Peculiar Stars Research Articles

Magnetic Fields of Chemically Peculiar and Related Stars. VII. Main Results of 2020 and Near-Future Prospects

We present a review of the papers written in the field of stellar magnetism studies in 2020. More than 70 original papers related to different areas of the specified scientific topics have been analyzed. Instruments, methods of analysis, and software are considered, as well as: chemically peculiar stars and their identification; magnetic fields, chemical abundance, and photometry of chemically peculiar stars; magnetic white dwarfs, active cool stars and other objects. In the field of stellar magnetism research, 6–7 scientific groups continue to work actively using the world’s largest telescopes, which fact indicates the relevance and importance of the problem under study.

Features of the Behavior of Magnetic Chemically Peculiar Stars on the Main Sequence I

Features of the Behavior of Magnetic Chemically Peculiar Stars on the Main Sequence I

Échelle spectroscopy of the chemically peculiar star θ1 Ori F

ABSTRACT We analyse Échelle spectra of θ1 Ori F obtained by us on six nights unevenly distributed along 6 yr; we identify several hundred spectral lines and measure, for the first time, the star’s heliocentric radial velocity. We also collect and discuss previously published photometry of θ1 Ori F. We find that θ1 Ori F is a chemically peculiar (CP) star with overabundant silicon and phosphorus, and possibly other elements as well. From the singly ionized Fe, Cr and Ti lines we estimate its spectral type to be between B7 and B8. The radial velocity of θ1 Ori F is possibly marginally variable, with an average of 24 ± 4.2 km s−1 (standard deviation), in good agreement with the mean radial velocity of the Orion Nebula Cluster members, and about 5 km s−1 smaller than the average of the other Trapezium components. We cast doubt on the coeval nature of this star relative to the other Trapezium components, and present arguments that almost certainly exclude its membership to the Orion Trapezium. θ1 Ori F turns out to be enigmatic in several respects, and is probably an important link for understanding the evolutionary stage at which the CP phenomenon sets on.

APOGEE-2S Discovery of Light- and Heavy-element Abundance Correlations in the Bulge Globular Cluster NGC 6380

Abstract We derive abundance ratios for nine stars in the relatively high-metallicity bulge globular cluster NGC 6380. We find a mean cluster metallicity between [Fe/H] = −0.80 and −0.73, with no clear evidence for a variation in iron abundances beyond the observational errors. Stars with strongly enhanced [N/Fe] abundance ratios populate the cluster and are anticorrelated with [C/Fe], trends that are considered a signal of the multiple-population phenomenon in this cluster. We detect an apparent intrinsic star-to-star spread (≳0.27 dex) in the slow neutron-capture process element (s-element) Ce ii. Moreover, the [Ce/Fe] abundance ratio exhibits a likely correlation with [N/Fe], and a somewhat weaker correlation with [Al/Fe]. If confirmed, NGC 6380 could be the first high-metallicity globular cluster where a N–Ce correlation is detected. Furthermore, this correlation suggests that Ce may also be an element involved in the multiple-population phenomenon. Currently, a consensus interpretation for the origin of the this apparent N–Ce correlation in high-metallicity clusters is lacking. We tentatively suggest that it could be reproduced by different channels—low-mass asymptotic giant branch stars in the high-metallicity regime or fast-rotating massive stars (“spinstars”), due to the rotational mixing. It may also be the cumulative effect of several pollution events including the occurrence of peculiar stars. Our findings should guide stellar nucleosynthesis models, in order to understand the reasons for its apparent exclusivity in relatively high-metallicity globular clusters.

MG1-688432: A Peculiar Variable System

Abstract The short-period variable star MG1-688432 has been discovered to exhibit occasional extremely high energy optical outbursts as high as 1038 erg. Outbursts are typically several hours in duration. These events are often highly structured, resembling sequential associated releases of energy. Twenty years of time sequence photometry are presented, indicating a basic sinusoidal light curve of mean period 6.65 days, with some phase shifting and long-term temporal trends in amplitude and mean brightness. Spectroscopy reveals a peculiar star, best resembling a K3 subgiant that has evolved off the main sequence moderately redward of the giant branch. Spectroscopic and radial velocity analyses indicate a binary system orbiting its barycenter with an unseen companion to the K3 IV primary. This is not an eclipsing system, with the inclination of the orbit precluding eclipse by the secondary. The system is at a distance of 1.5 kpc, and analysis of Gaia observations leads to the conclusion that the H-R diagram position of MG1-688432 is established by an intrinsic feature of the system, most likely either the stellar evolutionary state of the observed star or the presence of small (nongray) dust within the system. Two mechanisms (or combinations thereof) that might give rise to characteristics of the system are (1) magnetically induced chromospheric activity and (2) impacts with tidally disrupted planetary debris.

Discovery and confirmation of the shortest gamma-ray burst from a collapsar

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are among the brightest and most energetic events in the universe. The duration and hardness distribution of GRBs has two clusters, now understood to reflect (at least) two different progenitors. Short-hard GRBs (SGRBs; T90 <2 s) arise from compact binary mergers, while long-soft GRBs (LGRBs; T90 >2 s) have been attributed to the collapse of peculiar massive stars (collapsars). The discovery of SN 1998bw/GRB 980425 marked the first association of a LGRB with a collapsar and AT 2017gfo/GRB 170817A/GW170817 marked the first association of a SGRB with a binary neutron star merger, producing also gravitational wave (GW). Here, we present the discovery of ZTF20abwysqy (AT2020scz), a fast-fading optical transient in the Fermi Satellite and the InterPlanetary Network (IPN) localization regions of GRB 200826A; X-ray and radio emission further confirm that this is the afterglow. Follow-up imaging (at rest-frame 16.5 days) reveals excess emission above the afterglow that cannot be explained as an underlying kilonova (KN), but is consistent with being the supernova (SN). Despite the GRB duration being short (rest-frame T90 of 0.65 s), our panchromatic follow-up data confirms a collapsar origin. GRB 200826A is the shortest LGRB found with an associated collapsar; it appears to sit on the brink between a successful and a failed collapsar. Our discovery is consistent with the hypothesis that most collapsars fail to produce ultra-relativistic jets.

TESS survey of rotational and pulsational variability of mercury–manganese stars

ABSTRACT Mercury–manganese (HgMn) stars are late-B upper main sequence chemically peculiar stars distinguished by large overabundances of heavy elements, slow rotation, and frequent membership in close binary systems. These stars lack strong magnetic fields typical of magnetic Bp stars but occasionally exhibit non-uniform surface distributions of chemical elements. The physical origin and the extent of this spot formation phenomenon remain unknown. Here, we use 2-min cadence light curves of 64 HgMn stars observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) during the first 2 yr of its operation to investigate the incidence of rotational modulation and pulsations among HgMn stars. We found rotational variability with amplitudes of 0.1–3 mmag in 84 per cent of the targets, indicating ubiquitous presence of star-spots on HgMn-star surfaces. Rotational period measurements reveal six fast-rotating stars with periods below 1.2 d, including one ultra-fast rotator (HD 14228) with a 0.34-d period. We also identify several HgMn stars showing multiperiodic g-mode pulsations, tidally induced variation and eclipses in binary systems.

New magnetic chemically peculiar stars and candidates in the ATLAS first catalogue of variable stars

ABSTRACT The number of known variable stars has increased by several magnitudes over the last decade, and automated classification routines are becoming increasingly important to cope with this development. Here we show that the ‘upside-down CBH variables’, which were proposed as a potentially new class of variable stars by Heinze et al. in the ATLAS First Catalogue of Variable Stars, are, at least to a high percentage, made up of α2 Canum Venaticorum (ACV) variables – that is, photometrically variable magnetic chemically peculiar (CP2/He-peculiar) stars – with distinct double-wave light curves. Using suitable selection criteria, we identified 264 candidate ACV variables in the ATLAS variable star catalogue. 62 of these objects were spectroscopically confirmed with spectra from the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fibre Spectroscopic Telescope (all new discoveries except for nine stars) and classified on the MK system. The other 202 stars are here presented as ACV star candidates that require spectroscopic confirmation. The vast majority of our sample of stars are main-sequence objects. Derived masses range from 1.4 M⊙ to 5 M⊙, with half our sample stars being situated in the range from 2 M⊙ to 2.4 M⊙, in good agreement with the spectral classifications. Most stars belong to the thin or thick disc; four objects, however, classify as members of the halo population. With a peak magnitude distribution at around 14th magnitude, the here presented stars are situated at the faint end of the known Galactic mCP star population. Our study highlights the need to consider rare variability classes, like ACV variables, in automated classification routines.

Searching for Gamma-Ray Binaries in Multiwavelength Catalogs

The number of gamma-ray binaries currently known is still so small that even a new finding represents a significant expansion of its population. We present a possible hunting strategy based on screening different catalogs to filter potential peculiar stars consistent with gamma-ray sources whose association at lower energies is not yet certain. So far, two candidate systems have emerged from this process; we report about them here.

New eclipsing binaries with mercury–manganese stars

ABSTRACT Eclipsing binary stars are rare and extremely valuable astrophysical laboratories that make possible precise determination of fundamental stellar parameters. Investigation of early-type chemically peculiar stars in eclipsing binaries provides important information for understanding the origin and evolutionary context of their anomalous surface chemistry. In this study, we discuss observations of eclipse variability in six mercury–manganese (HgMn) stars monitored by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) satellite. These discoveries double the number of known eclipsing HgMn stars and yield several interesting objects requiring further study. In particular, we confirm eclipses in HD 72208, thereby establishing this object as the longest-period eclipsing HgMn star. Among five other eclipsing binaries, reported here for the first time, HD 36892 and HD 53004 stand out as eccentric systems showing heartbeat variability in addition to eclipses. The latter object has the highest eccentricity among eclipsing HgMn stars and also exhibits tidally induced oscillations. Finally, we find evidence that HD 55776 may be orbited by a white dwarf companion.

Rotational variation in the chemically peculiar B0 star θ Car as seen by TESS

ABSTRACT θ Car is a bright well studied B0 type star in a close binary (Porb = 2.2 d) with an unseen companion. The system has enjoyed extensive spectroscopic characterization at multiple wavelengths, revealing narrow X-ray lines, a soft X-ray tail, and chemical peculiarities. The star was recently observed in high-cadence photometric time-series by the NASA TESS satellite. In this paper, we investigate the photometric variability and demonstrate that it is likely associated with surface brightness inhomogeneities rather than orbital modulation. We investigate the potential distribution of surface features required to produce the observed variability, and report a new rotational period of Prot = 2.2034 d to be commensurate with the orbital period.

Helium diffusion in magnetic stellar atmospheres of early B-type stars

Context. The treatment of diffusion in stellar atmospheres of chemically peculiar stars is complex and difficult to model and has been treated mainly in A-type and late B-type stars. Vertical stratification is very often fixed from ad hoc chemical distribution profiles obtained by combining high-resolution spectropolarimetric observations and magnetic Doppler imaging techniques. Aims. Our goal is to improve the modelling of diffusion in magnetic B-type stars and reproduce non-homogeneous surface distributions in helium-peculiar stars. Moreover, we aim to predict the photospheric vertical stratification by self-consistently calculating atomic diffusion in the presence of magnetic fields. Methods. We solved the flow equations that describe gravitational settling along with thermal and chemical diffusion in stellar atmospheres under the influence of magnetic fields. We based the atomic diffusion on a previous treatment, which considers a mix of gases with various relative velocities. We took advantage of calculations from the literature on the stellar evolution of white dwarf stars. In this study, we neglected the effect of the radiative acceleration. Results. We described the helium abundance with latitude and depth in hot and intermediate spectral B-type stars considering diffusion processes with and without magnetic fields. We found variations in the number density of atoms between the magnetic pole and the equator that depend on the direction of the Lorentz force. This effect leads to under- or over-abundances in helium, giving the appearance of rings (equator) or spots (pole). However, the chemical profile found does not reproduce the strength of the helium lines. Conclusions. We concluded that the resulting chemical profiles computed with diffusion processes under the approximation of effective atoms describe the behaviour observed in the helium lines in He peculiar stars but it does not explain the observed strength. Other mechanisms in addition to diffusion, such as stellar winds, should be explored in detail.

Magnetic chemically peculiar stars investigated by the Solar Mass Ejection Imager

ABSTRACT Since the discovery of the spectral peculiarities of their prototype α2 Canum Venaticorum in 1897, the so-called ACV variables, which are comprised of several groups of chemically peculiar stars of the upper main sequence, have been the target of numerous photometric and spectroscopic studies. Especially for the brighter ACV variables, continuous observations over about a century are available, which are important to study long-term effects such as period changes or magnetic cycles in these objects. This work presents an analysis of 165 Ap/CP2 and He-weak/CP4 stars using light curves obtained by the Solar Mass Ejection Imager (SMEI) between the years 2003 and 2011. These data fill an important gap in observations for bright ACV variables between the Hipparcos and TESS satellite missions. Using specifically tailored data treatment and period search approaches, we find variability in the accuracy limit of the employed data in 84 objects. The derived periods are in excellent agreement with the literature; for one star, the here presented solution represents the first published period. We discuss the apparently constant stars and the corresponding level of non-variability. From an investigation of our target star sample in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram, we deduce ages between 100 Myr and 1 Gyr for the majority of our sample stars. Our results support that the variable CP2/4 stars are in a more advanced evolutionary state and that He and Si peculiarities, preferentially found in the hotter, and thus more massive, CP stars, produce larger spots or spots of higher contrast.

V680 Mon – a young mercury–manganese star in an eclipsing heartbeat system

ABSTRACT Chemically peculiar stars in eclipsing binary systems are rare objects that allow the derivation of fundamental stellar parameters and important information on evolutionary status and the origin of the observed chemical peculiarities. Here we present an investigation of the known eclipsing binary system BD+09 1467 = V680 Mon. Using spectra from the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) and own observations, we identify the primary component of the system as a mercury–manganese (HgMn/CP3) star (spectral type kB9 hB8 HeB9 V HgMn). Furthermore, photometric time series data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) indicate that the system is a ‘heartbeat star’, a rare class of eccentric binary stars with short-period orbits that exhibit a characteristic signature near the time of periastron in their light curves due to the tidal distortion of the components. Using all available photometric observations, we present an updated ephemeris and binary system parameters as derived from a modelling of the system with the elisa code, which indicate that the secondary star has an effective temperature of Teff = $8300_{-200}^{+200}$ (spectral type ∼A4). V680 Mon is only the fifth known eclipsing CP3 star, and the first one in a heartbeat binary. Furthermore, our results indicate that the star is located on the zero-age main sequence and a possible member of the open cluster NGC 2264. As such, it lends itself perfectly for detailed studies and may turn out to be a keystone in the understanding of the development of CP3 star peculiarities.

Homogeneous analysis of globular clusters from the APOGEE survey with the BACCHUS code – III. ω Cen

ABSTRACT We study the multiple populations of ω Cen by using the abundances of Fe, C, N, O, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, and Ce from the high-resolution, high signal-to-noise (S/N &amp;gt; 70) spectra of 982 red giant stars observed by the SDSS-IV/APOGEE-2 survey. We find that the shape of the Al–Mg and N–C anticorrelations changes as a function of metallicity, continuous for the metal-poor groups, but bimodal (or unimodal) at high metallicities. There are four Fe populations, similarly to previous literature findings, but we find seven populations based on Fe, Al, and Mg abundances. The evolution of Al in ω Cen is compared to its evolution in the Milky Way and in five representative globular clusters. We find that the distribution of Al in metal-rich stars of ω Cen closely follows what is observed in the Galaxy. Other α-elements and C, N, O, and Ce are also compared to the Milky Way, and significantly elevated abundances are observed over what is found in the thick disc for almost all elements. However, we also find some stars with high metallicity and low [Al/Fe], suggesting that ω Cen could be the remnant core of a dwarf galaxy, but the existence of these peculiar stars needs an independent confirmation. We also confirm the increase in the sum of CNO as a function of metallicity previously reported in the literature and find that the [C/N] ratio appears to show opposite correlations between Al-poor and Al-rich stars as a function of metallicity.

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.

Detection of the Hg ii Line at 3983.93 Å in One Optical Spectrum of Maia

Abstract Evidence is reported for the first time for the presence of the Hg ii line in a Narval I profile of Maia, the fourth brightest member of the Pleiades open cluster. The Hg ii line in Maia absorbs about 2% of the local continuum and can be reproduced with an overabundance of mercury of about 4000 times the solar mercury abundance. This line is probably variable suggesting that mercury might be distributed in spot(s) over the surface of Maia. Maia is currently classified as a He-weak Mn star, it should probably be reclassified as a HgMn star.

AGB and RGB stars in the dwarf irregular galaxy Leo A

Context. Leo A is a gas-rich dwarf irregular galaxy of low stellar mass located in the outskirts of the Local Group. It has an extended star formation history with stellar populations spanning a wide age range (∼0.01−10 Gyr). As Leo A is a well-isolated dwarf galaxy, it is a perfect target to study a galactic structure formed entirely by processes of self-induced star formation. Aims. Our aim is to study populations of the brightest asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars and red giant branch (RGB) stars over the entire extent of the Leo A galaxy. Methods. We analysed populations of AGB and RGB stars in the Leo A galaxy using multicolour photometry data obtained with the Subaru Suprime-Cam (B, V, R, I, Hα) and HST ACS (F475W, F814W) cameras. In order to separate the Milky Way and Leo A populations of red stars, we developed a photometric method that enabled us to study the spatial distribution of AGB and RGB stars within the Leo A galaxy. Results. We found a previously unknown sequence of 26 peculiar RGB stars which probably have a strong CN band in their spectra (∼380−390 nm). This conclusion is supported by the infrared CN spectral features observed in four of these stars with available spectra from the literature. Additionally, we present a catalogue of 32 luminous AGB stars and 3 candidate AGB stars. Twelve AGB stars (three of them might have dusty envelopes) from this sample are newly identified; the remaining 20 AGB stars were already presented in the literature based on near-infrared observations. By splitting the RGB sequence into blue and red parts, we revealed different spatial distributions of the two subsets, with the former being more centrally concentrated than the latter. Cross-identification with spectroscopic data available in the literature suggests that the bulk of blue and red RGB stars are, on average, similar in metallicity; however, the red RGB stars might have an excess of metal-deficient stars of [Fe/H] &lt; −1.8. We also found that the distributions of luminous AGB and blue RGB stars have nearly equal scale lengths (0.′87 ± 0.′06 and 0.′89 ± 0.′09, respectively), indicating that they could belong to the same generation. This conclusion is strengthened by the similarities of the cumulative distributions of AGB and blue RGB stars, both showing more centrally concentrated populations compared to red RGB stars. There is also a prominent decline in the ratio of AGB to RGB stars with an increasing radius. These results suggest that the star-forming disk of Leo A is shrinking, which is in agreement with the outside-in star formation scenario of dwarf galaxy evolution.

Chemical analysis of early-type stars with planets

Aims. Our goal is to explore the chemical pattern of early-type stars with planets, searching for a possible signature of planet formation. In particular, we study a likely relation between the λ Boötis chemical pattern and the presence of giant planets. Methods. We performed a detailed abundance determination in a sample of early-type stars with and without planets via spectral synthesis. Fundamental parameters were initially estimated using Strömgren photometry or literature values and then refined by requiring excitation and ionization balances of Fe lines. We derived chemical abundances for 23 different species by fitting observed spectra with an iterative process. Synthetic spectra were calculated using the program SYNTHE together with local thermodynamic equilibrium ATLAS12 model atmospheres. We used specific opacities calculated for each star, depending on the individual composition and microturbulence velocity vmicro through the opacity sampling method. The complete chemical pattern of the stars were then compared to those of λ Boötis stars and other chemically peculiar stars. Results. We compared the chemical pattern of the stars in our sample (13 stars with planets and 24 stars without detected planets) with those of λ Boötis and other chemically peculiar stars. We have found four λ Boötis stars in our sample, two of which present planets and circumstellar disks (HR 8799 and HD 169142) and one without planets detected (HD 110058). We have also identified the first λ Boötis star orbited by a brown dwarf (ζ Del). This interesting pair, the λ Boötis star and brown dwarf, could help to test stellar formation scenarios. We found no unique chemical pattern for the group of early-type stars bearing giant planets. However, our results support, in principle, a suggested scenario in which giant planets orbiting pre-main-sequence stars possibly block the dust of the disk and result in a λ Boötis-like pattern. On the other hand, we do not find a λ Boötis pattern in different hot-Jupiter planet host stars, which does not support the idea of possible accretion from the winds of hot-Jupiters, recently proposed in the literature. As a result, other mechanisms should account for the presence of the λ Boötis pattern between main-sequence stars. Finally, we suggest that the formation of planets around λ Boötis stars, such as HR 8799 and HD 169142, is also possible through the core accretion process and not only gravitational instability.

Multiple Populations in Low-mass Globular Clusters: Palomar 13

Abstract Since the discovery of chemically peculiar stars in globular clusters in the last century, the study of multiple populations has become increasingly important, given that chemical inhomogeneity is found in almost all globular clusters. Despite various proposed theories attempting to explain this phenomenon, fitting all the observational evidence in globular clusters with one single theory remains notoriously difficult and currently unsuccessful. In order to improve existing models and motivate new ones, we are observing globular clusters at critical conditions, e.g., metal-rich end, metal-poor end, and low mass end. In this paper, we present our first attempt to investigate multiple populations in low mass globular clusters. We obtained low-resolution spectra around 4000 Å of 30 members of the globular cluster Palomar 13 using OSIRIS/Multi-object spectrograph mounted at the Gran Telescopio Canarias. The membership of red giant branch stars is confirmed by the latest proper motions from Gaia DR2 and literature velocities. After comparing the measured CN and CH spectral indices with those of the stellar models, we found a clear sign of nitrogen variation among the red giant branch stars. Palomar 13 may be the lowest mass globular cluster showing multiple populations.