new, solar observations of the the centre-to-limb variation of the spectral region including the blend at 630nm in order to separate the individual contributions of oxygen and nickel. We analyse intensity spectra observed at different limb angles in comparison with line formation computations performed on a CO5BOLD 3D hydrodynamical simulation of the solar atmosphere. The oxygen abundances obtained from the forbidden line at different limb angles are inconsistent if the commonly adopted nickel abundance of 6.25 is assumed in our local thermodynamic equilibrium computations. With a slightly lower nickel abundance, A(Ni)~6.1, we obtain consistent fits indicating an oxygen abundance of A(O)=8.73+/-0.05. At this value the discrepancy with the subordinate oxygen line remains. The derived value of the oxygen abundance supports the notion of a rather low oxygen abundance in the solar hotosphere. However, it is disconcerting that the forbidden oxygen lines at 630 and 636nm give noticeably different results, and that the nickel abundance derived here from the 630nm blend is lower than expected from other nickel lines.

A non-LTE spectral analysis of the3He and4He isotopes in the HgMn starκCancri

We present a pilot study on non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) line-formation computations for the isotopes 3He and 4He in the mercury-manganese star kappa Cancri. The impact of NLTE effects on the determination of isotopic abundances and the vertical stratification of helium in the atmosphere is investigated. Modern NLTE line-formation computations were employed to analyse a high-resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio ESO-VLT/UVES spectrum of kap Cnc. The atmospheric parameters were determined from fitting the hydrogen Balmer lines and the spectral energy distribution. Multiple HeI lines were investigated, including HeI 4921A and 6678A, which show the widest isotopic splits. Half of the observed HeI lines in the spectrum of kap Cnc show significant NLTE strengthening, the effects are strongest in the red lines HeI 5875A and HeI 6678A. NLTE abundances from individual HeI lines are up to a factor of about 3 lower than LTE values. Helium is found to be stratified in the atmosphere of kap Cnc. While the LTE analysis indicates a step-like profile of the helium abundance, a gradual decrease with height is indicated by the NLTE analysis. A 3He/4He ratio of about 0.25-0.30 is found. With the available data it cannot be decided whether the two isotopes follow the same stratification profile, or not. This work implies that NLTE effects may be ubiquitous in the atmospheres of HgMn stars and may have a significant impact on abundance determinations and the interpretation of the vertical abundance stratification of elements.

Empirical investigation on the impact of hydrogen collisions for the formation of C i 1.07 μm lines based on the solar center-to-limb variation

Abstract With the aim of examining the validity of non-LTE line-formation calculations for the strong C i lines of multiplet 1 at 1.068–1.069 μm, especially in terms of the treatment of collisions with neutral hydrogen (H i) atoms, we computed theoretical equivalent widths (Wλ) of these lines corresponding to specific intensities of different angles (μ = cos θ) on the solar disk under various conditions, which were then compared with the empirical Wλ vs. μ relations obtained from our spectroscopic observations with the Domeless Solar Telescope at Hida Observatory. It turned out that our observational data are almost consistent with the theoretical simulations done with the H i collision rates computed with the classical formula, which suggests that the necessity of its significant revision (e.g., considerable reduction) is unlikely.

Review: progress in NLTE calculations and their application to large data-sets

AbstractOne of the major tasks in interpretation of data from large-scale stellar surveys is to determine the fundamental atmospheric parameters such as effective temperature, surface gravity, and metallicity. In most on-going and upcoming projects, they are derived spectroscopically, relying on classical one-dimensional (1D) model atmospheres and the assumption of LTE. This review discusses the present achievements and problems of non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) line-formation calculations for FGK-type stars. The topics that are addressed include (i) the construction of comprehensive model atoms for the chemical elements with complex term system, (ii) possible systematic errors inherent in classical LTE spectroscopic determinations of stellar parameters and chemical abundances, (iii) the uncertainties in final NLTE results caused by the uncertainties in atomic data, and (iv) applications of the NLTE line-formation calculations coupled to the spatial and temporal average 〈3D〉 models to spectroscopic analyses.

Quantitative spectroscopy of OB stars: from dwarfs to supergiants

We discuss recent progress made in the spectral modelling of OB stars from the main sequence to evolved phases as BA-type supergiants. Non-LTE line-formation computations can now reproduce observed spectra over the entire optical and near-IR wavelength range with high confidence, facilitating stellar atmospheric parameters and elemental abundances to be determined at high accuracy and precision. An overview is given how the fundamental stellar parameters of single stars determined in our new approach compare to high-precision data derived from detached eclipsing massive binary stars. Finally, the observational constraints for a sample of Galactic objects are put in context with state-of-the-art evolution models for rotating massive stars.