Photometric Variability Research Articles

The Variability Structure Function of the Highest-Luminosity Quasars on Short Timescales

Abstract The stochastic photometric variability of quasars is known to follow a random-walk phenomenology on emission timescales of months to years. Some high-cadence restframe optical monitoring in the past has hinted at a suppression of variability amplitudes on shorter timescales of a few days or weeks, opening the question of what drives the suppression and how it might scale with quasar properties. Here, we study a few thousand of the highest-luminosity quasars in the sky, mostly in the luminosity range of Lbol=[46.4, 47.3] and redshift range of z = [0.7, 2.4]. We use a dataset from the NASA/ATLAS facility with nightly cadence, weather permitting, which has been used before to quantify strong regularity in longer-term restframe-UV variability. As we focus on a careful treatment of short timescales across the sample, we find that a linear function is sufficient to describe the UV variability structure function. Although the result can not rule out the existence of breaks in some groups completely, a simpler model is usually favoured under this circumstance. In conclusion, the data is consistent with a single-slope random walk across restframe timescales of Δt = [10, 250] days.

The curious case of 2MASS J15594729+4403595, an ultra-fast M2 dwarf with possible Rieger cycles

Context. RACE-OC (Rotation and ACtivity Evolution in Open Clusters) is a project aimed at characterising the rotational and magnetic activity properties of the late-type members of open clusters, stellar associations, and moving groups of different ages. The evolution in time of rotation and activity at different masses sheds light on the evolution of the stellar internal structure, on magneto-hydrodynamic processes operating in the stellar interior, and on the coupling and decoupling mechanisms between the radiative core and the external convective envelope. As part of this project, in the present paper we present the results of an investigation of a likely member of the AB Doradus association, the M-type star 2MASS J15594729+4403595. Aims. In the present study, we aim to reveal the real nature of our target, which turned out to be a hierarchical triple system, to derive the stellar rotation period and surface differential rotation, and to characterise its photospheric magnetic activity. Methods. We have collected radial velocity and photometric time series, complemented with archive data, to determine the orbital parameters and the rotation period and we have used the spot modelling technique to explore what causes its photometric variability. Results. We found 2MASS J15594729+4403595 to be a hierarchical triple system consisting of a dwarf, SB1 M2, and a companion, M8. The M2 star has a rotation period of P = 0.37 d, making it the fastest among M-type members of AB Dor. The most relevant result is the detection of a periodic variation in the spotted area on opposite stellar hemispheres, which resembles a sort of Rossby wave or Rieger-like cycles on an extremely short timescale. Another interesting result is the occurrence of a highly significant photometric periodicity, P = 0.443 d, which may be related to the stellar rotation in terms of either a Rossby wave or surface differential rotation. Conclusions. 2MASS J15594729+4403595 may be the prototype of a new class of extremely fast rotating stars exibiting short Rieger-like cycles. We shall further explore what may drive these short-duration cycles and we shall also search for similar stars to allow for a statistical analysis.

The Polar Vortex Hypothesis: Evolving, Spectrally Distinct Polar Regions Explain Short- and Long-term Light-curve Evolution and Color–Inclination Trends in Brown Dwarfs and Giant Exoplanets

Recent studies revealed viewing-angle-dependent color and spectral trends in brown dwarfs, as well as long-term photometric variability (∼100 hr). The origins of these trends are yet unexplained. Here, we propose that these seemingly unrelated sets of observations stem from the same phenomenon: the polar regions of brown dwarfs and directly imaged exoplanets are spectrally different from lower-latitude regions, and they evolve over longer timescales, possibly driven by polar vortices. We explore this hypothesis via a spatiotemporal atmosphere model capable of simulating time series and disk-integrated spectra of ultracool atmospheres. We study three scenarios with different spectral and temporal components: a null hypothesis without polar vortex, and two scenarios with polar vortices. We find that the scenarios with polar vortex can explain the observed infrared color–inclination trend and the variability amplitude–inclination trend. The presence of spectrally distinct, time-evolving polar regions in brown dwarfs and giant exoplanet atmospheres raises the possibility that one-dimensional static atmospheric models may be insufficient for reproducing ultracool atmospheres in detail.

Detecting Detached Black Hole Binaries through Photometric Variability

Understanding the connection between the properties of black holes (BHs) and their progenitors is interesting in many branches of astrophysics. Discovering BHs in detached orbits with luminous companions (LCs) promises to help establish this connection since the LC and BH progenitor are expected to have the same metallicity and formation time. We explore the possibility of detecting BH–LC binaries in detached orbits using photometric variations of the LC flux, induced by tidal ellipsoidal variation, relativistic beaming, and self-lensing. We create realistic present-day populations of detached BH–LC binaries in the Milky Way (MW) using binary population synthesis where we adopt observationally motivated initial stellar and binary properties, star formation history, and the present-day distribution of these sources in the MW based on detailed cosmological simulations. We test detectability of these sources via photometric variability by Gaia and TESS missions by incorporating their respective detailed detection biases as well as interstellar extinction. We find that Gaia is expected to resolve ∼300–1000 (∼700–1500) detached BH–LC binaries with signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) ≥ 10 (1) depending on the photometric precision and details of supernova physics. Similarly, the number of resolved BH–LC binaries with TESS is ∼50–200 (∼140–350). We find that 136−15+15 BH–LC binaries would be common between Gaia and TESS. Moreover, ∼60–70 (∼50–200) BH–LC binaries identifiable using photometry with SNR ≥ 10 may also be resolved using Gaia’s radial velocity (astrometry).

The variability of Betelgeuse explained by surface convection

Betelgeuse is a red supergiant (RSG) that is known to vary semi-regularly on both short and long timescales. The origin of the short period of Betelgeuse has often been associated with radial pulsations, but could also be due to the convection motions present at the surface of RSGs. We investigate the link between surface activity and the variability of the star. Linear polarization in Betelgeuse is a proxy of convection that is unrelated to pulsations. Using ten years of spectropolarimetric data of Betelgeuse, we looked for periodicities in the least-squares deconvolution profiles of Stokes $I$, $Q$, $U$ and the total linear polarization using Lomb-Scargle periodograms. We find periods in linear polarization signals that are similar to those in photometric variability. The 400 d period is too close to a peak of the window function of our data, but the two periods of 330 d and 200 d are present in the periodogram of Stokes $Q$ and $U$, showing that the variability of Betelgeuse can be interpreted as being due to surface convection. Since the linear polarization in the spectrum of Betelgeuse is not known to vary with pulsations, but is linked to surface convection, and since similar periods are found in the time series of photometric measurements and spectropolarimetry, we conclude that the photometric variability is due to the surface convective structures, and not to any pulsation phenomenon.

The true age of multi-planet host star HD 110067. Or: Don't be fooled by K0V-type stars

HD 110067 is a near (d = 32.22 pc, V = 8.43 mag) K0V star in Coma Ber that was recently discovered to host a six-planet\ system in stable resonances. The star has a very old age of 8+/-4 Gyrs. However, by the nature of the respective evolution tracks (i.e. with masses of 0.78...0.85 odot $), which run parallel to the zero-age main sequence for approx 8 Gyrs, such age estimates are impossible unless the mass and luminosity are independently known to very high precision. We demonstrate this point using physical parameters derived from two different spectroscopic methods. As an alternative age indicator, we looked at the emission in Ca II H K using TIGRE/HEROS spectra (Guanajuato, Mexico) and 78 archive TNG/HARPS-N spectra from 2021 to 2024. Surprisingly, HD 110067 has a high and persistent activity level of S$_ MWO =0.32$. From the estimated empirical and Rossby number of 0.4, and with the parameterised spin-down timescale, we derive an activity age of approx 2.5($ Similarly, a possible rotation period of 20 days, consistent with TESS photometric variations and our vsin(i), suggests $Ro=0.32$ and an age of just 1.7 Gyrs. Such a relatively young activity age is indeed consistent with a very small lithium signature (the equivalent width of the 6707.8 AA doublet is 1.1pm 0.2m AA ) and implies that HD110067 can be directly compared to its virtual twin sigma Draconis, which has an even weaker lithium presence and an activity cycle around <S>$_ MWO $ approx 0.22.

Studying binary systems in Omega Centauri with MUSE – I. Detection of spectroscopic binaries

ABSTRACT NGC 5139 ($\omega$ Cen) is the closest candidate of a nuclear star cluster that has been stripped of its host galaxy in the Milky Way. Despite extensive studies through the last decades, many open questions about the cluster remain, including the properties of the binary population. In this study, we use MUSE multi-epoch spectroscopy to identify binary systems in $\omega$ Cen. The observations span 8 yr, with a total of 312 248 radial velocity measurements for 37 225 stars. Following the removal of known photometric variables, we identify 275 stars that show RV variations, corresponding to a discovery fraction of $1.4\pm 0.1~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. Using dedicated simulations, we find that our data are sensitive to $70 \pm 10~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the binaries expected in the sample, resulting in a completeness-corrected binary fraction of $2.1\pm 0.4~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ in the central region of $\omega$ Cen. We find similar binary fractions for all stellar evolutionary stages covered by our data, the only notable exception being the blue straggler stars, which show an enhanced binary fraction. We also find no distinct correlation with distance from the cluster centre, indicating a limited amount of mass segregation within the half-light radius of $\omega$ Cen.

The persistent Be enigma: The case of HD 212044

We present an analysis of the Be star HD\,212044 that reveals intriguing correlations between photometric variations, circumstellar disk emission, and frequencies. Our findings, based on data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission, show an unexpectedly strong negative correlation between photometric brightness and Halpha equivalent width, challenging the established understanding of the behavior of Be star seen at low inclination angles. Notably, beating episodes precede brightening events. This study suggests that the variability of HD\,212044 may be due to additional mechanisms.

Detection of High-frequency Pulsation in WR 135: Investigation of Stellar Wind Dynamics

We report the detection of high-frequency pulsations in WR 135 from short-cadence (10 minute) optical photometric and spectroscopic time series surveys. The harmonics up to the sixth order are detected from the integrated photometric flux variations, while the comparatively weaker eighth harmonic is detected from the strengths of the emission lines. We investigate the driving source of the stratified winds of WR 135 using the radiative transfer modeling code, CMFGEN, and find the physical conditions that can explain the propagation of such pulsations. From our study, we find that the optically thick subsonic layers of the atmosphere are close to the Eddington limit and are launched by the Fe opacity. The outer optically thin supersonic winds (τ ross = 0.1–0.01) are launched by the He II and C iv opacities. The stratified winds above the sonic point undergo velocity perturbation that can lead to clumps. In the optically thin supersonic winds, dense clumps of smaller size (f VFF = 0.27–0.3, where f VFF is the volume filling factor) pulsate with higher-order harmonics. The larger clumps ( f VFF = 0.2) oscillate with lower-order harmonics of the pulsation and affect the overall wind variability.

Novel constraints on companions to the Helix nebula central star

ABSTRACT The Helix is a visually striking and the nearest planetary nebula, yet any companions responsible for its asymmetric morphology have yet to be identified. In 2020, low-amplitude photometric variations with a periodicity of 2.8 d were reported based on Cycle 1 TESS observations. In this work, with the inclusion of two additional sectors, these periodic light curves are compared with lcurve simulations of irradiated companions in such an orbit. Based on the light-curve modelling, there are two representative solutions: (i) a Jupiter-sized body with 0.102 R$_\odot$ and an arbitrarily small orbital inclination $i=1^{\circ }$, and (ii) a 0.021 R$_\odot$ exoplanet with $i\approx 25^{\circ }$, essentially aligned with the Helix nebular inclination. Irradiated substellar companion models with equilibrium temperature 4970 K are constructed and compared with existing optical spectra and infrared photometry, where Jupiter-sized bodies can be ruled out, but companions modestly larger than Neptune are still allowed. Additionally, any spatially unresolved companions are constrained based on the multiwavelength, photometric spectral energy distribution of the central star. No ultracool dwarf companion earlier than around L5 is permitted within roughly 1200 au, leaving only faint white dwarfs and cold brown dwarfs as possible surviving architects of the nebular asymmetries. While a planetary survivor is a tantalizing possibility, it cannot be ruled out that the light-curve modulation is stellar in nature, where any substellar companion requires confirmation and may be possible with JWST observations.

Spectroscopic survey of faint planetary-nebula nuclei

We present an analysis of 17 H-rich central stars of planetary nebulae (PNe) observed in our spectroscopic survey of nuclei of faint Galactic PNe carried out at the 10-m Hobby-Eberly Telescope. Our sample includes ten O(H) stars, four DAO white dwarfs (WDs), two DA WDs, and one sdOB star. The spectra were analyzed by means of NLTE model atmospheres, allowing us to derive the effective temperatures, surface gravities, and He abundances of the central stars. Sixteen of them were analyzed for the first time, increasing the number of hot H-rich central stars with parameters obtained through NLTE atmospheric modeling by approximately 20%. We highlight a rare hot DA WD central star, Abell 24, which has a Teff likely in excess of 100 kK, as well as the unusually high gravity mass of 0.70 ± 0.05 M⊙ for the sdOB star Pa 3, which is significantly higher than the canonical extreme horizontal-branch star mass of ≈0.48 M⊙. By investigating Zwicky Transient Facility light curves, which were available for our 15 northern objects, we found none of them show a periodic photometric variability larger than a few hundredths of a magnitude. This could indicate that our sample mainly represents the hottest phase during the canonical evolution of a single star when transitioning from an asymptotic giant branch star into a WD. We also examined the spectral energy distributions, detecting an infrared excess in six of the objects, which could be due to a late-type companion or to hot (≈103 K) and/or cool (≈100 K) dust. We confirm previous findings that spectroscopic distances are generally higher than found through Gaia astrometry, a discrepancy that deserves to be investigated systematically.

The Brown Dwarf Kinematics Project (BDKP). VI. Ultracool Dwarf Radial and Rotational Velocities from SDSS/APOGEE High-resolution Spectroscopy

We present precise measurements of radial (RV) and projected rotational ( vsini ) velocities of a sample of 258 M6 to L2 dwarfs with multiepoch, high-resolution (λ/Δλ = 22,500), near-infrared (1.514–1.696 μm) spectroscopic observations reported in the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment Data Release 17. The spectra were modeled using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo forward-modeling method, which achieved median precisions of σ RV = 0.4 km s−1 and σvsini = 1.1 km s−1. One-half of our sample (138 sources) are previously known members of nearby young clusters and moving groups, and we identified three new kinematic members of the Argus or Carina Near moving groups, 2MASS J05402570+2448090, 2MASS J14093200+4138080, and 2MASS J21272531+5553150. Excluding these sources, we find that the majority of our sample have kinematics consistent with the Galactic thin disk, and 11 sources are associated with the intermediate thin/thick disk. The field sample has a velocity dispersion of 38.2 ± 0.3 km s−1, equivalent to an age of 3.30 ± 0.19 Gyr based on empirical age–velocity dispersion relations, and a median vsini of 17 km s−1. For 172 sources with multiepoch observations, we identified 37 as having significant RV variations, and determined preliminary orbit parameters for 26 sources with four or more epochs, nine of which are short-period binary candidates. For 40 sources with photometric variability periods from the literature less than 5 days and vsini > 20 km s−1, we find a decline in projected radii ( Rsini ) with age congruent with evolutionary models. Finally, we also present multiepoch RV and vsini measurements for additional 444 candidate ultracool dwarfs.

Evidence for magnetic boundary layer accretion in RU Lup

Context. It is well established that classical T Tauri stars accrete material from a circumstellar disk through magnetic fields. However, the physics regulating the processes in the inner (0.1 AU) disk is still not well understood. Aims. Our aim is to characterize the accretion process of the classical T Tauri Star RU Lup. Methods. Optical high-resolution spectroscopic observations with CHIRON and ESPRESSO were obtained simultaneously with photometric data from AAVSO and TESS. Results. We detected a periodic modulation in the narrow component of the He I 5876 line with a period that is compatible with the stellar rotation period, indicating the presence of a compact region on the stellar surface that we identified as the footprint of the accretion shock. We show that this region is responsible for the veiling spectrum, which is made up of a continuum component plus narrow line emission that fills in the photospheric lines. An analysis of the high-cadence TESS light curve reveals quasi-periodic oscillations on timescales shorter than the stellar rotation period, suggesting that the accretion disk in RU Lup extends inward of the corotation radius, with a truncation radius at ~2 R*. This is compatible with predictions from three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic models of accretion through a magnetic boundary layer (MBL). In this scenario, the photometric variability of RU Lup is produced by a nonsta-tionary hot spot on the stellar surface that rotates with the Keplerian period at the truncation radius. We also qualitatively discuss how more complex hot spot shapes may generate the same variability pattern. The analysis of the broad components of selected emission lines reveals the existence of a non-axisymmetric, temperature-stratified flow around the star, in which the gas leaves the accretion disk at the truncation radius and accretes onto the star channeled by the magnetic field lines. The unusually rich metallic emission line spectrum of RU Lup might be characteristic of the MBL regime of accretion. Conclusions. Our extensive multiwavelength database of RU Lup reveals many similarities to predictions from the scenario of accretion through a magnetic boundary layer. Alternative explanations would require the existence of a hot spot with a complex shape, perhaps made of two brighter knots, or a warped structure in the inner disk.

HD 34382: A Photometrically Identified Candidate Centrifugal Magnetosphere Star

We identify the chemically peculiar B8/9V star HD 34382 as a candidate member of the rare class of rapidly rotating magnetic B stars. TESS photometry shows eclipses and smooth sinusoidal variability with a period of 2.46 days. We supplement this with Keck/HIRES spectroscopy, which shows that this is a Bp star. The data suggest that the star’s photometric variability results from a combination of chemical surface spots and eclipses by dense, magnetically confined plasma clouds, making this star’s behavior analogous to that of stars like σ Ori E. If the star’s magnetic nature is confirmed through spectropolarimetry, then HD 34382 may possess the longest rotational period known for such stars with photometrically detectable centrifugal magnetospheres. Furthermore, the star’s low temperature could make HD 34382 the coolest star of its class in which such detected centrifugal magnetosphere derived photometric variability has been observed, pending such magnetic confirmation.

Analysis of KIC 7023917: Spotted Low-mass Ratio Eclipsing Binary with δ Scuti Pulsations

Times of minima of eclipsing binary KIC 7023917 show quasiperiodic anti-symmetric deviations from the calculated one with an amplitude of up to 10 minutes and a period of 200–300 days. These changes correlate with the observed variations of the light-curve maxima (amplitude and phase separation). We used photometric data obtained by Kepler and TESS missions to analyze the times of minima and determine system parameters. The phases and amplitudes of the maxima were measured to study the O’Connell effect. As an additional source of information, we performed ground-based multicolor photometric observation and determined the radial velocities of the system from our spectroscopic measurements. We could explain long-term variations of the light-curve shape and times of the eclipses using the cold star spot located on the secondary component and the modification of its size. Based on our modelling, the system consists of a primary main-sequence star of spectral type A7 and an evolved, oversized secondary component with a mass ratio of only 0.1 due to past mass transfer. Calculation of absolute parameters gives us the mass of the primary component about 1.8 M ☉ and 0.2 M ☉ for the secondary one, and radii of 2.2 R ☉ of the primary star and 0.9 R ☉ of secondary one, respectively. The studied low-mass ratio eclipsing binary is probably a progenitor of the variable star of EL CVn type. A multiple-period photometric variability was disclosed in the TESS data ranging from half to two hours due to δ Scuti-type pulsations of the primary component.

Is WR 104 a face-on, colliding-wind binary?

ABSTRACT Two decades of extensive spectroscopic monitoring of WR 104 is used to confront what we think we understand about this iconic prototype of the dust-producing pinwheel stars. Convincing SB1 orbital solutions are obtained for both the WC9d star and its OB companion. The period ($241.54 \pm 0.14$ d) and circular orbit agree perfectly with results from modelling images of the rotating dust spiral. Contrary to those results though, the orbit is found to be significantly inclined instead of face-on. The two SB1 solutions each indicate $i \sim 45^{\circ }$ but could be as low as $\sim 34^{\circ }$. This result naturally provides an explanation for the long puzzling photometric and emission line strength variations but is difficult to reconcile with the imaging. Confirmation that colliding winds are present is found by the detection of variable excess emission in two of the lines where it would be most expected. The changing shapes of this excess emission are not perfectly phase-locked though, which will complicate future modelling.

Distribution of cool starspots on the surface of the red dwarf V647 Her

Photometric observations of the star V647 Her (M3.5V) obtained in 2022 at the 1.25 m telescope of the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory are analyzed. The presence of a low-amplitude variability in brightness of the star with a period of 20.69 d, found from observations in 2019, is confirmed; it is shown that as the brightness decreases, the star becomes redder. The observed nature of photometric variability is due to the presence of cool spots on the surface of the star and manifestation of rotational brightness modulation with a full amplitude of no more than 0m.05. We have performed a comparison of the photometric results obtained in 2019, 2022 and 2004. The zones of starspot concentrations in different epochs were determined from the analysis of phase curves. The distribution of spots has been maintained for 40–100 days. Starspot parameters were estimated in the framework of the zonal model. The temperature of the spots is 2700–2800 K. The area they occupied in 2004 is 15% of the total surface area of the star. According to the 2019 and 2022 data, it increases to 30%. The difference between the spottedness of the hemispheres caused by their seasonal redistribution is less than 2%.

A Targeted Search for Variable Gravitationally Lensed Quasars

We present a pipeline to identify photometric variability within strong gravitationally lensing candidates, in the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument Legacy Imaging Surveys. In our first paper, we laid out our pipeline and presented seven new gravitationally lensed supernovae candidates in a retrospective search. In this companion paper, we apply a modified version of that pipeline to search for gravitationally lensed quasars. From a sample of 5807 strong lenses, we have identified 13 new gravitationally lensed quasar candidates (three of them quadruply lensed). We note that our methodology differs from most lensed quasar search algorithms that solely rely on the morphology, location, and color of the candidate systems. By also accounting for the temporal photometric variability of the posited lensed images in our search via difference imaging, we have discovered new lensed quasar candidates. While variability searches using difference imaging algorithms have been done in the past, they are typically performed over vast swathes of the sky, whereas we specifically target strong gravitationally lensed candidates. We also have applied our pipeline to 655 known gravitationally lensed quasar candidates from past lensed quasar searches, of which we identified 13 that display significant variability (one of them quadruply lensed). This pipeline demonstrates a promising search strategy to discover gravitationally lensed quasars in other existing and upcoming surveys.

Non-radial oscillations mimicking a brown dwarf orbiting the cluster giant NGC 4349 No. 127

Context. Several evolved stars have been found to exhibit long-period radial velocity variations that cannot be explained by planetary or brown dwarf companions. Non-radial oscillations caused by oscillatory convective modes have been put forth as an alternative explanation, but no modeling attempt has yet been undertaken. Aims. We provide a model of a non-radial oscillation, aiming to explain the observed variations of the cluster giant NGC 4349 No. 127. The star was previously reported to host a brown dwarf companion, but whose existence was later refuted in the literature. Methods. We reanalyzed 58 archival HARPS spectra of the intermediate-mass giant NGC 4349 No. 127. We reduced the spectra using the SERVAL and RACCOON pipelines, acquiring additional activity indicators. We searched for periodicity in the indicators and correlations between the indicators and radial velocities. We further present a simulation code able to produce synthetic HARPS spectra, incorporating the effect of non-radial oscillations, and compare the simulated results to the observed variations. We discuss the possibility that non-radial oscillations cause the observed variations. Results. We find a positive correlation between chromatic index and radial velocity, along with closed-loop Lissajous-like correlations between radial velocity and each of the spectral line shape indicators (full width at half maximum, and contrast of the cross-correlation function and differential line width). Simulations of a low-amplitude, retrograde, dipole (l = 1, m = 1), non-radial oscillation can reproduce the observed behavior and explain the observables. Photometric variations below the detection threshold of the available ASAS-3 photometry are predicted. The oscillation and stellar parameters are largely in agreement with the prediction of oscillatory convective modes. Conclusions. The periodic variations of the radial velocities and activity indicators, along with the respective phase shifts, measured for the intermediate-mass cluster giant NGC 4349 No. 127, can be explained by a non-radial oscillation.

TESS observations of non-Be fast rotators

Context. The variability of fast-rotating Oe/Be stars has been reported in detail in recent years. However, much less is known about the behaviour of fast-rotating OB stars without known decretion disks, and hence it is difficult to identify the commonalities and differences in the photometric variability of these two populations, especially with regards to their pulsational properties and their link with the presence of circumstellar material. Aims. Via an in-depth literature search, we identified a set of fast-rotating (vsin(i) > 200 km s−1) early B-type stars not known to have disks. TESS and Kepler light curves were built for 58 stars that appear isolated (no bright neighbour within 1′ and no known companion) to avoid contamination of the light curves. Frequency spectra were calculated and then analysed to determine the noise level and the presence of significant signals above the noise. Methods. Red noise is detected in all targets, without obvious correlations between noise and stellar parameters. Long-term changes are much less frequent than in Be stars, with only 12% of our targets having the variability below 0.5 d−1 dominating their frequency spectrum. In contrast, strong frequency groups are detected in about a third of targets, as in Be stars. These groups generally occur in pairs with harmonic frequencies, as is usually seen in Be stars, but with the first group more often displaying larger amplitudes. Finally, the most frequent variability is due to isolated frequencies in the 0.5–6. d−1 range (which is found in two-thirds of cases and dominates the spectra in 42% of the sample). Higher-frequency signals (up to 40 d−1) are sometimes also detected but rarely (only 12% of stars) appear as the strongest ones of the frequency spectra. Overall, fast-rotating B-type stars, with or without disks, display similar photometric properties, except as regards their longer-term behaviour.