Magnetic CP Stars Research Articles

3D distribution models of Ca, Cr, and Fe in a magnetic CP star atmosphere with anisotropic wind

ABSTRACT We present time-dependent atomic diffusion calculations for Ca, Cr, and Fe in a stellar magnetic atmosphere including an anisotropic wind. For three different models of mass-loss rates (or wind), we obtain a 3D description of the entire atmosphere. In two of these models, the mass-loss rate varies according to the magnetic field inclination, the assumed field geometry being non-axisymmetric. When the dipolar component of the magnetic field dominates, we find that ring-like abundance structures will be prominent. Spot-like distributions can also exist according to the field geometry. Abundance distributions turn out to be highly sensitive to the mass-loss model. The results are discussed and compared to an observational model of a real chemically peculiar star (θ Aurigae) that features parameters close to those of the model we have adopted for our calculations.

New and improved rotational periods of magnetic CP stars from ASAS-3, KELT, and MASCARA data

ABSTRACTMagnetic chemically peculiar (mCP) stars allow the investigation of such diverse phenomena as atomic diffusion, magnetic fields, and stellar rotation. The aim of the present investigation is to enhance our knowledge of the rotational properties of mCP stars by increasing the sample of objects with accurately determined rotational periods. To this end, archival photometric time-series data from the ASAS-3, KELT, and MASCARA surveys were employed to improve existing rotational period information and derive rotational periods for mCP stars hitherto not known to be photometric variables. Our final sample consists of 294 mCP stars, a considerable amount of which (more than 40 per cent) are presented here as photometric variables for the first time. In addition, we identified 24 mCP star candidates that show light variability in agreement with rotational modulation but lack spectroscopic confirmation. The rotational period distribution of our sample agrees well with the literature. Most stars are between 100 Myr and 1 Gyr old, with an apparent lack of very young stars. No objects were found on the zero-age main sequence; several stars seem to have evolved to the subgiant stage, albeit well before the first dredge-up. We identified four eclipsing binaries (HD 244391, HD 247441, HD 248784, and HD 252519), which potentially host an mCP star. This is of great interest because mCP stars are very rarely found in close binary systems, particularly eclipsing ones. Using archival spectra, we find strong evidence that the HD 252519 system indeed harbours an mCP star component.

Secular Stability of Magnetic Field Structures in Magnetic CP-Stars

The magnetic field structures of stars with different ages are studied. No changes in the position and orientation of magnetic dipoles with age are observed. It is concluded that there are no global motions, such as differential rotation meridional circulation, etc., inside magnetic stars. Arguments are presented in favor of the assumption that magnetic stars rotate as solids. These conclusions do not concern the behavior of convective cores.

On the properties of the magnetic Chemically Peculiar B, A, and F-type stars

AbstractWe present a preliminary analysis of the Strömgren uvby photometry of the magnetic CP stars obtained using the Four College Automated Photometric Telescope for its 21.5 years of operation ending in Fall 2012. We summarize the photometry for all the FCAPT mCP stars that have been published to date. We do not find any significant correlation between the amplitudes of variation in the uvby filters and the periods. A small number of stars show anomalous behaviour of the v filter which will be discussed in a future study.

General properties of magnetic CP stars

We present the review of our previous studies related to observational evidence of the fossil field hypothesis of formation and evolution of magnetic and non-magnetic chemically peculiar stars. Analysis of the observed data shows that these stars acquire their main properties in the process of gravitational collapse. In the non-stationary Hayashi phase, a magnetic field becomes weakened and its configuration complicated, but the fossil field global orientation remains. After a non-stationary phase, relaxation of young star’s tangled field takes place and by the time of joining ZAMS (Zero Age Main Sequence) it is generally restored to a dipole structure. Stability of dipole structures allows them to remain unchanged up to the end of their life on the Main Sequence which is 109 years at most.

Magnetic CP stars in Orion OB1 association

AbstractWe present the overview of an observational program carring out on the 6-m telescope of Special Astrophysical Observatory from 2012. This program aims the searches of new Bp stars with surface magnetic field and the detailed study of known magnetic CP star from the stellar association Ori OB1. HD 34736 is the most interesting star that was found as magnetic within the program recently.

Speckle interferometry of magnetic stars with the BTA. I. First results

We present the results of speckle interferometry of a sample of 117 chemically peculiar stars with global magnetic fields. The observations were made in December 2009 at the BTA with a spatial resolution of about 0.02″ in the visual spectral region. Twenty-nine stars were resolved into individual components, 14 of them for the first time (HD965, HD5797, HD8855, HD10783, HD16605, HD21699, HD35502, HD51418, HD64486, HD79158, HD103498, HD108651, HD213918, HD293764). In twelve cases a companion turned out to be 2–4 m fainter than the main component—a magnetic star. Young hot Bp stars HD35502 and HD213918 are exceptions, since their companions are fainter by about 1 m . In all cases, the linear distance from a star to its companion at the epoch of observations in the picture plane exceeded 109 km. Eighty-eight magnetic CP stars revealed no secondary components within our study. Thus, the fraction of speckle interferometric binaries in our sample amounts to 25%.

Main-sequence magnetic CP stars III. Results of magnetic field measurements

We present the third part of the survey of magnetic parameters of main-sequence magnetic CP stars. We analyze the main definitions and terminology, basic data on the magnetic fields of CP stars (catalogs, the history of the stellar magnetism research, the main observational results obtained over 60 years of studies). We describe the modern views on the properties of magnetic CP stars, i.e. their geometric structure, distribution of field strengths, magnetic field and rotation, magnetic field and energy distribution anomalies, and the evolutionary status of magnetic CP stars. We conclude that the observational data mostly support the theory of the relict origin and evolution of magnetic fields of CP stars.

Spectrophotometric variability of the magnetic CP star 56 Arietis in spectral region from 1950 to 3200 Å

The spectrophotometric variability of the magnetic CP star 56 Arietis (56 Ari) in the ultraviolet spectral region from 1950 to 3200 A is investigated. This study is based on the archival International Ultraviolet Explorer data obtained at different phases of the rotational cycle. The brightness of 56 Ari is not constant in the investigated wavelengths over the whole rotational period. The monochromatic light curves continuously change their shape with wavelength. This indicates that we do not observe a truly 'null wavelength region' where the monochromatic light curve has a zero amplitude. Probably, an uneven surface distribution of silicon and iron mainly influences the flux redistribution from the far-UV to near-UV spectral regions, although additional sources of opacity may be involved. The redistribution of the flux at phase 0.25 is connected with the nonuniform distribution of silicon on the stellar surface of 56 Ari. On the other hand, the redistribution of the flux at phase 0.65 is quite complex, because there are additional blocking and redistribution of the flux by iron lines in the near-UV spectral region.

HR 7355 – another rapidly braking He-strong CP star?

Strong meridional mixing induced by rapid rotation is one reason why all hot main-sequence stars are not chemically peculiar. However, the finding that the He-strong CP star HR 7355 is a rapid rotator complicates this concept. Our goal is to explain the observed behaviour of HR 7355 based on period analysis of all available photometry. Over two years, we acquired 114 new BV observations of HR 7355 at observatories in Arizona, U.S.A and Cape Town, South Africa. We performed period analyses of the new observations along with new analyses of 732 archival measurements from the Hipparcos and ASAS projects. We find that the light curves of HR 7355 in various filters are quite similar, with amplitudes 0.035(4), 0.036(4), and 0.038(3) mag in B, Hp and V, respectively. The light curves are double-peaked, with unevenly deep minima. We substantially refine the rotational period to be P=0.5214410(4) d, indicating that HR 7355 is the most rapidly rotating CP star known. Our period analyses reveal a possible lengthening of the rotational period with dP/dt/P = 2.4(8)x 10^-6/yr. We conclude that the shape and amplitude of HR 7355 light curves are typical of magnetic He-strong CP stars, for which light variations are the result of photospheric spots on the surface of a rotating star. We hypothesise that the light variations are caused mainly by an uneven distribution of overabundant helium on the star's surface. We briefly describe and discuss the cause of the rapid rotational braking of the star.

Magnetic fields of chemically peculiar stars. II: Magnetic fields and rotation of stars with strong and weak anomalies in the continuum energy distribution

We make a comparative analysis of magnetic fields and rotation parameters of magnetic CP stars with strong and weak anomalies in the spectral energy distribution. Stars with strong depressions in the continuum at 5200 A are shown to have significantly stronger fields (the mean longitudinal component of the fields of these stars is 〈Be〉 = 1341 ± 98 G) compared to objects with weaker depressions (〈Be〉 = 645 ± 58 G). Stars with stronger depressions are also found to occur more commonly among slow rotators. Their rotation periods are, on the average, about 10 days long, three times longer than these of stars with weak depressions (about three days). This fact is indicative of a decrease of the degree of anomality of the magnetic stars continuum spectrum with increasing rotational velocity. Yet another proof has been obtained suggesting that slow rotation is one of the crucial factors contributing to the development of the phenomenon of magnetic chemically peculiar stars.

FCAPT uvby Photometry of the mCP Stars HR 1297, 25 Sex, BX Boo, and 49 Her

ABSTRACTI obtained additional differential Strömgren uvby observations of four magnetic CP stars HR 1297, 25 Sex, BX Boo, and 49 Her with the Four College Automated Photoelectric Telescope (FCAPT). The seasonal light curves of 25 Sex do not show definite differences. The period of Manfroid & Renson of 4.37900 days is confirmed. The other three stars usually have light curves in phase or nearly so, but there are differences between observing seasons. As the local properties of the photosphere change very slowly with time for these stars that have radiative atmospheres and strong magnetic fields, we are viewing slightly different hemispheres at the same phase. To produce this result, their rotational axes precess about their magnetic axes. For HR 1297, which has moderate amplitudes of variation, the period of Adelman is refined to 15.7505 days. The additional observations of BX Boo do not change the best estimate of its period, 2.88756 days. Although its amplitudes of variation are less than those of HR 1297, there are similar differences between observing seasons. For 49 Her the period of 0.93663 days of Adelman et al. is verified. There are probably small season-to-season light curve differences. Of the mCP stars for which I have FCAPT Strömgren observations, at least 13% exhibit variability among their light curves for different years.

FCAPT uvby Photometry of the mCP Stars HD 86592, HR 4330, HR 6958, and HR 7786

ABSTRACTNew differential Strömgren uvby Four College Automated Photoelectric Telescope (FCAPT) observations of four magnetic CP stars HD 86592, HR 4330, HR 6958, and HR 7786 are presented. These observations are analyzed along with published FCAPT data to improve the periods and the light curves. The period of HD 86592 is that of Babel & North, 2.886669 days. The new periods of HR 4330, HR 6958, and HR 7786 are 3.152, 18.0642, and 8.5295 days, respectively, almost the same as their previous values from FCAPT data. The first three stars can be characterized as having constant light curves and periods. However, the small differences among the seasonal light curves of HR 7786 indicate it is a star whose rotational axis is precessing about its magnetic axis.

FCAPT uvby Photometry of the mCP Stars HD 16545, HD 93226, HR 7575, and HR 8206

ABSTRACTThe Four College Automated Photoelectric Telescope (FCAPT) obtained differential Strömgren uvby observations of the magnetic CP (mCP) stars HD 16545, HD 93226, HR 7575, and HR 8206. These are the first reported from the FCAPT. HD 16545, with its largest amplitudes (0.06 mag) being those in v and in b, has a period of 1.61926 days, close to its period from Hipparcos photometry. The HD 93226 photometry exhibits a period of 1.72907 days, with the v, b, and y light curves in phase. The u light curve is shifted by 0.05 to 0.10 in phase. Its u amplitude is a relatively large 0.10 mag. The v photometry of HR 7575 is consistent with the 223.826 day period of Mikulasek et al. HR 8206 is a small‐amplitude variable with a period of 1.5849 days.

FCAPT uvby Photometry of the mCP Stars BN Cam, EP Vir, FF Vir, and HD 184905

ABSTRACTWe studied differential single‐channel Strömgren uvby observations of four magnetic CP (mCP) stars, obtained with the Four College Automated Photoelectric Telescope (FCAPT), which now have two epochs of observations. To bring the recent photometry of BN Cam into agreement with earlier FCAPT photometry, we adjusted its period to 2.73501 days. As we found several older photometric studies whose data are consistent with this value, its period appears to have been constant for the past 35 years. We refined the period of EP Vir to 16.3071 days and reduced the errors in its ephemeris. When we compare the light curves from the observing seasons in which complete light curves were obtained, we find the small differences among them to be suggestive of variability. For FF Vir and HD 184905, the periods are 129.99 and 1.84535 days, respectively, as found by previous FCAPT data studies. Their light curves are similar to those of previous uvby and V measurements for the past 35 years.

Radial and rotational velocities for a sample of magnetic CP stars

The spectra taken with the Main Stellar Spectrograph (MSS) of the 6-m telescope with a resolution of R ∼ 15000 and a signal-to-noise ratio of 200–300 are used to determine the radial velocities and projected rotational velocities (υe sin i) for 32 magnetic CP stars. Measured υe sin i values range from 18 km/s (the lower boundary determined by the instrumental profile) to 65 km/s. Measurements of standard stars demonstrate the absence of systematic differences between our and published data. Eight of the 32 magnetic stars are found or confirmed to be binary and binarity is suspected for another four stars. The components of tangential velocity are determined for 27 stars with known parallaxes.

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

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

The helium-weak silicon star HR 7224

Aims. HR 7224 is a rapidly rotating He-weak silicon star known as photometrically variable with a period of 1.123 d. Drastic changes of photometric amplitude and period were reported in 2003. We investigate the star spectroscopically to determine the time scales of variability, to derive basic atmospheric parameters, and to give first estimates on possible surface structures. Methods. We investigate time series of more then 570 high-resolution spectra of HR 7224 for radial velocity and line profile variations. The rotation period is determined from period analysis of data. Comparing radial velocity and line profile variations we draw first conclusions on possible surface structures in terms of line strengths. From Balmer and metal lines we determine Teff ,l ogg, v sini ,a nd metal abundances depending on rotation phase. Results. The star shows a remarkable amplitude of radial velocity variation of ± 6k m s −1 . From this variation we deduce a rotation period of 1.12324 d. The period and the double-wave shaped radial velocity curve are in agreement with earlier photometric findings. The observed radial velocity variations can be explained by the rotation period and its harmonics and no further periodic contributions were found in the residuals. HR 7224 has enhanced Si and Fe abundances whereas He is extremely depleted. The star shows line strength variations of all observed elements with the rotation period. Variations of radial velocity, line strength and line shape of silicon lines and their relationships can be explained by assuming two large spots on the stellar surface showing enhanced line strength. From Balmer lines we deduce different temperatures of the star for different rotation phases. The observed difference in amplitudes of the variation of Mg ii and Si ii lines supports the assumption of surface regions of different temperature on this presumably magnetic Cp star. Synthetic uvby colors computed from adapted synthetic spectra confirm the high photometric amplitude reported for the 2003 light curves.

Chemically peculiar stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud

Context. The detection of magnetic chemically peculiar (CP2) stars in open clusters of extragalactic systems can give observational answers to many unsolved questions. For example, one can study the influence of different global as well local environments on the lack of and presence of peculiarities. Aims. The mean percentage of CP2 stars in the Milky Way is of the order of 5% for the spectral range from early B- to F-type, luminosity class V objects. The origin of the CP2 phenomenon seems to be closely connected to the overall metallicity and global magnetic field environment. The theoretical models are still only tested by observations in the Milky Way. It is therefore essential to provide high quality observations in rather different global environments. Methods. The young clusters NGC 2136/7 were observed in the ∆a photometric system. This intermediate band photometric system samples the depth of the 520 nm flux depression by comparing the flux at the center with the adjacent regions with bandwidths of 11 nm to 23 nm. The ∆a photometric system is most suitable for detecting CP2 stars with high efficiency, but is also capable of detecting a small percentage of non-magnetic CP objects. Furthermore, the groups of (metal-weak) λ Bootis, as well as classical Be/shell stars, can be successfully investigated. Results. We present high precision photometric ∆a observations of 417 objects in NGC 2136/7 and its surrounding field, of which five turned out to be bona fide magnetic CP stars. In addition, we discovered two Be/Ae stars. Conclusions. From our investigations of NGC 1711, NGC 1866, NGC 2136/7, their surroundings, and one independent field of the LMC population, we derive an occurrence of classical chemically peculiar stars of 2.2(6)% in the LMC, which is only half the value found in the Milky Way. The mass and age distribution of the photometrically detected CP stars is not different from that of similar objects in galactic open clusters.

Spectroscopic observations of pulsations in roAp stars

Spectacular progress in the observational study of rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) stars has been achieved by considering high timeand spectral-resolution spectroscopy in addition to the classical high-speed photometric measurements. Such observations led to the discovery of a multitude of unexpected phenomena, generally pointing to an extreme vertical chemical non-uniformity of the atmospheres of magnetic CP stars. A detailed analysis of spectroscopic pulsational behaviour allows us to establish a relationship between pulsations and the vertical stratification of the chemical elements. This has become possible with the use of a Very Large Telescope on relatively bright stars. Using Extremely Large Telescopes promises farther heights for asteroseismology.