roAp Stars Research Articles

Pulsations of Three Rapidly Oscillating Ap Stars TIC 96315731, TIC 72392575, and TIC 318007796

We analyze the frequencies of three known roAp stars, TIC 96315731, TIC 72392575, and TIC 318007796, using the light curves from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite. For TIC 96315731, the rotational and pulsational frequencies are 0.1498360 day−1 and 165.2609 day−1, respectively. In the case of TIC 72392575, the rotational frequency is 0.25551 day−1. We detect a quintuplet of pulsation frequencies with a center frequency of 135.9233 day−1, along with two signals within the second pair of rotational sidelobes of the quintuplet separated by the rotation frequency. These two signals may correspond to the frequencies of a dipole mode. In TIC 318007796, the rotational and pulsational frequencies are 0.2475021 day−1, 192.73995 day−1, and 196.33065 day−1, respectively. Based on the oblique pulsator model, we calculate the rotation inclination i and magnetic obliquity angle β for the stars, which provide the geometry of the pulsation modes. Combining the phases of the frequency quintuplets, the pulsation amplitude and phase modulation curves, and the results of spherical harmonic decomposition, we conclude that the pulsation modes of frequency quintuplets in TIC 96315731, TIC 72392575, and TIC 318007796 correspond to distorted dipole mode, distorted quadrupole mode, and distorted dipole mode, respectively.

Testing pulsation diagnostics in the rapidly oscillating magnetic Ap star γ Equ using near-infrared CRIRES+ observations

Context. Pulsations of rapidly oscillating Ap stars and their interaction with the stellar magnetic field have not been studied in the near-infrared (near-IR) region despite the benefits these observations offer compared to visual wavelengths. The main advantage of the near-IR is the quadratic dependence of the Zeeman effect on the wavelength, as opposed to the linear dependence of the Doppler effect. Aims. To test pulsation diagnostics of roAp stars in the near-IR, we aim to investigate the pulsation behaviour of one of the brightest magnetic roAp stars, γ Equ, which possesses a strong surface magnetic field of the order of several kilogauss and exhibits magnetically split spectral lines in its spectra. Methods. Two magnetically split spectral lines belonging to different elements, the triplet Fe I at 1563.63 nm and the pseudo-doublet Ce III at 1629.2 nm, were recorded with CRIRES+ over about one hour in the H band with the aim of understanding the character of the line profile variability and the pulsation behaviour of the magnetic field modulus. Results. The profile shapes of both studied magnetically split spectral lines vary in a rather complex manner probably due to a significant decrease in the strength of the longitudinal field component and an increase in the strength of the transverse field components over the last decade. A mean magnetic field modulus of 3.9 kG was determined for the Zeeman triplet Fe I at 1563.63 nm, whereas for the pseudo-doublet Ce III at 1629.2 nm we observe a much lower value of only about 2.9 kG. For comparison, a mean field modulus of 3.4kG was determined using the Zeeman doublet Fe II at 6249.25 in optical PEPSI spectra recorded just about two weeks before the CRIRES+ observations. Different effects that may lead to the differences in the field modulus values are discussed. Our measurements of the mean magnetic field modulus using the line profiles recorded in different pulsational phase bins suggest a field modulus variability of 32 G for the Zeeman triplet Fe I at 1563.63 nm and 102 G for the pseudo-doublet Ce III at 1629.2 nm.

HD 12098: a highly distorted dipole mode in an obliquely pulsating roAp star

Abstract HD 12098 is an roAp star pulsating in the most distorted dipole mode yet observed in this class of star. Using TESS Sector 58 observations we show that there are photometric spots at both the magnetic poles of this star. It pulsates obliquely primarily in a strongly distorted dipole mode with a period of Ppuls = 7.85 min (νpuls = 183.34905 d−1; 2.12210 mHz) that gives rise to an unusual quadruplet in the amplitude spectrum. Our magnetic pulsation model cannot account for the strong distortion of the pulsation in one hemisphere, although it is successful in the other hemisphere. There are high-overtone p modes with frequencies separated by more than the large separation, a challenging problem in mode selection. The mode frequencies observed in the TESS data are in the same frequency range as those previously observed in ground-based Johnson B data, but are not for the same modes. Hence the star has either changed modes, or observations at different atmospheric depth detect different modes. There is also a low-overtone p mode and possibly g modes that are not expected theoretically with the >1 kG magnetic field observed in this star.

TESS Cycle 2 observations of roAp stars with 2-min cadence data

ABSTRACT We present the results of a systematic search of the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) 2-min cadence data for new rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) stars observed during the Cycle 2 phase of its mission. We find seven new roAp stars previously unreported as such and present the analysis of a further 25 roAp stars that are already known. Three of the new stars show multiperiodic pulsations, while all new members are rotationally variable stars, leading to almost 70 per cent (22) of the roAp stars presented being α2 CVn-type variable stars. We show that targeted observations of known chemically peculiar stars are likely to overlook many new roAp stars, and demonstrate that multiepoch observations are necessary to see pulsational behaviour changes. We find a lack of roAp stars close to the blue edge of the theoretical roAp instability strip, and reaffirm that mode instability is observed more frequently with precise, space-based observations. In addition to the Cycle 2 observations, we analyse TESS data for all-known roAp stars. This amounts to 18 further roAp stars observed by TESS. Finally, we list six known roAp stars that TESS is yet to observe. We deduce that the incidence of roAp stars amongst the Ap star population is just 5.5 per cent, raising fundamental questions about the conditions required to excite pulsations in Ap stars. This work, coupled with our previous work on roAp stars in Cycle 1 observations, presents the most comprehensive, homogeneous study of the roAp stars in the TESS nominal mission, with a collection of 112 confirmed roAp stars in total.

Maia variables and other anomalies among pulsating stars

High-precision photometry from TESS has revealed over 500 stars, located between the δ Scuti and β Cephei instability strips, which pulsate with high frequencies. Models do not predict high pulsation frequencies in these stars. These anomalous variables may be identified with the historical “Maia” variables. From the projected rotational velocities, it is shown that the rotation rates of Maia variables are no different from main sequence or SPB stars in the same effective temperature range. Some Maia stars pulsate at frequencies typical of roAp stars. It is shown that Maia stars should be considered an extension of δ Scuti variables to effective temperatures as high as 18,000 K, rather than as a separate class. The TESS data show a continuous sequence of low-frequency pulsating stars linking the γ Doradus and SPB variables, which is not predicted by the models. There are, in fact, no well-defined instability strips at all among upper main sequence stars, which means that arbitrary choices of effective temperature and frequency ranges need to be made in order to assign a particular variability class. It seems that a mixture of driving mechanisms is present in which convection may play a very important role.

Discovery of a 0.64 M ⊙ 13.4 au Companion to the roAp Star HIP 47145 = HR 3831 = IM Vel* *Based on observations collected at the European Southern Observatory, Chile, Program ID 110.241W.002.

Our knowledge about the multiplicity of intermediate mass A- and B-type stars is still incomplete, in particular for high (3+) multiplicity systems. Here we report the discovery of a new companion to the nearby roAp star HIP 47145 = HR 3831 with a K band flux ratio of 4% based on a VLTI/GRAVITY interferometric observation. This new 0.64M ⊙ companion at a projected separation 187.5 mas ↔ 13.40 au explains the Hipparcos-GaiaDR2 proper motion change of HR 3831. Together with the previously known M ≈ 1M ⊙ companion at 3″ ↔ 214 au, this makes HR 3831 a hierarchical triple and a very likely progenitor for a system similar to 40 Eridani.

An Ap Star Catalog Based on LAMOST DR9

We present a sample of 2700 Ap stars in the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) DR9 catalog. The candidates are first selected to be in a temperature range typical of Ap stars by using the BP − RP color index from Gaia DR3. Then the 5200 Å flux depression features characteristic of Ap stars are visually checked in LAMOST DR9 spectra. The detailed spectral features are given by applying a modified spectral classification program, MKCLASS. The stellar parameters of these Ap stars, such as the T eff, , [Fe/H], [Si/H], and , are either extracted from a hot star catalog or derived through empirical relations and then a statistical analysis is carried out. The evolutionary stages are also discussed. Finally, we discuss the rotation and pulsation features of those that have TESS or Kepler light curves. Among these Ap stars, we find seven new rotation variables, one new roAp star, and a new δ Scuti pulsation of a previously known roAp star.

HD 213258: A new rapidly oscillating, super slowly rotating, strongly magnetic Ap star in a spectroscopic binary

We report on HD 213258, an Ap star that we recently identified as presenting a unique combination of rare, remarkable properties. Our study of this star is based on ESPaDOnS Stokes I and V data obtained at seven epochs spanning a time interval slightly shorter than 2 yr, on TESS data, and on radial velocity measurements from the CORAVEL data base. We confirm that HD 213258, which was originally suspected to be an F str λ 4077 star, is definitely an Ap star. We found that, in its spectrum, the Fe IIλ 6149.2 Å line is resolved into its two magnetically split components. The mean magnetic field modulus of HD 213258, ⟨B⟩∼3.8 kG, which we determined from this splitting, does not show significant variations over ∼2 yr. Comparing our mean longitudinal field determinations with a couple of measurements from the literature, we show that the stellar rotation period is likely of the order of 50 yr, with a reversal of the field polarity. Moreover, HD 213258 is a rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) star, in which high overtone pulsations with a period of 7.58 min are detected. Finally, we confirm that HD 213258 has a mean radial velocity exceeding (in absolute value) that of at least 99% of Ap stars. The radial velocity shows low amplitude variations, which suggests that the star is a single-line spectroscopic binary. It is also a known astrometric binary. While its orbital elements remain to be determined, its orbital period is likely one of the shortest known for a binary roAp star. Its secondary is close to the borderline between stellar and substellar objects. There is a significant probability that it is a brown dwarf. The pair represents a combination that has never been observed before. Most of the above-mentioned properties taken in isolation are only observed in a small fraction of the whole population of Ap stars. Thus, the probability that a single star possesses all of them is extremely low. This makes HD 213258 an exceptionally interesting object that deserves to be studied in detail in the future.

Long-period Ap stars discovered with TESS data: The northern ecliptic hemisphere

The rotation periods of the magnetic Ap stars span five to six orders of magnitude. While it is well established that period differentiation must have taken place at the pre-main sequence stage, the physical processes that lead to it remain elusive. The existence of Ap stars that have rotation periods of tens to hundreds of years is particularly intriguing, and their study represents a promising avenue to gain additional insight into the origin and evolution of rotation in Ap stars. Historically, almost all the longest period Ap stars known have been found to be strongly magnetic; very few weakly magnetic Ap stars with very long periods have been identified and studied. To remedy that, we showed how a systematic search based on the analysis of TESS photometric data could be performed to identify super-slowly rotating Ap (ssrAp) stars independently of the strengths of their magnetic fields, with the intention to characterise the distribution of the longest Ap star rotation periods in an unbiased manner. We successfully applied this method to the analysis of the TESS 2-min cadence observations of Ap stars of the southern ecliptic hemisphere. For our present study, we applied the same approach to the analysis of the TESS 2-min cadence observations of Ap stars of the northern ecliptic hemisphere. We confirm that the technique leads to the reliable identification of ssrAp star candidates in an unbiased manner. We find 67 Ap stars with no rotational variability in the northern ecliptic hemisphere TESS data. Among them, 46 are newly identified ssrAp star candidates, which is double the number found in the southern ecliptic hemisphere. We confirm that super-slow rotation tends to occur less frequently in weakly magnetic Ap stars than in strongly magnetic stars. We present new evidence of the existence of a gap between ∼2 kG and ∼3 kG in the distribution of the magnetic field strengths of long period Ap stars. We also confirm that the incidence of roAp stars is higher than average in slowly rotating Ap stars. We report the unexpected discovery of nine definite and five candidate δ Sct stars, and of two eclipsing binaries. This work paves the way for a systematic, unbiased study of the longest period Ap stars, with a view to characterise the correlations between their rotational, magnetic, and pulsational properties.

Rapidly oscillating TESS A–F main-sequence stars: are the roAp stars a distinct class?

ABSTRACT From sector 1–44 TESS observations, 19 new rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) stars, 103 ostensibly non-peculiar stars with roAp-like frequencies, and 617 δ Scuti stars with independent frequencies typical of roAp stars were found. Examination of all chemically peculiar stars observed by TESS resulted in the discovery of 199 Ap stars that pulsate as δ Sct or γ Dor variables. The fraction of pulsating Ap stars is the same as the fraction of pulsating chemically normal stars. There is no distinct separation in frequency or radial order between chemically peculiar δ Sct stars and roAp stars. In fact, all the features that originally distinguished roAp from δ Sct stars in the past have disappeared. There is no reason to assume that the high frequencies in roAp stars are driven by a different mechanism from the high frequencies in chemically normal stars. However, chemically peculiar stars are far more likely to pulsate with high frequencies. The term ‘roAp’ should be dropped: all roAp stars are normal δ Scuti stars.

Two New roAp Stars Discovered with TESS

Abstract We present two new rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) stars, TIC 198781841 and TIC 229960986, discovered in TESS photometric data. The periodogram of TIC 198781841 has a large peak at 166.506 day−1 (1.93 mHz), with two nearby peaks at 163.412 day−1 (1.89 mHz) and 169.600 day−1 (1.96 mHz). These correspond to three independent high-overtone pressure modes, with alternating even and odd ℓ values. TIC 229960986 has a high-frequency triplet centered at 191.641 day−1 (2.218 mHz), with sidebands at 191.164 day−1 (2.213 mHz) and 192.119 day−1 (2.224 mHz). This pulsation appears to be a rotationally split dipole mode, with sideband amplitudes significantly larger than that of the central peak; hence, both pulsation poles are seen over the rotation cycle. Our photometric identification of two new roAp stars underscores the remarkable ability of TESS to identify high-frequency pulsators without spectroscopic observations.

Erratum: Discovery of multiple p-mode pulsation frequencies in the roAp star, HD 86181

We report the frequency analysis of a known roAp star, HD 86181 (TIC 469246567), with new inferences from TESS data. We derive the rotation frequency to be νrot = 0.48753 ± 0.00001d−1. The pulsation frequency spectrum is rich, consisting of two doublets and one quintuplet, which we interpret to be oblique pulsation multiplets from consecutive, high-overtone dipole, quadrupole and dipole modes. The central frequency of the quintuplet is 232.7701d−1 (2.694 mHz). The phases of the sidelobes, the pulsation phase modulation, and a spherical harmonic decomposition all show that the quadrupole mode is distorted. Following the oblique pulsator model, we calculate the rotation inclination, i, and magnetic obliquity, β, of this star, which provide detailed information about the pulsation geometry. The i and β derived from the best fit of the pulsation amplitude and phase modulation to a theoretical model, including the magnetic field effect, slightly differ from those calculated for a pure quadrupole, indicating the contributions from l = 4, 6, 8, ... are small. Non-adiabatic models with different envelope convection conditions and physics configurations were considered for this star. It is shown that models with envelope convection almost fully suppressed can explain the excitation at the observed pulsation frequencies.

The rapidly oscillating Ap star γ Equ: linear polarization as an enhanced pulsation diagnostic?

ABSTRACT We present the first short time-scale observations of the rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) star γ Equ in linear polarized light obtained with the Potsdam Echelle Polarimetric and Spectroscopic Instrument installed at the Large Binocular Telescope. These observations are used to search for pulsation variability in Stokes Q and U line profiles belonging to different elements. The atmospheres of roAp stars are significantly stratified with spectral lines of different elements probing different atmospheric depths. roAp stars with strong magnetic fields, such as γ Equ with a magnetic field modulus of 4 kG and a pulsation period of 12.21 min, are of special interest because the effect of the magnetic field on the structure of their atmospheres can be studied with greatest detail and accuracy. Our results show that we may detect changes in the transversal field component in Fe i and rare earth element lines possessing large second-order Landé factors. Such variability can be due to the impact of pulsation on the transverse magnetic field, causing changes in the obliquity angles of the magnetic force lines. Further studies of roAp stars in linear polarized light and subsequent detailed modelling are necessary to improve our understanding of the involved physics.

Discovery of multiple p-mode pulsation frequencies in the roAp star, HD 86181

ABSTRACT We report the frequency analysis of a known roAp star, HD 86181 (TIC 469246567), with new inferences from Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) data. We derive the rotation frequency to be νrot = 0.48753 ± 0.00001 d−1. The pulsation frequency spectrum is rich, consisting of two doublets and one quintuplet, which we interpret to be oblique pulsation multiplets from consecutive, high-overtone dipole, quadrupole, and dipole modes. The central frequency of the quintuplet is 232.7701 d−1 (2.694 mHz). The phases of the sidelobes, the pulsation phase modulation, and a spherical harmonic decomposition all show that the quadrupole mode is distorted. Following the oblique pulsator model, we calculate the rotation inclination, i, and magnetic obliquity, β, of this star, which provide detailed information about the pulsation geometry. The i and β derived from the best fit of the pulsation amplitude and phase modulation to a theoretical model, including the magnetic field effect, slightly differ from those calculated for a pure quadrupole, indicating the contributions from ℓ = 4, 6, 8,... are small. Non-adiabatic models with different envelope convection conditions and physics configurations were considered for this star. It is shown that models with envelope convection almost fully suppressed can explain the excitation at the observed pulsation frequencies.

Fundamental properties of a selected sample of Ap stars: Inferences from interferometric and asteroseismic constraints

Context. Magnetic fields influence the formation and evolution of stars and impact the observed stellar properties. magnetic A-type stars (Ap stars) are a prime example of this. Access to precise and accurate determinations of their stellar fundamental properties, such as masses and ages, is crucial to understand the origin and evolution of fossil magnetic fields. Aims. We propose using the radii and luminosities determined from interferometric measurements, in addition to seismic constraints when available, to infer fundamental properties of 14 Ap stars préviously characterised. Methods. We used a grid-based modelling approach, employing stellar models computed with the CESTAM stellar evolution code, and the parameter search performed with the AIMS optimisation method. The stellar model grid was built using a wide range of initial helium abundances and metallicities in order to avoid any bias originating from the initial chemical composition. The large frequency separations (Δν) of HR 1217 (HD 24712) and α Cir (HD 128898), two rapidly oscillating Ap stars of the sample, were used as seismic constraints. Results. We inferred the fundamental properties of the 14 stars in the sample. The overall results are consistent within 1σ with previous studies, however, the stellar masses inferred in this study are higher. This trend likely originates from the broader range of chemical compositions considered in this work. We show that the use of Δν in the modelling significantly improves our inferences, allowing us to set reasonable constraints on the initial metallicity which is, otherwise, unconstrained. This gives an indication of the efficiency of atomic diffusion in the atmospheres of roAp stars and opens the possibility of characterising the transport of chemical elements in their interiors.

TESS cycle 1 observations of roAp stars with 2-min cadence data

ABSTRACT We present the results of a systematic search for new rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) stars using the 2-min cadence data collected by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) during its Cycle 1 observations. We identify 12 new roAp stars. Amongst these stars we discover the roAp star with the longest pulsation period, another with the shortest rotation period, and six with multiperiodic variability. In addition to these new roAp stars, we present an analysis of 44 known roAp stars observed by TESS during Cycle 1, providing the first high-precision and homogeneous sample of a significant fraction of the known roAp stars. The TESS observations have shown that almost 60 per cent (33) of our sample of stars are multiperiodic, providing excellent cases to test models of roAp pulsations, and from which the most rewarding asteroseismic results can be gleaned. We report four cases of the occurrence of rotationally split frequency multiplets that imply different mode geometries for the same degree modes in the same star. This provides a conundrum in applying the oblique pulsator model to the roAp stars. Finally, we report the discovery of non-linear mode interactions in α Cir (TIC 402546736, HD 128898) around the harmonic of the principal mode – this is only the second case of such a phenomenon.

The roAp Stars Observed by the Kepler Space Telescope

Before the launch of theKeplerSpace Telescope, most studies of the rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) stars were conducted with ground-based photometricBobservations, supplemented with high-resolution time-resolved spectroscopy and some space observations with the WIRE, MOST, and BRITE satellites. These modes of observation often only provided information on a single star at a time, however,Keplerprovided the opportunity to observe hundreds of thousands of stars simultaneously. Over the duration of the primary 4 yearKeplermission, and its 4 year reconfigured K2 mission, the telescope observed at least 14 new and known roAp stars. This paper provides a summary the results of these observations, including a first look at the entire data sets, and provides a look forward to NASA'sTESSmission.

New BRITE-Constellation observations of the roAp star α Cir

Context. Chemically peculiar (CP) stars with a measurable magnetic field comprise the group of mCP stars. The pulsating members define the subgroup of rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) stars, of which α Cir is the brightest member. Hence, α Cir allows the application of challenging techniques, such as interferometry, very high temporal and spectral resolution photometry, and spectroscopy in a wide wavelength range, that have the potential to provide unique information about the structure and evolution of a star. Aims. Based on new photometry from BRITE-Constellation, obtained with blue and red filters, and on photometry from WIRE, SMEI, and TESS we attempt to determine the surface spot structure of α Cir and investigate pulsation frequencies. Methods. We used photometric surface imaging and frequency analyses and Bayesian techniques in order to quantitatively compare the probability of different models. Results. BRITE-Constellation photometry obtained from 2014 to 2016 is put in the context of space photometry obtained by WIRE, SMEI, and TESS. This provides improvements in the determination of the rotation period and surface features (three spots detected and a fourth one indicated). The main pulsation frequencies indicate two consecutive radial modes and one intermediate dipolar mode. Advantages and problems of the applied Bayesian technique are discussed.

SALT HRS Capabilities for Time Resolved Pulsation Analysis: A Test with the roAp Star α Circini* *Based on observations made with the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT).

Spectroscopy is a powerful tool for detecting variability in the rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) stars. The technique requires short integrations times and high resolution, and so is limited to only a few telescopes and instruments. To test the capabilities of the High Resolution Spectrograph (HRS) at the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) for the study of pulsations in roAp stars, we collected 2.45 hr of high-resolution data of the well studied roAp star α Cir in a previously unused instrument configuration. We extracted radial velocity measurements using different rare earth elements, and the core of H α , via the cross correlation method. We performed the same analysis with a set of α Cir data collected with the High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher spectrograph to provide a benchmark for our SALT HRS test. We measured significant radial velocity variations in the HRS data and show that our results are in excellent agreement between the two data sets, with similar signal-to-noise ratio detections of the principal pulsation mode. With the HRS data, we report the detection of a second mode, showing the instrument is capable of detecting multiple and low-amplitude signals in a short observing window. We concluded that SALT HRS is well-suited for characterizing pulsations in Ap stars, opening a new science window for the telescope. Although our analysis focused on roAp stars, the fundamental results are applicable to other areas of astrophysics where high temporal and spectral resolution observations are required.

Pulsations of the Rapidly Oscillating Ap Star KIC 10685175 Revisited by TESS

Abstract KIC 10685175 (TIC 264509538) was discovered to be a rapidly oscillating Ap star from Kepler long-cadence data using super-Nyquist frequency analysis. It was reobserved by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) with 2 minute cadence data in Sectors 14 and 15. We analyzed the TESS light curves, finding that the previously determined frequency is a Nyquist alias. The revised pulsation frequency is 191.5151 ± 0.0005 day−1 (P = 7.52 minutes) and the rotation frequency is 0.32229 ± 0.00005 day−1 (P rot = 3.1028 days). The star is an oblique pulsator with a pulsation amplitude modulated by the rotation, reaching a maximum pulsation amplitude at the time of the rotational light minimum. The oblique pulsation generates a frequency quintuplet split by exactly the rotation frequency. The phases of sidelobes, the pulsation phase modulation, and a spherical harmonic decomposition all show this star to be pulsating in a distorted quadrupole mode. Following the oblique pulsator model, we calculated the rotation inclination i and magnetic oblique β of this star, which provide detailed information of pulsation geometry. The i and β derived by the best fit of pulsation amplitude and phase modulation through a theoretical model differ from those calculated for a pure quadrupole, indicating the existence of strong magnetic distortion. The model also predicts the polar magnetic field strength is as high as about 6 kG which is predicted to be observed in a high-resolution spectrum of this star.