Model Atmosphere Spectra Research Articles

Soft X-ray emission from the classical nova AT 2018bej

Context. Classical novae are known to demonstrate a supersoft X-ray source (SSS) state following outbursts. This state is associated with residual thermonuclear burning on the white dwarf (WD) surface. During its all-sky survey (eRASS1), the eROSITA telescope on board the Spectrum-Roentgen-Gamma observatory discovered a bright new SSS, whose position is consistent with the known classical nova AT 2018bej in the Large Magellanic Cloud. There were two eROSITA spectra obtained during the eRASS1 and eRASS2 monitoring epochs and one XMM-Newton grating spectrum close to the eRASS1 epoch. Aims. We aim to describe the eROSITA and follow-up XMM-Newton spectra of AT 2018bej with our local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) atmosphere models. We focussed on the evolution of the hot WD properties between the eRASS1 and eRASS2 epochs, especially with respect to the change in carbon abundance. Methods. A grid of LTE model atmosphere spectra was calculated for different values of the effective temperature (from Teff = 525 to 700 kK in steps of 25 kK), surface gravity (six values), and chemical composition, assuming approximately equal hydrogen and helium number fractions, and five different values of carbon and nitrogen abundances. Results. Both eRASS1 and XMM 0.3–0.6 keV spectral analyses yield a temperature of the WD of Teff~ 600 kK and a WD radius of 8000–8700 km. A simultaneous fitting of the eROSITA spectra for two epochs (eRASS1 and eRASS2) with a common WD mass parameter demonstrates a decrease in Teff, accompanied by an increase in the WD radius and a decrease in the carbon abundance. However, these changes are marginal and remain within the errors. The derived WD mass is estimated to be 1.05–1.15 M⊙. Conclusions. We traced a minor evolution of the source on a half-year timescale accompanied by a decrease in the carbon abundance and concluded that LTE model atmospheres can be used to analyse the available X-ray spectra of classical novae during their SSS state.

Application of hydrostatic local thermodynamic equilibrium atmosphere models to interpretations of supersoft X-ray source spectra

Supersoft X-ray sources (SSSs) are accreting white dwarfs (WDs) with stable or recurrent thermonuclear burning on their surfaces. High-resolution X-ray spectra of such objects are rather complex, often consist of several components, and are difficult to interpret accurately. The main emission source is the hot surface of the WD and the emergent radiation can potentially be described by hot WD model atmospheres. We present a new set of such model atmosphere spectra computed in the effective temperature range from 100 kK to 1000 kK, for eight values of surface gravity and three different chemical compositions. These compositions correspond to the solar one as well as to the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, with decreased heavy element abundances, at one-half and one-tenth of the solar value. The presented model grid covers a broad range of physical parameters and, thus, it can be applied to a wide range of objects. It is also publicly available in XSPEC format. As an illustration, we applied it here for the interpretation of Chandra and XMM grating spectra of two classical SSSs, namely, CAL 83 (RX J0543.5–6823) and RX J0513.9–6951. The obtained effective temperatures and surface gravities of Teff ≈ 560 kK, log g ≈ 8.6–8.7, and Teff ≈ 630 kK, log g ≈ 8.5–8.6, respectively, are in a good agreement with previous estimations for both sources. The derived WD mass estimations are within 1.1–1.4 M⊙ for CAL 83 and 1.15–1.4 M⊙ for RX J0513.9–6951. The mass of the WD in CAL 83 is consistent with the mass predicted from the respective model of recurrent thermonuclear burning.

Spectroscopic survey of faint planetary-nebula nuclei – I. Six new ‘O vi’ central stars

ABSTRACTWe report initial results from an ongoing spectroscopic survey of central stars of faint planetary nebulae (PNe), obtained with the Low-Resolution Spectrograph on the Hobby–Eberly Telescope. The six PN nuclei (PNNi) discussed here all have strong emission at the O vi 3811–3834 Å doublet, indicative of very high temperatures. Five of them – the nuclei of Ou 2, Kn 61, Kn 15, Abell 72, and Kn 130 – belong to the hydrogen-deficient PG 1159 class, showing a strong absorption feature of He ii and C iv at 4650–4690 Å. Based on exploratory comparisons with synthetic model-atmosphere spectra, and the presence of Ne viii emission lines, we estimate them to have effective temperatures of order 170 000 K. The central star of Kn 15 has a Wolf–Rayet-like spectrum, with strong and broad emission lines of He ii, C iv, N v, and O v–vi. We classify it [WO2], but we note that the N v 4604–4620 Å emission doublet is extremely strong, indicating a relatively high nitrogen abundance. Several of the emission lines in Kn 15 vary in equivalent width by factors as large as 1.5 among our four observations from 2019 to 2022, implying significant variations in the stellar mass-loss rate. We encourage spectroscopic monitoring. Follow-up high-time-resolution photometry of these stars would be of interest, given the large fraction of pulsating variables seen among PG 1159 and [WO] PNNi.

New Candidate Extreme T Subdwarfs from the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 Citizen Science Project

Abstract Schneider et al. presented the discovery of WISEA J041451.67−585456.7 and WISEA J181006.18−101000.5, which appear to be the first examples of extreme T-type subdwarfs (esdTs; metallicity ≤−1 dex, T eff ≲ 1400 K). Here, we present new discoveries and follow-up of three T-type subdwarf candidates, with an eye toward expanding the sample of such objects with very low metallicity and extraordinarily high kinematics, properties that suggest membership in the Galactic halo. Keck/NIRES near-infrared spectroscopy of WISEA J155349.96+693355.2, a fast-moving object discovered by the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 citizen science project, confirms that it is a mid-T subdwarf. With H W2 = 22.3 mag, WISEA J155349.96+693355.2 has the largest W2 reduced proper motion among all spectroscopically confirmed L and T subdwarfs, suggesting that it may be kinematically extreme. Nevertheless, our modeling of the WISEA J155349.96+693355.2 near-infrared spectrum indicates that its metallicity is only mildly subsolar. In analyzing the J155349.96+693355.2 spectrum, we present a new grid of low-temperature, low-metallicity model atmosphere spectra. We also present the discoveries of two new esdT candidates, CWISE J073844.52−664334.6 and CWISE J221706.28−145437.6, based on their large motions and colors similar to those of the two known esdT objects. Finding more esdT examples is a critical step toward mapping out the spectral sequence and observational properties of this newly identified population.

Accurate Ray-tracing of Realistic Neutron Star Atmospheres for Constraining Their Parameters

Abstract Thermal-dominated X-ray spectra of neutron stars in quiescent, transient X-ray binaries and neutron stars that undergo thermonuclear bursts are sensitive to mass and radius. The mass–radius relation of neutron stars depends on the equation of state (EoS) that governs their interior. Constraining this relation accurately is therefore of fundamental importance to understand the nature of dense matter. In this context, we introduce a pipeline to calculate realistic model spectra of rotating neutron stars with hydrogen and helium atmospheres. An arbitrarily fast-rotating neutron star with a given EoS generates the spacetime in which the atmosphere emits radiation. We use the Lorene/nrotstar code to compute the spacetime numerically and the Atm24 code to solve the radiative transfer equations self-consistently. Emerging specific intensity spectra are then ray-traced through the neutron star’s spacetime from the atmosphere to a distant observer with the Gyoto code. Here, we present and test our fully relativistic numerical pipeline. To discuss and illustrate the importance of realistic atmosphere models, we compare our model spectra to simpler models like the commonly used isotropic color-corrected blackbody emission. We highlight the importance of considering realistic model-atmosphere spectra together with relativistic ray-tracing to obtain accurate predictions. We also insist upon the crucial impact of the star’s rotation on the observables. Finally, we close a controversy that has been ongoing in the literature in the recent years, regarding the validity of the Atm24 code.

The optical + infrared L dwarf spectral sequence of young planetary-mass objects in the Upper Scorpius association

We present the results of photometric and spectroscopic follow-ups of the lowest mass member candidates in the nearest OB association, Upper Scorpius (5-10 Myr; 145+/-17 pc), with the Gran Telescopio de Canarias (GTC) and European Southern Observatory (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT). We confirm the membership of the large majority (>80%) of the candidates selected originally photometrically and astrometrically based on their spectroscopic features, weak equivalent widths of gravity-sensitive doublets, and radial velocities. Confirmed members follow a sequence over a wide magnitude range (J=17.0-19.3 mag) in several colour-magnitude diagrams with optical, near-, and mid-infrared photometry, and have near-infrared spectral types in the L1-L7 interval with likely masses below 15 Jupiter masses. We find that optical spectral types tend to be earlier than near-infrared spectral types by a few subclasses for spectral types later than M9. We investigate the behaviour of spectral indices defined in the literature as a function of spectral type and gravity by comparison with values reported in the literature for young and old dwarfs. We also derive effective temperatures in the 1900-1600K from fits of synthetic model-atmosphere spectra to the observed photometry but we caution the procedure carries large uncertainties. We determine bolometric corrections for young L dwarfs with ages of ~5-10 Myr (Upper Sco association) and find them similar in the J-band but larger by 0.1-0.4 mag in the K-band with respect to field L dwarfs. Finally, we discovered two faint young L dwarfs, VISTAJ1607-2146 (L4.5) and VISTAJ1611-2215 (L5) that have H$\alpha$ emission and possible flux excesses at 4.5 microns, pointing towards the presence of accretion from a disk onto the central objects of mass below ~15 Jupiter masses at the age of 5-10 Myr.

Spectral analysis of BD+30°623, the peculiar binary central star of the planetary nebula NGC 1514★

NGC 1514 is a complex planetary nebula with a peculiar binary central star (BD+30$^{\circ}$623) consisting of a cool star and a hot companion. To date, the parameters of the two stars have not been firmly stablished. We present a detailed spectral analysis of BD+30$^{\circ}$623 based on intermediate-resolution CAFOS optical spectra and IUE ultraviolet spectra with the goal of deriving the parameters of the two stars. For this purpose, we used an extensive composite grid of Kurucz and T\"ubingen NLTE Model-Atmosphere spectra. From the fitting procedure, in terms of the minimum $\chi^{2}$ method, the best models obtained correspond to an Horizontal-Branch A0 star with $T_{\rm eff}$ = 9850$\pm$150 K, log g = 3.50$\pm$0.25, and a hot companion with $T_{\rm eff}$ between 80000 K and 95000K and a log g $\simeq$ 5.5. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the parameters of both stars have been determined accurately through a detailed spectroscopic analysis.

CARBON NEUTRON STAR ATMOSPHERES

The accuracy of measuring the basic parameters of neutron stars is limited in particular by uncertainties in chemical composition of their atmospheres. For example, atmospheres of thermally - emitting neutron stars in supernova remnants might have exotic chemical compositions, and for one of them, the neutron star in CasA, a pure carbon atmosphere has recently been suggested by Ho & Heinke (2009). To test such a composition for other similar sources, a publicly available detailed grid of carbon model atmosphere spectra is needed. We have computed such a grid using the standard LTE approximation and assuming that the magnetic field does not exceed 10^8 G. The opacities and pressure ionization effects are calculated using the Opacity Project approach. We describe the properties of our models and investigate the impact of the adopted assumptions and approximations on the emergent spectra.

INTRINSIC COLORS, TEMPERATURES, AND BOLOMETRIC CORRECTIONS OF PRE-MAIN-SEQUENCE STARS

We present an analysis of the intrinsic colors and temperatures of 5-30 Myr old pre-main sequence (pre-MS) stars using the F0 through M9 type members of nearby, negligibly reddened groups: Eta Cha cluster, TW Hydra Association, Beta Pic Moving Group, and Tucana-Horologium Association. To check the consistency of spectral types from the literature, we estimate new spectral types for 52 nearby pre-MS stars with spectral types F3 through M4 using optical spectra taken with the SMARTS 1.5-m telescope. Combining these new types with published spectral types, and photometry from the literature (Johnson-Cousins BVIc, 2MASS JHKs and WISE W1, W2, W3, and W4), we derive a new empirical spectral type-color sequence for 5-30 Myr old pre-MS stars. Colors for pre-MS stars match dwarf colors for some spectral types and colors, but for other spectral types and colors, deviations can exceed 0.3 mag. We estimate effective temperatures (Teff) and bolometric corrections (BCs) for our pre-MS star sample through comparing their photometry to synthetic photometry generated using the BT-Settl grid of model atmosphere spectra. We derive a new Teff and BC scale for pre-MS stars, which should be a more appropriate match for T Tauri stars than often-adopted dwarf star scales. While our new Teff scale for pre-MS stars is within ~100 K of dwarfs at a given spectral type for stars <G5, for G5 through K6, the pre-MS stars are ~250 K cooler than their main sequence counterparts. Lastly, we present (1) a modern Teff, optical/IR color, and bolometric correction sequence for O9V-M9V MS stars based on an extensive literature survey, (2) a revised Q-method relation for dereddening UBV photometry of OB-type stars, and (3) introduce two candidate spectral standard stars as representatives of spectral types K8V and K9V.

Thermal emission at 3.6–8 μm from WASP-19b: a hot Jupiter without a stratosphere orbiting an active star

We report detection of thermal emission from the exoplanet WASP-19b at 3.6, 4.5, 5.8 and 8.0 micron. We used the InfraRed Array Camera on the Spitzer Space Telescope to observe two occultations of WASP-19b by its host star. We combine our new detections with previous measurements of WASP-19b's emission at 1.6 and 2.09 micron to construct a spectral energy distribution of the planet's dayside atmosphere. By comparing this with model-atmosphere spectra, we find that the dayside atmosphere of WASP-19b lacks a strong temperature inversion. As WASP-19 is an active star (log RHK = -4.50 +/- 0.03), this finding supports the hypothesis of Knutson, Howard & Isaacson (2010) that inversions are suppressed in hot Jupiters orbiting active stars. The available data are unable to differentiate between a carbon-rich and an oxygen-rich atmosphere.

Lithium Depletion of Nearby Young Stellar Associations

We estimate cluster ages from lithium depletion in five pre-main-sequence groups found within 100 pc of the Sun: the TW Hydrae association, η Chamaeleontis cluster, β Pictoris moving group, Tucanae-Horologium association, and AB Doradus moving group. We determine surface gravities, effective temperatures, and lithium abundances for over 900 spectra through least-squares fitting to model-atmosphere spectra. For each group, we compare the dependence of lithium abundance on temperature with isochrones from pre-main-sequence evolutionary tracks to obtain model-dependent ages. We find that the η Cha cluster and the TW Hydrae association are the youngest, with ages of 12+/-6 Myr and 12+/-8 Myr, respectively, followed by the β Pic moving group at 21+/-9 Myr, the Tucanae-Horologium association at 27+/-11 Myr, and the AB Dor moving group at an age of at least 45 Myr (whereby we can only set a lower limit, since the models-unlike real stars-do not show much lithium depletion beyond this age). Here the ordering is robust, but the precise ages depend on our choice of both atmospheric and evolutionary models. As a result, while our ages are consistent with estimates based on Hertzsprung-Russell isochrone fitting and dynamical expansion, they are not yet more precise. Our observations do show that with improved models, much stronger constraints should be feasible, as the intrinsic uncertainties, as measured from the scatter between measurements from different spectra of the same star, are very low: around 10 K in effective temperature, 0.05 dex in surface gravity, and 0.03 dex in lithium abundance.

Theoretical model atmosphere spectra used for the calibration of infrared instruments

One of the key ingredients in establishing the relation between input signal and output flux from a spectrometer is accurate determination of the spectrophotometric calibration. In the case of spectrometers onboard satellites, the accuracy of this part of the calibration pedigree is ultimately linked to the accuracy of the set of reference SEDs that the spectrophotometric calibration is built on. In this paper, we deal with the spectrophotometric calibration of infrared (IR) spectrometers onboard satellites in the 2 to 200 micron range. We aim at comparing the different reference SEDs used for the IR spectrophotometric calibration. The emphasis is on the reference SEDs of stellar standards with spectral type later than A0, with special focus on the theoretical model atmosphere spectra. Using the MARCS model atmosphere code, spectral reference SEDs were constructed for a set of IR stellar standards (A dwarfs, solar analogs, G9-M0 giants). A detailed error analysis was performed to estimate proper uncertainties on the predicted flux values. It is shown that the uncertainty on the predicted fluxes can be as high as 10%, but in case high-resolution observational optical or near-IR data are available, and IR excess can be excluded, the uncertainty on medium-resolution SEDs can be reduced to 1-2% in the near-IR, to ~3% in the mid-IR, and to ~5% in the far-IR. Moreover, it is argued that theoretical stellar atmosphere spectra are at the moment the best representations for the IR fluxes of cool stellar standards. When aiming at a determination of the spectrophotometric calibration of IR spectrometers better than 3%, effort should be put into constructing an appropriate set of stellar reference SEDs based on theoretical atmosphere spectra for some 15 standard stars with spectral types between A0V and M0III.

Surface Temperature and Synthetic Spectral Energy Distributions for Rotationally Deformed Stars

Extreme deformation of a stellar surface, such as that produced by rapid rotation, causes the surface temperature and gravity to vary significantly with latitude. Thus, the spectral energy distribution (SED) of a nonspherical star could differ significantly from the SED of a spherical star with the same average temperature and luminosity. Calculation of the SED of a deformed star is often approximated as a composite of several spectra, each produced by a plane-parallel model of given effective temperature and gravity. The weighting of these spectra over the stellar surface, and hence the inferred effective temperature and luminosity, will be dependent on the inclination of the rotation axis of the star with respect to the observer, as well as the temperature and gravity distribution on the stellar surface. Here we calculate the surface conditions of rapidly rotating stars with a two-dimensional stellar structure and evolution code and compare the effective temperature distribution to that predicted by von Zeipel's law. We calculate the composite spectrum for a deformed star by interpolating within a grid of intensity spectra of plane-parallel model atmospheres and integrating over the surface of the star. This allows us to examine the SED for effects of inclination and degree of deformation based on the two-dimensional models. Using this method, we find that the deduced variation of effective temperature with inclination can be as much as 3000 K for an early B star, depending on the details of the underlying model. As a test case for our models, we examine the rapidly rotating star Achernar (α Eri, HD 10144). Recent interferometric observations have determined the star to be quite oblate. Combined with the ultraviolet SED measured by the OAO 2 satellite, we are able to make direct comparisons with observations.

CO bands in V4334 Sgr (Sakurai's Object): The $\mathsf{^{12}}$C/$\mathsf{^{13}}$C ratio

We present the results of our analysis of a high resolution (R � 30 000) infrared spectrum of V4334 Sgr (Sakurai's Object) around the first overtone CO bands, obtained in 1998 July. The 12 CO and 13 CO bands are well-resolved, and we compute synthetic hydrogen-deficient model atmosphere spectra to determine the 12 C/ 13 C ratio. We find 12 C/ 13 C � 4 ± 1, consistent with

A multiwavelength timing analysis of the eclipsing polar DP Leo

We present an analysis of the X-ray light curves of the magnetic cataclysmic variable DP Leo using recently per- formed XMM Newton EPIC and archival published and unpublished ROSAT PSPC observations. We combine the timings of the X-ray eclipses with timings derived from archival HST-observations and new optical observations with the photon counting OPTIMA camera. We determine the eclipse length at X-ray wavelengths to be 235 5 s, slightly longer than at ultra-violet wavelengths, where it lasts 225 s. A new orbital ephemeris is derived which connects the more than 120 000 binary cycles covered since 1979. It has a highly significant quadratic term, implying an orbital period change of ˙ P = 4:4 10 12 ss 1 , two orders of magnitude larger than being compatible with braking by gravitational radiation only. Over the last twenty years, the optical and X-ray bright phases display a continuous shift with respect to the eclipse center by2:1 yr 1 .O ver the last 8.5 years the shift of the X-ray bright phase is2:5 yr 1 . We interpret this as evidence of an asynchronously rotating white dwarf although synchronization oscillations cannot be ruled out completely. If the observed phase shift continues, a funda- mental rearrangement of the accretion geometry must occur on a time-scale of some ten years. Applying model atmosphere spectra to optical/UV eclipse light curves, we determine the temperature and mass of the white dwarf, the temperature and size of the optical/UV emitting spot and the distance to DP Leo to be Twd = 13 500 K, Mwd ' 0:6 M, Tspot = 32 000 K, Aspot ' 0:1 Awd ,a ndD= 400 pc, respectively. The implied inclination and mass ratio are i= 79:5 and Q= Mwd=M2 = 6:7. DP Leo is marginally detected at eclipse phase in X-rays. The upper limit eclipse flux is consistent with an origin on the late-type secondary, LX' 2:5 10 29 ergs s 1 (0.20 7.55 keV), at a distance of 400 pc.

Spectral and photometric evolution of simple stellar populations at various metallicities

A new set of evolutionary synthesis spectra are presented for Simple Stellar Populations (SSPs) covering ranges in metallicity from 0.02 � Z/Z⊙ � 2.5 and ages from 4 · 10 6 yrt � 16 Gyr. They are based on the most recent isochrones from the Padova group that extend earlier models by the inclusion of the thermal pulsing AGB phase for stars in the mass range 2 M⊙ � m � 7 M⊙ in accordance with the fuel consumption theorem. We show that with respect to earlier models, inclusion of the TP-AGB phase leads to significant changes in the (V I) and (V K) colors of SSPs in the age range from 10 8 to � 10 9 yr. Using model atmosphere spectra from Lejeune et al. (1997, 1998), we calculate the spectral evolution of single burst populations of various metallicities covering the wavelength range from 90 u through 160 � m. Isochrone spectra are convolved with filter response functions to describe the time evolution of luminosities and colors in Johnson, Thuan & Gunn, Koo, HST, Washington and Stromgren filters. The models and their results are not only intended for use in the interpretation of star clusters but also for combination with any kind of dynamical galaxy formation and/or evolution model that contains a star formation criterion. Moreover, the evolution of these single burst single metallicity stellar populations is readily folded with any kind of star formation - and eventually chemical enrichment - history to describe the evolutionary spectral synthesis of composite stellar populations like galaxies of any type with continuous or discontinuous star formation. For these latter purposes we also present the time evolution of ejection rates for gas and metals for two different Initial Mass Functions (IMFs) as well as cosmological and evolutionary corrections for all the filters as a function of redshift for 0 � z � 5 and two different cosmologies. Extensive data files are provided in the electronic version, at CDS, and at our above www-address.

The Accretion Disk and White Dwarf in the Short‐Period Dwarf Novae TY Piscium and V436 Centauri during Quiescence

ABSTRACTThe short‐period dwarf novae TY Psc and V436 Cen are SU UMa systems with very similar orbital periods, similar recurrence times for normal outbursts (∼23 days) and superoutbursts (∼340 days), and nearly identical outburst amplitudes. We have carried out high‐gravity model atmosphere and accretion disk synthetic spectra from the grid of Wade & Hubeny. The best‐fit stellar model spectrum, from spectral slope and line fitting, is a white dwarf photosphere having Teff = 25,000 K, log g = 8, and essentially solar chemical abundances, while the best‐fit optically thick accretion disk model, from spectral slope fitting, has Mwd = 0.55 M⊙, M˙ = 10-9.5 M⊙ yr−1, and an inclination i = 18°. The implied accretion rate is almost certainly too large for dwarf nova quiescence. The predicted fluxes using parameters from the photosphere and disk spectral slope fitting models reveal enormous differences compared with the observed luminosity using a reasonable distance estimate. For TY Psc, the predicted accretion disk luminosity is ∼100 times too luminous, while the stellar luminosity is too luminous by a factor of ∼10. For V436 Cen, the best‐fit high‐gravity model photosphere, from spectral slope fitting, yields Teff = 24,000 K, log g = 8, and essentially solar abundance, while the best‐fit accretion disk models, from spectral slope fitting, yield Mwd = 0.8 M⊙, M˙ = 10-10 M⊙ yr−1, and i = 75°. The presence of broad absorption troughs at unusual wavelength positions suggests the presence of an absorption curtain (upper disk atmosphere) in V436 Cen. The temperatures we have for TY Psc and V436 Cen are higher than normal for the accreting white dwarfs in dwarf novae below the period gap. This could indicate that the systems were not in the deepest level of quiescence when they were observed.

Probing Red Giant Atmospheres with Gravitational Microlensing

Gravitational microlensing provides a new technique for studying the surfaces of distant stars. Microlensing events are detected in real time and can be followed up with precision photometry and spectroscopy. This method is particularly adequate for studying red giants in the Galactic bulge. Recently we developed an efficient method capable of computing the lensing effect for thousands of frequencies in a high-resolution stellar spectrum. Here we demonstrate the effects of microlensing on synthesized optical spectra of red giant model atmospheres. We show that different properties of the stellar surface can be recovered from time-dependent photometry and spectroscopy of a point-mass microlensing event with a small impact parameter. In this study we concentrate on center-to-limb variation of spectral features. Measuring such variations can reveal the depth structure of the atmosphere of the source star.

A standard stellar library for evolutionary synthesis

A comprehensive hybrid library of synthetic stellar spectra based on three original grids of model atmosphere spectra by Kurucz (1995), Fluks et al. (1994), and Bessell et al. (1989, 1991) is presented. The combined library is intended for multiple-purpose synthetic photometry applications and is constructed in order (i) to cover the largest possible ranges in Teff, log g, and [M/H]), (ii) to provide flux spectra with useful resolution on the uniform grid of wavelengths, and (iii) to provide realistic synthetic broad-band colors for the largest possible parameter and wavelength ranges. For each value of the effective temperature and for each wavelength, we calculate the correction function that must be applied to a (theoretical) solar-abundance model flux spectrum which yields synthetic UBVRIJHKL colors matching the (empirical) color-temperature calibrations derived from observations. The calibration algorithm is designed to preserve the original differential grid properties implied by metallicity and/or luminosity changes in the new library. The corresponding color calibration is described in some detail.

Photometric determination of variations in the surface conditions for pulsating stars

Two sets of model atmosphere spectra have been used to determine variations of effective temperature, surface gravity, and radius from multicolour indices measured for pulsating stars. The two model atmosphere sets led to surface parameters that differ by considerably more than the measurement uncertainties.