Photospheric Lines Research Articles

Over 500 Days in the Life of the Photosphere of the Type Iax Supernova SN 2014dt

Type Iax supernovae (SNe Iax) are the largest known class of peculiar white dwarf SNe, distinct from normal Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). The unique properties of SNe Iax, especially their strong photospheric lines out to extremely late times, allow us to model their optical spectra and derive the physical parameters of the long-lasting photosphere. We present an extensive spectral timeseries, including 21 new spectra, of SN Iax 2014dt from +11 to +562 days after maximum light. We are able to reproduce the entire timeseries with a self-consistent, nearly unaltered deflagration explosion model from Fink et al. using TARDIS, an open source radiative-transfer code. We find that the photospheric velocity of SN 2014dt slows its evolution between +64 and +148 days, which closely overlaps the phase when we see SN 2014dt diverge from the normal spectral evolution of SNe Ia (+90 to +150 days). The photospheric velocity at these epochs, ∼400–1000 km s−1, may demarcate a boundary within the ejecta below which the physics of SNe Iax and normal SNe Ia differ. Our results suggest that SN 2014dt is consistent with a weak deflagration explosion model that leaves behind a bound remnant and drives an optically thick, quasi-steady-state wind creating the photospheric lines at late times. The data also suggest that this wind may weaken at epochs past +450 days, perhaps indicating a radioactive power source that has decayed away.

The New HELLRIDE at the Vacuum Tower Telescope

A better understanding of the processes involved in the energy transport across the solar atmosphere (e.g., jets, waves) demands more effort towards the observations. Hence, existing instruments may need to be upgraded to gain additional capabilities. To this effect, we conceive an upgrade for the HELioseismic Large Regions Interferometric DEvice (HELLRIDE) instrument at Vacuum Tower Telescope (VTT) to enable the recording of the magnetograms. We present the instrumentation aspects of this development consisting of integrating a liquid crystal-based dual-beam polarimeter with the existing instrument, compatible new hardware and software with the improved operating scheme, and the first observations to verify its functionality. The new HELLRIDE now observes a field of view of 90^{prime prime } times 90^{prime prime } in four spectral lines, two chromospheric spectral lines in spectroscopy mode and two photospheric spectral lines in spectropolarimetry mode, with a cadence of 40 seconds. The increased complexity of the system, as well as the data, calls for the creation of a rigorous data processing pipeline, which is currently under development.

Synthesizing Spectra from 3D Radiation Hydrodynamic Models of Massive Stars Using Monte Carlo Radiation Transport

Observations indicate that turbulent motions are present on most massive star surfaces. Starting from the observed phenomena of spectral lines with widths that are much larger than their thermal broadening (e.g., micro- and macroturbulence), and considering the detection of stochastic low-frequency variability (SLFV) in the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite photometry, these stars clearly have large-scale turbulent motions on their surfaces. The cause of this turbulence is debated, with near-surface convection zones, core internal gravity waves, and wind variability being proposed. Our 3D gray radiation hydrodynamic (RHD) models previously characterized the convective dynamics of the surfaces, driven by near-surface convection zones, and provided reasonable matches to the observed SLFV of the most luminous massive stars. We now explore the complex emitting surfaces of these 3D RHD models, which strongly violate the 1D assumption of a plane-parallel atmosphere. By post-processing the gray RHD models with the Monte Carlo radiation transport code Sedona, we synthesize stellar spectra and extract information from the broadening of individual photospheric lines. The use of Sedona enables the calculation of the viewing angle and temporal dependence of spectral absorption line profiles. By combining uncorrelated temporal snapshots together, we compare the turbulent broadening from the 3D RHD models to the thermal broadening of the extended emitting region, showing that our synthesized spectral lines closely resemble the observed macroturbulent broadening from similarly luminous stars. More generally, the new techniques that we have developed will allow for systematic studies of the origins of turbulent velocity broadening from any future 3D simulations.

Misalignment of the outer disk of DK Tau and a first look at its magnetic field using spectropolarimetry

Context. Misalignments between a forming star’s rotation axis and its outer disk axis, although not predicted by standard theories of stellar formation, have been observed in several classical T Tauri stars (cTTs). The low-mass cTTs DK Tau is suspected of being among them. In addition, it is an excellent subject to investigate the interaction between stellar magnetic fields and material accreting from the circumstellar disk, as it presents clear signatures of accretion. Aims. The goal of this paper is to study DK Tau’s average line-of-sight magnetic field in both photospheric absorption lines and emission lines linked to accretion, using spectropolarimetric observations, as well as to examine inconsistencies regarding its rotation axis. Methods. We used data collected with the ESPaDOnS spectropolarimeter, at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, and the NARVAL spectropolarimeter, at the Télescope Bernard Lyot, probing two distinct epochs (December 2010 to January 2011 and November to December 2012), each set spanning a few stellar rotation cycles. We first determined the stellar parameters of DK Tau, such as effective temperature and vsini. Next, we removed the effect of veiling from the spectra, then obtained least-squares deconvolution (LSD) profiles of the photospheric absorption lines for each observation, before determining the average line-of-sight magnetic field from them. We also investigated accretion-powered emission lines, namely the 587.6 nm HeI line and the CaII infrared triplet (at 849.8 nm, 854.2 nm and 866.2 nm), as tracers of the magnetic fields present in the accretion shocks. Results. We find that DK Tau experiences accretion onto a magnetic pole at an angle of ∼30° from the pole of its rotation axis, with a positive field at the base of the accretion funnels. In 2010 we find a magnetic field of up to 0.95 kG (from the CaII infrared triplet) and 1.77 kG (from the HeI line) and in 2012 we find up to 1.15 kG (from the CaII infrared triplet) and 1.99 kG (from the HeI line). Additionally, using our derived values of period, vsini and stellar radius, we find a value of 58° (+18)(−11) for the inclination of the stellar rotation axis, which is significantly different from the outer disk axis inclination of 21° given in the literature. Conclusion. We find that DK Tau’s outer disk axis is likely misaligned compared to its rotation axis by 37°.

New insights on the near-infrared veiling of young stars using CFHT/SPIRou data

Context. Veiling is ubiquitous at different wavelength ranges in classical T Tauri stars. However, the origin of the veiling in the infrared (IR) domain is not well understood at present. The accretion spot alone is not enough to explain the shallow photospheric IR lines in accreting systems, suggesting that another source is contributing to the veiling in the near-infrared (NIR). The inner disk is often quoted as the additional emitting source meant to explain the IR veiling. Aims. In this work, we aim to measure and discuss the NIR veiling to understand its origins and variability timescale. Methods. We used a sample of 14 accreting stars observed with the CFHT/SPIRou spectrograph, within the framework of the SPIRou Legacy Survey, to measure the NIR veiling along the YJHK bands. We compared the veiling measurements with accretion and inner disk diagnostics. We also analyzed circumstellar emission lines and photometric observations from the literature. Results. The measured veiling grows from the Y to the K band for most of the targets in our sample. The IR veiling agrees with NIR emission excess obtained using photometric data. However, we also find a linear correlation between the veiling and the accretion properties of the system, showing that accretion contributes to the inner disk heating and, consequently, to the inner disk emission excess. We also show a connection between the NIR veiling and the system’s inclination with respect to our line of sight. This is probably due to the reduction of the visible part of the inner disk edge, where the NIR emission excess is expected to arise, as the inclination of the system increases. Our search for periods on the veiling variability showed that the IR veiling is not clearly periodic in the typical timescale of stellar rotation – which, again, is broadly consistent with the idea that the veiling comes from the inner disk region. The NIR veiling appears variable on a timescale of a day, showing the night-by-night dynamics of the optical veiling variability. In the long term, the mean NIR veiling seems to be stable for most of the targets on timescales of a month to a few years. However, during occasional episodes of high accretion in classical T Tauri stars, which affect the system’s dynamic, the veiling also seems to be much more prominent at such times, as we found in the case of the target RU Lup. Conclusions. We provide further evidence that for most targets in our sample, the veiling that mainly occurs in the JHK bands arises from dust in the inner disk.

ПРИХОВАНІ ПРОЯВИ ЕФЕКТУ ПАШЕНА – БАКА В ЛІНІЯХ D1 і D2 У СПЕКТРІ СОНЯЧНОЇ ПЛЯМИ БЕЗ СПАЛАХІВ

The results of measurements of the magnetic splittings of the D1, D2, and Ni I 5892.9 Å lines in the spectrum of the sunspot on July 24, 2023, in which there were no solar flares at the time of observation, are given. The observational material was obtained with the Echelle spectrograph of the horizontal solar telescope of the Astronomical Observatory of Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University. It turned out that in some locations of the sunspot, the measured spliting of the specified lines are practically the same, and in others they are significantly different. This indicates the inhomogeneity of the magnetic field, because with a uniform field, these splitting should differ everywhere by the same amount, depending on the Lande factors of these lines. If we assume that these factors correspond to LS coupling for all lines, then we have the following contradiction: the photospheric line NiI 5892.9 Å shows a magnetic field intermediate in magnitude between lines D1 and D2. Physically, this is unreal in the case of a uniform magnetic field; if the magnetic field weakens with height, then the nickel line should show a stronger field than both sodium lines. More realistic estimates of the magnetic field are obtained with empirical Lande factors for lines D1 and D2, corresponding to the Paschen-Back effect in these lines. However, even in this case, line D2 with a smaller Lande factor (gemp = 1.22) shows a stronger measured magnetic field in some places of the spot than line D1 with a larger Lande factor (gemp = 1.36). This is possible when the local magnetic fields in the studied spot were much stronger than according to direct measurements. Evaluation of such fields can be carried out on the basis of modeling by the “line ratio” method, which is planned to be done in the next study.

Accretion variability in RU Lup

Context. The process of accretion in classical T Tauri stars (CTTSs) has been observed to vary on different timescales. Studying this variability is vital to understanding a star’s evolution and provides insight into the complex processes at work within, including sources of the veiling present. Understanding the dichotomy between continuum veiling and emission line veiling is integral to accurately measuring the amount of veiling present in stellar spectra. Aims. Here, 15 roughly consecutive nights of optical spectroscopic data from the spectropolarimeter ESPaDOnS are utilised to characterise the short-term accretion activity in the CTTS, RU Lup, and investigate its relationship with the veiling in the Li I 6707 Å absorption line. Methods. The accretion-tracing H I Balmer series emission lines were studied and used to obtain the accretion luminosity (Lacc) and mass accretion rate (Ṁacc) for each night, which vary by a factor of ∼2 between the brightest and dimmest nights. We also measured the veiling using multiple photospheric absorption lines (Na I 5688 Å, Mn I 6021 Å, and Li I 6707 Å) for each night. Results. We find the Li I 6707 Å line provides measurements of veiling that produce a strong, positive correlation with Lacc in the star. When corrected for Li depletion, the average veiling measured in the Li I 6707 Å line is rLi I, avg ∼ 3.25 ± 0.20, which is consistent with the other photospheric lines studied (ravg ∼ 3.28 ± 0.65). Conclusions. We measured short timescale variability in the accretion luminosity and mass accretion rate that are intrinsic and not due to geometric effects. As the forbidden line emission we observe ([O I] 6300 Å and [S II] 6730 Å) remains remarkably constant over our epochs, it is clear that the variations in the mass accretion rate are too short to have an effect on these outflow tracers. Upon comparing the changes in veiling and accretion luminosity, we find a strong, positive correlation. This study provides an example of how this correlation can be used as a tool to determine whether a measured variability is due to extinction or an intrinsic change in accretion. As the determination of veiling is an independent process from measuring Lacc, their relationship allows further exploration of accretion phenomena in young stars.

Ultraviolet spectropolarimetry: investigating stellar magnetic field diagnostics

Magnetic fields are important for stellar photospheres and magnetospheres, influencing photospheric physics and sculpting stellar winds. Observations of stellar magnetic fields are typically made in the visible, although infrared observations are becoming common. Here we consider the possibility of directly detecting magnetic fields at ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths using high resolution spectropolarimetry, specifically considering the capabilities of the proposed Polstar mission. UV observations are particularly advantageous for studying wind resonance lines not available in the visible, but they can also provide many photospheric lines in hot stars. Detecting photospheric magnetic fields using the Zeeman effect and Least Squares Deconvolution is potentially more effective in the UV due to the much higher density of strong lines. We investigate detecting magnetic fields in the magnetosphere of a star using the Zeeman effect in wind lines, and find that this could be detectable at high S/N in an O or B star with a strong magnetic field. We consider detecting magnetic fields using the Hanle effect in linear polarization, which is complementary to the Zeeman effect, and could be more sensitive in photospheric lines of rapid rotators. The Hanle effect can also be used to infer circumstellar magnetism in winds. Detecting the Hanle effect requires UV observations, and a multi-line approach is key for inferring magnetic field properties. This demonstrates that high resolution spectropolarimetry in the UV, and the proposed Polstar mission, has the potential to greatly expand our ability to detect and characterize magnetic fields in and around hot stars.

Prominence fine structures in weakly twisted and highly twisted magnetic flux ropes

Context. Many prominences are supported by magnetic flux ropes. One important question is how we can determine whether the flux rope is weakly twisted or highly twisted. Aims. In this paper, we attempt to decipher whether prominences supported by weakly twisted and highly twisted flux ropes can manifest different features so that we might distinguish the two types of magnetic structures based on their appearance. Methods. We performed pseudo three-dimensional simulations of two magnetic flux ropes with different twists. Results. We find that the resulting two prominences differ in many aspects. The prominence supported by a weakly twisted flux rope is composed mainly of transient threads (∼82.8%), forming high-speed flows inside the prominence, and its horns are evident. Conversely, the prominence supported by a highly twisted flux rope consists mainly of stable quasi-stationary threads (∼60.6%), including longer independently trapped threads and shorter magnetically connected threads. Our simulations also reveal that the prominence spine deviates from the flux rope axis in the vertical direction and from the photospheric polarity inversion line projected on the solar surface, especially for the weakly twisted magnetic flux rope. Conclusions. The two types of prominences differ significantly in appearance. Our results also suggest that a piling-up of short threads in highly twisted flux ropes might account for the vertical-like threads in some prominences.

Evidence of a flare ignited above a low-latitude spotted active region in the ultra fast rotator HK Aqr

Abstract We study the magnetic activity in the ultra fast rotator dMe HK Aqr using tomography techniques with high resolution spectroscopy. We aim to characterise how this magnetic activity appears in a regime of very fast rotation without external forces, given that HK Aqr is, very likely, a single star. We find dark spots located at low latitudes. We also detect prominences below the co-rotation radius and at low latitudes, coinciding with the spot latitudes. This apparent low-latitude activity contrasts with what is typically observed in fast rotators, which tend to form large polar spots. Moreover, we detect a stellar flare which produces an enhancement of the continuum and additional emission in the core of most photospheric and chromospheric lines. We find evidence that the flare is ignited above an active region, as seen in solar flares. This means that, with high probability, the flare is initiated by magnetic reconnection in complex active regions. We also present evidence of bulk red-shifted velocities of about 15 km s−1 during the rise of the flare, and velocities of 5-10 km s−1 during the decay phase. An estimation of the heating during the flare results in about 200 kK close to the peak and in 100 kK at the end of the observations.

The CARMENES search for exoplanets around M dwarfs

Context. The Calar Alto high-Resolution search for M dwarfs with Exo-earths with Near-infrared and optical Échelle Spectrographs (CARMENES) instrument is searching for periodic radial-velocity (RV) variations of M dwarfs, which are induced by orbiting planets. However, there are other potential sources of such variations, including rotational modulation caused by stellar activity. Aims. We aim to investigate four M dwarfs (Ross 318, YZ CMi, TYC 3529-1437-1, and EV Lac) with different activity levels and spectral sub-types. Our goal is to compare the periodicities seen in 22 activity indicators and the stellar RVs, and to examine their stability over time. Methods. For each star, we calculated generalised Lomb-Scargle periodograms of pseudo-equivalent widths of chromospheric lines, indices of photospheric bands, the differential line width as a measure of the width of the average photospheric absorption line, the RV, the chromatic index that describes the wavelength dependence of the RV, and parameters of the cross-correlation function. We also calculated periodograms for subsets of the data and compared our results to TESS photometry. Results. We find the rotation periods of all four stars to manifest themselves in the RV and photospheric indicators, particularly the TiO 7050 index, whereas the chromospheric lines show clear signals only at lower activity levels. For EV Lac and TYC 3529-1437-1, we find episodes during which indicators vary with the rotation period, and episodes during which they vary with half the rotation period, similarly to photometric light curves. Conclusions. The changing periodicities reflect the evolution of stellar activity features on the stellar surface. We therefore conclude that our results not only emphasise the importance of carefully analysing indicators complementary to the RV in RV surveys, but they also suggest that it is also useful to search for signals in activity indicators in subsets of the dataset, because an activity signal that is present in the RV may not be visible in the activity indicators all the time, in particular for the most active stars.

A Spectroscopic Survey of Infrared 1–4 μm Spectra in Regions of Prominent Solar Coronal Emission Lines of Fe XIII, Si X, and Si IX

The infrared solar spectrum contains a wealth of physical data about the Sun and is being explored using modern detectors and technology with new ground-based solar telescopes. One such instrument will be the ground-based Cryogenic Near-IR Spectro-Polarimeter of the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST), which will be capable of sensitive imaging of the faint infrared solar coronal spectra with full Stokes I, Q, U, and V polarization states. Highly ionized magnetic dipole emission lines have been observed in galaxies and the solar corona. Quantifying the accuracy of spectral inversion procedures requires a precise spectroscopic calibration of observations. A careful interpretation of the spectra around prominent magnetic dipole lines is essential for deriving physical parameters and particularly for quantifying the off-limb solar coronal observations from DKIST. In this work, we aim to provide an analysis of the spectral regions around the infrared coronal emission lines of Fe xiii 1074.68 nm, Fe xiii 1079.79 nm, Si x 1430.10 nm, and Si ix 3934.34 nm, aligning with the goal of identifying solar photospheric and telluric lines that will help facilitate production of reliable inversions and data products from four sets of solar coronal observations. The outputs can be integrated in processing pipelines to produce level 2 science-ready data.

A Model-based Technique for Ad Hoc Correction of Instrumental Polarization in Solar Spectropolarimetry

We present a new approach for correcting instrumental polarization by modeling the nondepolarizing effects of a complex series of optical elements to determine physically realizable Mueller matrices. Provided that the Mueller matrix of the optical system can be decomposed into a general elliptical diattenuator and general elliptical retarder, it is possible to model the crosstalk between both the polarized and unpolarized states of the Stokes vector and then use the acquired science observations to determine the best-fit free parameters. Here we implement a minimization for solar spectropolarimetric measurements containing photospheric spectral lines sensitive to the Zeeman effect using physical constraints provided by polarized line and continuum formation. This model-based approach is able to provide an accurate correction even in the presence of large amounts of polarization crosstalk and conserves the physically meaningful magnitude of the Stokes vector, a significant improvement over previous ad hoc techniques.

Direct Constraints on the Extremely Metal-poor Massive Stars Underlying Nebular C iv Emission from Ultra-deep HST/COS Ultraviolet Spectroscopy

Metal-poor nearby galaxies hosting massive stars have a fundamental role to play in our understanding of both high-redshift galaxies and low-metallicity stellar populations. But while much attention has been focused on their bright nebular gas emission, the massive stars that power it remain challenging to constrain. Here we present exceptionally deep Hubble Space Telescope ultraviolet spectra targeting six local (z < 0.02) galaxies that power strong nebular C iv emission approaching that encountered at z > 6. We find that the strength and spectral profile of the nebular C iv in these new spectra follow a sequence evocative of resonant scattering models, indicating that the hot circumgalactic medium likely plays a key role in regulating C iv escape locally. We constrain the metallicity of the massive stars in each galaxy by fitting the forest of photospheric absorption lines, reporting measurements driven by iron that lie uniformly below 10% solar. Comparison with the gas-phase oxygen abundances reveals evidence for enhancement in O/Fe 2–4 times above solar across the sample, robust to assumptions about the absolute gas-phase metallicity scale. This supports the idea that these local systems are more chemically similar to their primordial high-redshift counterparts than to the bulk of nearby galaxies. Finally, we find significant tension between the strong stellar wind profiles observed and our population synthesis models constrained by the photospheric forest in our highest-quality spectra. This reinforces the need for caution in interpreting wind lines in isolation at high redshift, but also suggests a unique path toward validating fundamental massive star physics at extremely low metallicity with integrated ultraviolet spectra.

Optical Studies of 10 Hard X-Ray-selected Cataclysmic Binaries

Abstract We conducted time-resolved optical spectroscopy and/or photometry of 10 cataclysmic binaries that were discovered in hard X-ray surveys, with the goal of measuring their orbital periods and searching for evidence that they are magnetic. Four of the objects in this study are new optical identifications: IGR J18017−3542, PBC J1841.1+0138, IGR J18434−0508, and Swift J1909.3+0124. A 311.8 s, coherent optical pulsation is detected from PBC J1841.1+0138, as well as eclipses with a period of 0.221909 days. A 152.49 s coherent period is detected from IGR J18434−0508. A probable period of 389 s is seen in IGR J18151−1052, in agreement with a known X-ray spin period. We also detect a period of 803.5 s in an archival X-ray observation of Swift J0717.8−2156. The last four objects are thus confirmed magnetic cataclysmic variables of the intermediate polar class. An optical period of 1554 s in AX J1832.3−0840 also confirms the known X-ray spin period, but a stronger signal at 2303 s is present whose interpretation is not obvious. We also studied the candidate intermediate polar Swift J0820.6−2805, which has low and high states differing by ≈4 mag and optical periods or quasi-periodic oscillations not in agreement with proposed X-ray periods. Of note is an unusually long 2.06-day orbital period for Swift J1909.3+0124, manifest in the radial velocity variation of photospheric absorption lines of an early K-type companion star. The star must be somewhat evolved if it is to fill its Roche lobe.

Propagating Oscillations in the Lower Atmosphere Under Coronal Holes

The subject of this study is oscillations in the lower atmosphere in coronal-hole regions, where the conditions are favorable for propagation between the atmospheric layers. Based on spectroscopic observations in photospheric and chromospheric lines, we analysed the features of the oscillations that show signs of propagation between layers of the solar atmosphere. Using the cross-spectrum wavelet algorithm, we found that both chromospheric and photospheric signals under coronal holes share a range of significant oscillations of periods around five minutes, while the signals outside of coronal holes show no mutual oscillations in the photosphere and chromosphere. The phase shift between the layers indicates a predominantly upward propagation with partial presence of standing waves. We also tested the assumption that torsional Alfv\'en waves propagating in the corona originate in the lower atmosphere. However, the observed line-width oscillations, although similar in period to the Alfv\'en waves observed earlier in the corona of open-field regions, seem to be associated with other MHD modes. If we assume that the oscillations that we observed are related to Alfv\'en waves, then perhaps this is only through the mechanisms of the slow MHD wave transformation.

Beyond the dips of V807 Tau, a spectropolarimetric study of a dipper’s magnetosphere

Context. The so-called dippers are pre-main-sequence objects that accrete material from their circumstellar disks through the stellar magnetosphere. Their unique type of variability allows us to probe the magnetic star-disk interaction processes in young stellar objects. Aims. We aim to characterize the magnetospheric accretion process in the young stellar object V807 Tau, one of the most stable dippers revealed by K2 in the Taurus star forming region. Methods. We performed photometric and spectropolarimetric follow-up observations of this system with CFHT/ESPaDOnS in order to investigate the variability of the system over several rotational periods. Results. We derive a 4.38 day period from the K2 dipper light curve. This period is also seen in the radial velocity variations, which we ascribe to spot modulation. The slightly redshifted narrow component of the He I 5876 Å line as well as the high velocity red wing of the Hβ and Hγ emission line profiles also vary in intensity with the same periodicity. The former traces the accretion shock at the stellar surface, and the latter is a signature of an accretion funnel flow crossing the line of sight. We derive a surface brightness map and the topology of the surface magnetic field from the modeling of Stokes I and V profiles, respectively, for photospheric lines and for the He I emission line. The latter reveals a bright spot at the stellar surface, located at a latitude of 60°, and a maximum field strength of ∼2 kG at this location. The topology of the magnetic field at the stellar surface is dominated by a dipolar component inclined by about 40° onto the spin axis. Variable blueshifted absorption components seen in the Balmer line profiles suggest episodic outflows. Despite of its clear and stable dipper behavior, we derive a relatively low inclination of 40° to 50° for this system, which calls question the origin of the dips. The low inclination we infer is also consistent with the absence of deep inverse P Cygni components in the line profiles. Conclusions. We conclude that magnetospheric accretion is ongoing in V807 Tau, taking place through non-axisymmetric accretion funnel flows controlled by a strong, tilted, and mainly dipolar magnetic topology. Whether an inner disk warp resulting from this process can account for the dipper character of this source remains to be seen, given the low inclination of the system.

Far-ultraviolet Spectra of Main-sequence O Stars at Extremely Low Metallicity

Abstract Metal-poor massive stars dominate the light we observe from star-forming dwarf galaxies and may have produced the bulk of energetic photons that reionized the universe at high redshift. Yet, the rarity of observations of individual O stars below the 20% solar metallicity (Z ⊙) of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) hampers our ability to model the ionizing fluxes of metal-poor stellar populations. We present new Hubble Space Telescope far-ultraviolet (FUV) spectra of three O-dwarf stars in the galaxies Leo P (3% Z ⊙), Sextans A (6% Z ⊙), and WLM (14% Z ⊙). We quantify equivalent widths of photospheric metal lines and strengths of wind-sensitive features, confirming that both correlate with metallicity. We infer the stars’ fundamental properties by modeling their FUV through near-infrared spectral energy distributions and identify stars in the SMC with similar properties to each of our targets. Comparing to the FUV spectra of the SMC analogs suggests that (1) the star in WLM has an SMC-like metallicity, and (2) the most metal-poor star in Leo P is driving a much weaker stellar wind than its SMC counterparts. We measure projected rotation speeds and find that the two most metal-poor stars have high v sin ( i ) ≥ 290 km s−1, and estimate just a 3%–6% probability of finding two fast rotators if the metal-poor stars are drawn from the same v sin ( i ) distribution observed for O dwarfs in the SMC. These observations suggest that models should include the impact of rotation and weak winds on ionizing flux to accurately interpret observations of metal-poor galaxies in both the near and distant universe.

The A-shell star ϕ Leo revisited: its photospheric and circumstellar spectra

Context. We previously suggested that variable red- and blueshifted absorption features observed in the Ca II K line towards the A-type shell star ϕ Leo are likely due to solid, comet-like bodies in the circumstellar (CS) environment. Aims. Our aim is to expand our observational study of ϕ Leo to other characteristic spectral lines of A-type photospheres as well as to lines arising in their CS shells. Methods. We obtained more than 500 high-resolution optical spectra collected at different telescopes over 37 nights in several observing runs from December 2015 to January 2019. Consecutive time-series spectra were taken, covering intervals of up to ~9 h on some nights. We analysed some photospheric lines, in particular Ca I 4226 Å and Mg II 4481 Å, as well as the circumstellar shell lines Ca II H and K, the Ca II IR triplet, Fe II 4924, 5018, and 5169 Å, Ti II 3685, 3759, and 3761 Å, and the Balmer lines Hα and Hβ. Results. Our observational study reveals that ϕ Leo is a variable δ Scuti star whose spectra show remarkable dumps and bumps superimposed on the photospheric line profiles, which vary in strength and sharpness, propagate from blue- to more redshifted radial velocities, and persist for a few hours. Similarly to other δ Scuti stars, these features are likely produced by non-radial pulsations. At the same time, all shell lines present emission at ~3 km s−1 centred at the core of the CS features, and two variable absorption minima at both sides of the emission; those absorption minima occur at almost the same velocity for each line, that is, no apparent dynamical evolution is observed. The variations observed in the Ca II H and K, Fe II, and Ti II lines occur on a range of timescales from minutes to days and between observing runs, but without any clear correlation or recognisable temporal pattern among the different lines. In the case of Hα, the CS contribution is also variable in just one of the observing runs. Conclusions. We suggest that ϕ Leo is a rapidly rotating δ Scuti star surrounded by a variable, (nearly) edge-on CS disk possibly re-supplied by the δ Scuti pulsations. The behaviour of the CS shell lines is reminiscent of that of rapidly rotating Be shell stars with an edge-on CS disk, and is clear evidence that the variations observed in the CS features of ϕ Leo are highly unlikely to be produced by exocomets. In addition, the observational results presented in this work, together with some recent results concerning the shell star HR 10, highlight the need for critical revision of the Ca II K features, which have been attributed to exocomets in other shell stars.

Newly formed downflow lanes in exploding granules in the solar photosphere

Context. Exploding granules have drawn renewed interest because of their interaction with the magnetic field (either emerging or already present). Especially the newly forming downflow lanes developing in their centre seem to be eligible candidates for the intensification of magnetic fields. We analyse spectroscopic data from two different instruments in order to study the intricate velocity pattern within the newly forming downflow lanes in detail. Aims. We aim to examine general properties of a number of exploding granules, such as their lifetime and extend. To gain a better understanding of the formation process of the developing intergranular lane in exploding granules, we study the temporal evolution and height dependence of the line-of-sight velocities at their formation location. Additionally, we search for evidence that exploding granules act as acoustic sources. Methods. We investigated the evolution of several exploding granules using data taken with the Interferometric Bidimensional Spectrometer and the Imaging Magnetograph eXperiment. Velocities for different heights of the solar atmosphere were determined by computing bisectors of the Fe I 6173.0 Å and the Fe I 5250.2 Å lines. We performed a wavelet analysis to study the intensity and velocity oscillations within and around exploding granules. We also compared our observational findings with predictions of numerical simulations. Results. Exploding granules have significantly longer lifetimes (10 to 15 min) than regular granules. Exploding granules larger than 3.8″ form an independent intergranular lane during their decay phase, while smaller granules usually fade away or disappear into the intergranular area (we find only one exception of a smaller exploding granule that also forms an intergranular lane). For all exploding granules that form a new intergranular downflow lane, we find a temporal height-dependent shift with respect to the maximum of the downflow velocity. Our suggestion that this results from a complex atmospheric structure within the newly forming downflow lane is supported by the comparison with synthesised profiles inferred from the simulations. We found an enhanced wavelet power with periods between 120 s to 190 s seen in the intensity and velocity oscillations of high photospheric or chromospheric spectral lines in the region of the dark core of an exploding granule.