Stellar Envelope Research Articles

Discovery of tidal debris stars from G1/Mayall II in M31

ABSTRACT The object Mayall II or G1 is the brightest globular cluster belonging to M31. Because of its extreme properties for a globular cluster, it has been speculated that G1 is the remnant nucleus of a dwarf galaxy that has been stripped by the tidal field of M31. Using the Keck DEIMOS spectrograph, we have conducted a survey for tidally stripped stars from G1, obtaining a sample of 351 stellar velocities over ∼320 sq. arcmin of sky centred on G1. 13 are within $25~{\, \rm km\, s^{-1}\, }$ of the systemic velocity of G1, and exhibit spatial and velocity correlations consistent with being dynamically associated with G1, and all 13 are well outside the tidal radius of the cluster. These 13 stars could be either (i) the remnants of an almost completely evaporated stellar envelope or (ii) G1 member stars lost through tidal interaction with M31. Estimates of the implied mass-loss rate based on our data suggest a short dissolution time-scale for G1, thus favouring the stellar envelope hypothesis for the origin of the tidal tail stars, or, at the very least, an advanced stage of cluster dissolution. In either case, G1 and by extension compact stellar systems in general have likely played a significant role in building the halo of M31.

On linear and nonlinear acoustics in stratified variable-area ducts and atmospheres and Lighthill's proposition

Abstract

Flipping spins in mass transferring binaries and origin of spin-orbit misalignment in binary black holes

Close stellar binaries are prone to undergo a phase of stable mass transfer in which a star loses mass to its companion. Assuming that the donor star loses mass along the instantaneous interstellar axis, we derive the orbit-averaged equations of motion describing the evolution of the donor rotational angular momentum vector (spin) which accompanies the transfer of mass. We consider: (i) a model in which the mass transfer rate is constant within each orbit and (ii) a phase-dependent rate in which all mass per orbit is lost at periapsis. In both cases, we find that the ejection of $\gtrsim 30$ per cent of the donor's initial mass causes its spin to nearly flip onto the orbital plane of the binary, independently of the initial spin-orbit alignment. Moreover, we show that the spin flip due to mass transfer can easily dominate over tidal synchronisation in any giant stars and main-sequence stars with masses $\sim1.5$ to $5\,\rm M_\odot$. Finally, the general equations of motion, including tides, are used to evolve a realistic population of massive binary stars leading to the formation of binary black holes. Assuming that the stellar core and envelope are fully coupled, the resulting tilt of the first-born black hole reduces its spin projection onto the orbit normal by a factor $\sim\mathcal{O}(0.1)$. This result supports previous studies in favour of an insignificant contribution to the effective spin projection, $\chi_{\rm eff}$, in binary black holes formed from the evolution of field binaries.

Wind-envelope interaction as the origin of the slow cyclic brightness variations of luminous blue variables

Luminous blue variables (LBVs) are hot, very luminous massive stars displaying large quasi-periodic variations in brightness, radius, and photospheric temperature on timescales of years to decades. The physical origin of this variability, called S Doradus cycle after its prototype, has remained elusive. We study the feedback of stellar wind mass-loss on the envelope structure in stars near the Eddington limit. We calculated a time-dependent hydrodynamic stellar evolution, applying a stellar wind mass-loss prescription with a temperature dependence inspired by the predicted systematic increase in mass-loss rates below 25 kK. We find that when the wind mass-loss rate crosses a well-defined threshold, a discontinuous change in the wind base conditions leads to a restructuring of the stellar envelope. The induced drastic radius and temperature changes, which occur on the thermal timescale of the inflated envelope, in turn impose mass-loss variations that reverse the initial changes, leading to a cycle that lacks a stationary equilibrium configuration. Our proof-of-concept model broadly reproduces the typical observational phenomenology of the S Doradus variability. We identify three key physical ingredients that are required to trigger the instability: inflated envelopes in close proximity to the Eddington limit, a temperature range where decreasing opacities do not lead to an accelerating outflow, and a mass-loss rate that increases with decreasing temperature, crossing a critical threshold value within this temperature range. Our scenario and model provide testable predictions, and open the door for a consistent theoretical treatment of the LBV phase in stellar evolution, with consequences for their further evolution as single stars or in binary systems.

A photometric and kinematic analysis of UDG1137+16 (dw1137+16): Probing ultradiffuse galaxy formation in a group environment

ABSTRACT The dominant physical formation mechanism(s) for ultradiffuse galaxies (UDGs) is still poorly understood. Here, we combine new, deep imaging from the Jeanne Rich Telescope with deep integral field spectroscopy from the Keck II telescope to investigate the formation of UDG1137+16 (dw1137+16). Our new analyses confirm both its environmental association with the low density UGC 6594 group, along with its large size of 3.3 kpc and status as a UDG. The new imaging reveals two distinct stellar components for UDG1137+16, indicating that a central stellar body is surrounded by an outer stellar envelope undergoing tidal interaction. Both the components have approximately similar stellar masses. From our integral field spectroscopy, we measure a stellar velocity dispersion within the half-light radius (15 ± 4 km s−1) and find that UDG1137+16 is similar to some other UDGs in that it is likely dark matter dominated. Incorporating literature measurements, we also examine the current state of UDG observational kinematics. Placing these data on the central stellar velocity dispersion–stellar mass relation, we suggest there is little evidence for UDG1137+16 being created through a strong tidal interaction. Finally, we investigate the constraining power current dynamical mass estimates (from stellar and globular cluster velocity dispersions) have on the total halo mass of UDGs. As most are measured within the half-light radius, they are unable to accurately constrain UDG total halo masses.

Destruction of a Star during the Evolution of a Star + Supermassive Black Hole System

Destruction of a Star during the Evolution of a Star + Supermassive Black Hole System

Measuring stellar atmosphere parameters using follow-up polarimetric microlensing observations

ABSTRACT We present an analysis of potential follow-up polarimetric microlensing observations to study the stellar atmospheres of distant stars. First, we produce synthetic microlensing events using the Galactic model, stellar population and interstellar dust toward the Galactic bulge. We simulate the polarization microlensing light curves and pass them through the instrument specifications of the FOcal Reducer and low dispersion Spectrograph (FORS2) polarimeter at the Very Large Telescope (VLT), and then analyse them. We find that the accuracy of the VLT allows us to constrain the atmospheres of cool red giant branch (RGB) stars. Assuming that about 3000 microlensing events are detected per year by the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE) telescope, we expect to detect almost 20, 10, 8 and 5 polarization microlensing events for the following four criteria: being three consecutive polarimetric data points above the baseline with 1σ, 2σ, 3σ and 4σ, respectively, in the polarimetric light curves. We generalize the covariance matrix formulation and present the combination of polarimetric and icinformation that leads us to measure the scattering optical depth of the atmosphere and the inner radius of the stellar envelope of RGB stars. These two parameters could determine the dust opacity of the atmosphere of cool RGB source stars and the radius where dust can be formed.

The search for extratidal star candidates around Galactic globular clusters NGC 2808, NGC 6266, and NGC 6397 with Gaia DR2 astrometry

Context. Extratidal stars are stellar bodies that end up outside the tidal radius of a cluster as a result of internal processes or external forces acting upon it. The presence and spatial distribution of these stars can give us insights into the past evolution of a cluster inside our Galaxy. Aims. Previous works suggest that globular clusters, when explored in detail, show evidence of extratidal stars. We aim to search for possible extratidal stars in the Galactic globular clusters NGC 6397, NGC 2808, and NGC 6266 using the photometry and proper motion measurements from Gaia DR2 database. Methods. The extratidal stars for the clusters were selected on the basis of: their distance from the cluster center, similarity in their proper motions to the cluster population, and their position on the color-magnitude diagram of the clusters. Each cluster was explored in an annulus disk from the tidal radius up to five times the tidal radii. The significance level of the number of selected extratidal stars was determined on the basis of the distribution of Milky Way stars according to the Besançon Galaxy model and Gaia data. To understand the observed extratidal features, the orbits of the clusters were also determined using GravPot16. Results. Finally, 120, 126, and 107 extratidal candidate stars were found lying outside the tidal radius of the globular clusters NGC 6397, NGC 2808, and NGC 6266, respectively. 70%, 25.4%, and 72.9% of the extratidal stars found are located outside the Jacobi radius of NGC 6397, NGC 2808, and NGC 6266, respectively. The spatial distribution of the extratidal stars belonging to NGC 6397 appears S-like, extending along the curved leading and trailing arms. NGC 2808 has an overdensity of stars in the trailing part of the cluster and NGC 6266 seems to have overdensities of extratidal stars in its eastern and northern sides. Conclusions. Proper motions and color-magnitude diagrams can be used to identify extratidal candidate stars around GCs. Nonetheless, depending on how different the kinematics and stellar populations of a cluster are compared to the Milky Way field, the fraction of contamination can be larger. All three clusters are found to have extratidal stars outside their tidal radii. For NGC 6397 and NGC 2808, these stars may be the result of a combined effect of the disc shocks and tidal disruptions. For NGC 6266, the distribution of extratidal stars is symmetrical around it, most likely indicating that the cluster has an extended stellar envelope.

HD 76920 b pinned down: A detailed analysis of the most eccentric planetary system around an evolved star

Abstract We present 63 new multi-site radial velocity (RV) measurements of the K1III giant HD 76920, which was recently reported to host the most eccentric planet known to orbit an evolved star. We focused our observational efforts on the time around the predicted periastron passage and achieved near-continuous phase coverage of the corresponding RV peak. By combining our RV measurements from four different instruments with previously published ones, we confirm the highly eccentric nature of the system and find an even higher eccentricity of $e=0.8782 \pm 0.0025$ , an orbital period of $415.891^{+0.043}_{-0.039}\,\textrm{d}$ , and a minimum mass of $3.13^{+0.41}_{-0.43}\,\textrm{M}_{\textrm{J}}$ for the planet. The uncertainties in the orbital elements are greatly reduced, especially for the period and eccentricity. We also performed a detailed spectroscopic analysis to derive atmospheric stellar parameters, and thus the fundamental stellar parameters ( $M_*, R_*, L_*$ ), taking into account the parallax from Gaia DR2, and independently determined the stellar mass and radius using asteroseismology. Intriguingly, at periastron, the planet comes to within 2.4 stellar radii of its host star’s surface. However, we find that the planet is not currently experiencing any significant orbital decay and will not be engulfed by the stellar envelope for at least another 50–80 Myr. Finally, while we calculate a relatively high transit probability of 16%, we did not detect a transit in the TESS photometry.

The chemical signature of jet-driven hypernovae

ABSTRACT Hypernovae powered by magnetic jets launched from the surface of rapidly rotating millisecond magnetars are one of the leading models to explain broad-lined Type Ic supernovae (SNe Ic-BL), and have been implicated as an important source of metal enrichment in the early Universe. We investigate the nucleosynthesis in such jet-driven hypernovae using a parametrized, but physically motivated, approach that analytically relates an artificially injected jet energy flux to the power available from the energy in differential rotation in the protoneutron star. We find ejected 56Ni masses of $0.05\, \!-\!0.45\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ in our most energetic models with explosion energy $\gt 10^{52}\, \mathrm{erg}$. This is in good agreement with the range of observationally inferred values for SNe Ic-BL. The 56Ni is mostly synthesized in the shocked stellar envelope, and is therefore only moderately sensitive to the jet composition. Jets with a high electron fraction Ye = 0.5 eject more 56Ni by a factor of 2 than neutron-rich jets. We can obtain chemical abundance profiles in good agreement with the average chemical signature observed in extremely metal-poor (EMP) stars presumably polluted by hypernova ejecta. Notably, [Zn/Fe] ≳ 0.5 is consistently produced in our models. For neutron-rich jets, there is a significant r-process component, and agreement with EMP star abundances in fact requires either a limited contribution from neutron-rich jets or a stronger dilution of r-process material in the interstellar medium than for the slow SN ejecta outside the jet. The high [C/Fe] ≳ 0.7 observed in many EMP stars cannot be consistently achieved due to the large mass of iron in the ejecta, however, and remains a challenge for jet-driven hypernovae based on the magnetorotational mechanism.

Common-envelope evolution with an asymptotic giant branch star

Common-envelope phases are decisive for the evolution of many binary systems. Cases with asymptotic giant branch (AGB) primary stars are of particular interest because they are thought to be progenitors of various astrophysical transients. In three-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations with the moving-mesh code AREPO, we study the common-envelope evolution of a 1.0 M⊙ early-AGB star with companions of different masses. Although the stellar envelope of an AGB star is less tightly bound than that of a red giant, we find that the release of orbital energy of the core binary is insufficient to eject more than about twenty percent of the envelope mass. Ionization energy that is released in the expanding envelope, however, can lead to complete envelope ejection. Because recombination proceeds largely at high optical depths in our simulations, it is likely that this effect indeed plays a significant role in the considered systems. The efficiency of mass loss and the final orbital separation of the core binary system depend on the mass ratio between the companion and the primary star. Our results suggest a linear relation between the ratio of final to initial orbital separation and this parameter.

Stars Stripped in Binaries: The Living Gravitational-wave Sources

Abstract Binary interaction can cause stellar envelopes to be stripped, which significantly reduces the radius of the star. The orbit of a binary composed of a stripped star and a compact object can therefore be so tight that the gravitational radiation the system produces reaches frequencies accessible to the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). Two such stripped stars in tight orbits with white dwarfs are known so far (ZTF J2130+4420 and CD−30°11223), but many more are expected to exist. These binaries provide important constraints for binary evolution models and may be used as LISA verification sources. We develop a Monte Carlo code that uses detailed evolutionary models to simulate the Galactic population of stripped stars in tight orbits with either neutron star or white dwarf companions. We predict 0–100 stripped star + white dwarf binaries and 0–4 stripped star + neutron star binaries with a signal-to-noise ratio >5 after 10 yr of observations with LISA. More than 90% of these binaries are expected to show large radial velocity shifts of ≳200 km s − 1 , which are spectroscopically detectable. Photometric variability due to tidal deformation of the stripped star is also expected and has been observed in ZTF J2130+4420 and CD−30°11223. In addition, the stripped star + neutron star binaries are expected to be X-ray bright with L X ≳ 1033–1036 erg s − 1 . Our results show that stripped star binaries are promising multimessenger sources for the upcoming electromagnetic and gravitational wave facilities.

Evidence for localized onset of episodic mass loss in Mira

Context. Mass loss from long-period variable stars (LPV) is an important contributor to the evolution of galactic abundances. Dust formation is understood to play an essential role in mass loss. It has, however, proven difficult to develop measurements that strongly constrain the location and timing of dust nucleation and acceleration. Aims. Interferometric imaging has the potential to constrain the geometry and dynamics of mass loss. High angular resolution studies of various types have shown that LPVs have a distinct core-halo structure. These have also shown that LPV images commonly exhibit a non-circular shape. The nature of this shape and its implications are yet to be understood. Methods. Multi-telescope interferometric measurements taken with the Interferometric Optical Telescope Array (IOTA) provide imagery of the LPV Mira in the H-band. This wavelength region is well suited to studying mass loss given the low continuum opacity, which allows for emission to be observed over a very long path in the stellar atmosphere and envelope. Results. The observed visibilities are consistent with a simple core-halo model to represent the central object and the extended molecular layers but, in addition, they demonstrate a substantial asymmetry. An analysis with image reconstruction software shows that the asymmetry is consistent with a localized absorbing patch. The observed opacity is tentatively associated with small dust grains, which will grow substantially during a multi-year ejection process. Spatial information along with a deduced dust content of the cloud, known mass loss rates, and ejection velocities provide evidence for the pulsational pumping of the extended molecular layers. The cloud may be understood as a spatially local zone of enhanced dust formation, very near to the pulsating halo. The observed mass loss could be provided by several such active regions around the star. Conclusions. This result provides an additional clue for better understanding the clumpiness of dust production in the atmosphere of AGB stars. It is compatible with scenarios where the combination of pulsation and convection play a key role in the process of mass loss.

Nuclear burning in collapsar accretion discs

ABSTRACT The core collapse of massive, rapidly-rotating stars are thought to be the progenitors of long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRB) and their associated hyperenergetic supernovae (SNe). At early times after the collapse, relatively low angular momentum material from the infalling stellar envelope will circularize into an accretion disc located just outside the black hole horizon, resulting in high accretion rates necessary to power a GRB jet. Temperatures in the disc mid-plane at these small radii are sufficiently high to dissociate nuclei, while outflows from the disc can be neutron-rich and may synthesize r-process nuclei. However, at later times, and for high progenitor angular momentum, the outer layers of the stellar envelope can circularize at larger radii ≳ 107 cm, where nuclear reactions can take place in the disc mid-plane (e.g. 4He + 16O → 20Ne + γ). Here we explore the effects of nuclear burning on collapsar accretion discs and their outflows by means of hydrodynamical α-viscosity torus simulations coupled to a 19-isotope nuclear reaction network, which are designed to mimic the late infall epochs in collapsar evolution when the viscous time of the torus has become comparable to the envelope fall-back time. Our results address several key questions, such as the conditions for quiescent burning and accretion versus detonation and the generation of 56Ni in disc outflows, which we show could contribute significantly to powering GRB SNe. Being located in the slowest, innermost layers of the ejecta, the latter could provide the radioactive heating source necessary to make the spectral signatures of r-process elements visible in late-time GRB-SNe spectra.

A model for redistributing heat over the surface of irradiated spider companions

ABSTRACT Spider pulsars are binary systems containing an energetic millisecond pulsar that intensely irradiates a closely orbiting low-mass companion. Modelling their companion’s optical light curves is essential to the study of the orbital properties of the binary, including the determination of the pulsar mass, characterizing the pulsar wind, and the star itself. We aim to generalize the traditional direct heating model of irradiation, whereby energy deposited by the pulsar wind into the stellar envelope is locally re-emitted, by introducing heat redistribution via diffusion and convection within the outer stellar envelope. We approximate the irradiated stellar envelope as a 2D shell. This allows us to propose an effective equation of energy conservation that can be solved at a reduced computational cost. We then implement this model in the icarus software and use evidence sampling to determine the most likely convection and diffusion laws for the light curve of the redback companion of PSR J2215+5135. Redistribution effects concentrate near the terminator line of pulsar irradiation, and can create apparent hot and cold spots. Among the models tested for PSR J2215+5135, we find that all models with heat redistribution are more likely than symmetric direct heating. The best-fitting redistribution model involves diffusion together with a uniformly rotating envelope. However, we caution that all models still present serious systematic effects, and that prior knowledge from pulsar timing, spectroscopy, and distance are key to determine with certainty the most accurate redistribution law. We propose an extension of the direct heating framework that allows for exploring a variety of heat redistribution effects. Future work is necessary to determine the relevant laws from first principles and empirically using complementary observations.

NGC 4104: A shell galaxy in a forming fossil group

Context. Groups are the most common association of galaxies in the Universe and they are found in different configuration states, such as loose, compact, and fossil groups. Aims. We studied the galaxy group MKW 4s, dominated by the giant early-type galaxy NGC 4104 at z = 0.0282, with the aim of understanding the evolutionary stage of this group and to place it within the framework of the standard ΛCDM cosmological scenario. Methods. We obtained deep optical data with CFHT/Megacam (g and r bands) and we applied both the GALFIT 2D image fitting program and the IRAF/ELLIPSE 1D radial method to model the brightest group galaxy (BGG) and its extended stellar envelope. We also analysed the publicly available XMM-Newton and Chandra X-ray data. From N-body simulations of dry-mergers with different mass ratios of the infalling galaxy, we were able to constrain the dynamical stage of this system. Results. Our results show a stellar shell system feature in NGC 4104 and an extended envelope that was reproduced by our numerical simulations of a collision with a satellite galaxy taking place about 4−6 Gyr ago. The initial pair of galaxies had a mass ratio of at least 1:3. Taking into account the stellar envelope contribution to the total r band magnitude and the X-ray luminosity, MKW 4s falls into the category of a fossil group. Conclusions. Our results show that we are witnessing a rare case of a shell elliptical galaxy in a forming fossil group.

The solar abundance problem and eMSTOs in clusters

In this study, we focus on the impact of accretion from protoplanetary discs on the stellar evolution of AFG-type stars. We used a simplified disc model that was computed using the Two-Pop-Py code, which contains the growth and drift of dust particles in the protoplanetary disc, to model the accretion scenarios for a range of physical conditions for protoplanetary discs. Two limiting cases were combined with the evolution of stellar convective envelopes that were computed using the Garstec stellar evolution code. We find that the accretion of metal-poor (gas) or metal-rich (dust) material has a significant impact on the chemical composition of the stellar convective envelope. As a consequence, the evolutionary track of the star diverts from the standard scenario predicted by canonical stellar evolution models, which assume a constant and homogeneous chemical composition after the assembly of the star is complete. In the case of the Sun, we find a modest impact on the solar chemical composition. Indeed, the accretion of metal-poor material reduces the overall metallicity of the solar atmosphere and it is consistent, within the uncertainty, with the solar Z reported by Caffau et al. (2011, Sol. Phys., 268, 255), but our model is not consistent with the measurement by Asplund et al. (2009, ARA&A, 47, 481). Another relevant effect is the change of the position of the star in the colour-magnitude diagram. By comparing our predictions with a set of open clusters from the Gaia DR2, we show that it is possible to produce a scatter close to the TO of young clusters that could contribute to explaining the observed scatter in CMDs. Detailed measurements of metallicities and abundances in the nearby open clusters will additionally provide a stringent observational test for our proposed scenario.

Extratidal Stars and Chemical Abundance Properties of Two Metal-poor Globular Clusters M53 (NGC 5024) and NGC 5053

Abstract We search for extratidal stars around two metal-poor Galactic globular clusters, M53 and NGC 5053, using the near-infrared APOGEE spectra. Applying the t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) algorithm on the chemical abundances and radial velocities results in identification of two isolated stellar groups composed of cluster member stars in the t-SNE projection plane. With additional selection criteria of radial velocity, location in the color–magnitude diagram, and abundances from a manual chemical analysis, we find a total of 73 cluster member candidates; seven extratidal stars are found beyond the tidal radii of the two clusters. The extratidal stars around the clusters tend to be located along the leading direction of the cluster proper motion, and the individual proper motion of these stars also seems to be compatible to those of clusters. Interestingly, we find that one extratidal star of NGC 5053 is located on the southern outskirts of M53, which is part of common stellar envelope by the tidal interaction between two clusters. We discuss the nature of this star in the context of the tidal interaction between two clusters. We find apparent Mg–Al anticorrelations with a clear gap and spread (∼0.9 dex) in Al abundances for both clusters, and a light Si abundance spread (∼0.3 dex) for NGC 5053. Since all extratidal stars have Mg-enhanced and Al-depleted features, they could be first-generation stars of two globular clusters. Our results support that M53 and NGC 5053 originated in dwarf galaxies and are surrounded by extended stellar substructures of more numerous populations of clusters.

Common Envelope Wind Tunnel: Range of Applicability and Self-similarity in Realistic Stellar Envelopes

Abstract Common envelope evolution, the key orbital tightening phase of the traditional formation channel for close binaries, is a multistage process that presents many challenges to the establishment of a fully descriptive, predictive theoretical framework. In an approach complementary to global 3D hydrodynamical modeling, we explore the range of applicability for a simplified drag formalism that incorporates the results of local hydrodynamic “wind tunnel” simulations into a semi-analytical framework in the treatment of the common envelope dynamical inspiral phase using a library of realistic giant branch stellar models across the low, intermediate, and high-mass regimes. In terms of a small number of key dimensionless parameters, we characterize a wide range of common envelope events, revealing the broad range of applicability of the drag formalism as well its self-similar nature across mass regimes and ages. Limitations arising from global binary properties and local structural quantities are discussed together with the opportunity for a general prescriptive application for this formalism.

Time of flight and supernova progenitor effects on the neutrino halo

We argue that the neutrino halo, a population of neutrinos that have undergone direction-changing scattering in the stellar envelope of a core-collapse supernova (CCSNe), is sensitive to neutrino emission history through time of flight. We show that the constant time approximation, commonly used in calculating the neutrino halo, does not capture the spatiotemporal evolution of the halo neutrino population and that correcting for time of flight can produce conditions which may trigger fast neutrino flavor conversion. We also find that there exists a window of time early in all CCSNe where the neutrino halo population is sufficiently small that it may be negligible. This suggests that collective neutrino oscillation calculations which neglect the Halo may be well founded at sufficiently early times.