Stellar Pulsation Research Articles

RT VIR – A SEMIREGULAR STAR WITH MASER EMISSION: MATHEMATICAL MODELLING OF OPTICAL VARIABILITY

The historical light curve of the semiregular pulsating star RT Vir (SRb, Sp M8III) with a ma-
 ser emission is analyzed based on the AAVSO database. The star is extensively studied in the IR, radio and the optical ranges. The value of the period from the CCVS (155 d ) conflicts with some observational data. Signs of a systematic variability were also detected in the radio frequency range with a period that was close to 200 days. Studies of the period showed that the period of this star varies with time and the latest value was found to be roughly 136 days. Period analysis result of the visual data from 1904 May to 2016 August provided by AAVSO for RT Vir. Published databases of "virtual observatories" - AAVSOnet, Hipparcos, ASAS-SN, KWS were used. Periodogram analysis revealed that the star still has several periods (320, 280, 169 and 153 days). In fact, the variations are not truly periodic, there are large shifts in time, changes in amplitude, and these smaller periods occur as smaller-amplitude peaks in-between the main ones with 320 period. Two-color diagrams of gloss in I and color index (V-I) from V were constructed. Approximation of “Running parabola” was carried out, average values <V>=8.457, <I>=3.658, <B-V>=+1.8 were determined.

Contributions of Rotation, Expansion and Line Broadening to the Morphology and Kinematics of the Inner CSE of Oxygen-rich AGB Star R Hya

We use archival ALMA observations of the CO(2–1) and SiO(5–4) molecular line emissions of AGB star R Hya to illustrate the relative contributions of rotation, expansion and line broadening to the morphology and kinematics of the circumstellar envelope (CSE) within some ∼70 au (∼0.″5) from the centre of the star. We give evidence for rotation and important line broadening to dominate the inner region, within ∼14 au (∼100 mas) from the centre of the star. The former is about an axis that projects a few degrees west of north and has a projected rotation velocity of a few km s−1. The latter occurs within some 7–14 au (50–100 mas) from the centre of the star, with the line width reaching two to three times its value outside this region. We suggest that it is caused by shocks induced by stellar pulsations and convective cell granulation. We show the importance of properly accounting for the observed line broadening when discussing rotation and evaluating the radial dependence of the rotation velocity.

A study of the stellar photosphere–hydrogen ionization front interaction in δ Scuti stars

AbstractPulsating variable δ Scuti stars are intermediate-mass stars with masses in the range of 1–3 δ and spectral types between A2 and F2. They can be found at the intersection of the Cepheid instability strip with the main sequence. They can be used as astrophysical laboratories to test theories of stellar evolution and pulsation. In this contribution, we investigate the observed period–colour and amplitude–colour (PCAC) relations at maximum/mean/minimum light of Galactic bulge and Large Magellanic Cloud δ Scuti stars for the first time and test the hydrogen ionization front (HIF)-photosphere interaction theory using the mesa-rsp code. The PCAC relations, as a function of pulsation phase, are crucial probes of the structure of the outer stellar envelope and provide insight into the physics of stellar pulsation and evolution. The observed behaviour of the δ Scuti PCAC relations is consistent with the theory of the interaction between the HIF and the stellar photosphere.

Long-Period Variables as distance and age indicators in the era of Gaia and LSST

AbstractLong-period variables are bright, evolved red giant stars showing periodic photometric changes due to stellar pulsation. They follow one or more period-luminosity and period-age relations, which make them highly promising distance indicators and tracers of young and intermediate-age stellar populations. Such a potential is especially interesting in view of the massive amount of data delivered by modern large-scale variability surveys. Crucially, these applications require a clear theoretical understanding of pulsation physics in connection with stellar evolution. Here, I describe an ongoing effort from our collaboration dedicated to the modelling of stellar pulsation in evolved stars, and how this work is impacting our capability of investigating long-period variables and exploiting them for other astrophysical studies. Furthermore, I present our ongoing work aimed at assessing the potential of semi-regular variables, an often neglected sub-type of long-period variables, to be distance indicators complementary to their better-known, more evolved counterparts, the Mira variables.

TESS search for substellar companions through pulsation timing of δ Scuti stars

Early-type main-sequence pulsating stars such as δ Scuti variables are one of the least explored class of targets in the search for exoplanets. Pulsation timing (PT) is an alternative technique to the most effective search methods. It exploits the light-travel-time effect (LTTE) to infer the presence of additional massive bodies around a pulsating star by measuring a periodic phase modulation of its signal. PT has been extremely successful in discovering and characterizing stellar binaries when it was applied to high-precision light curves over long temporal baselines, such as those delivered by the Kepler mission. In favorable conditions, the sensitivity of PT can reach the planetary-mass regime; one such candidate has already been claimed. The advent of TESS, with its nearly full-sky coverage and the availability of full-frame images, opens a great opportunity to expand this field of research. In this work, we present a pilot study aimed to understand the potential of PT as applied to TESS data, which are considerably different from Kepler data in terms of photometric noise, sampling cadence, and temporal baseline. We focused on the most favorable class of δ Scuti, that is, those showing strong pulsations and very simple frequency spectra. After the development of a customized pipeline, we were able to detect candidate companions for two targets in the (sub-)stellar mass regime: Chang 134 (43 ± 5 Mjup, P ≃ 82 days) and V393 Car (≳100 Mjup, P ≳ 700 days). Our results also highlight the limiting factors of this technique and the importance of an accurate absolute time calibration for future missions such as PLATO.

Water Fountain Sources Monitored in FLASHING

AbstractWe have investigated the spectral evolutions of H2O and SiO masers associated with 12 “water fountain” sources in our FLASHING (Finest Legacy Acquisitions of SiO-/H2O-maser Ignitions by Nobeyama Generation) project. Our monitoring observations have been conducted using the Nobeyama 45 m telescope every 2 weeks–2 months since 2018 December except during summer seasons. We have found new extremely high velocity H2O maser components, breaking the records of jet speeds in this type of sources. Systematic line-of-sight velocity drifts of the H2O maser spectral peaks have also been found, indicating acceleration of the entrained material hosting the masers around the jet. Moreover, by comparing with previous spectral data, we can find decadal growths/decays of H2O maser emission. Possible periodic variations of the maser spectra are further being inspected in order to explore the periodicity of the central stellar system (a pulsating star or a binary). Thus we expect to see the real-time evolution/devolutions of the water fountains over decades.

Theoretical Stellar Pulsation Physics

AbstractPulsating stars play a crucial role in the calibration of the cosmic distance scale as well as in tracing the properties of the associated stellar populations. In the era of large observational surveys and precise astrometric missions, it is crucial to rely on accurate stellar pulsation models able to predict the observed behaviors for different physical assumptions. Indeed, the relations currently used in the literature to derive individual and mean distances of mainly radially pulsating stars such as Cepheids and RR Lyrae are well physically understood, but are also known to depend on a number of often unknown parameters. Recent extensive sets of stellar pulsation models developed by various authors show how variations in the physical assumptions can affect the theoretical prediction of the instability strip boundaries, the morphology and amplitude of light and radial velocity curves, and the consequent Period-Luminosity, Period-Luminosity-Color and Period-Wesenheit relations. These aspects are discussed in the framework of current open problems in the field of classical pulsating stars.

Internal rotation and buoyancy travel time of 60 γ Doradus stars from uninterrupted TESS light curves spanning 352 days

Context. Gamma Doradus (hereafter γ Dor) stars are gravity-mode pulsators whose periods carry information about their internal structure. These periods are especially sensitive to the internal rotation and chemical mixing, two processes that are currently not well constrained in the theory of stellar evolution. Aims. We aim to identify the pulsation modes and deduce the internal rotation and buoyancy travel time for 106 γ Dor stars observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission in its southern continuous viewing zone (hereafter S-CVZ). We rely on 140 previously detected period-spacing patterns, that is, series of (near-)consecutive pulsation mode periods. Methods. We used the asymptotic expression to compute gravity-mode frequencies for ranges of the rotation rate and buoyancy travel time that cover the physical range in γ Dor stars. Those frequencies were fitted to the observed period-spacing patterns by minimising a custom cost function. The effects of rotation were evaluated using the traditional approximation of rotation, using the stellar pulsation code GYRE. Results. We obtained the pulsation mode identification, internal rotation, and buoyancy travel time for 60 TESS γ Dor stars. For the remaining 46 targets, the detected patterns were either too short or contained too many missing modes for unambiguous mode identification, and longer light curves are required. For the successfully analysed stars, we found that period-spacing patterns from 1-yr-long TESS light curves can constrain the internal rotation and buoyancy travel time to a precision of 0.03 d-1 and 400 s, respectively, which is about half as precise as literature results based on 4-yr-long Kepler light curves of γ Dor stars.

Investigating the inner circumstellar envelopes of oxygen-rich evolved stars with ALMA observations of high-J SiO masers

AbstractWe highlight a few results from ALMA Band 6 observations of high-rotational transition number (J) SiO masers towards oxygen-rich AGB and red supergiant stars carried out as part of the ATOMIUM Large Programme in 2018–2020. A search for a relationship between mass-loss rates and flux-weighted mean angular distances of maser components was inconclusive, as linear regression models for the 28SiO v=1 J =5–4 and J =6–5 transitions were inconsistent. Supplementary APEX observations towards the ATOMIUM AGB stars also suggest variability at different stellar pulsation phases.

The Astrometric Animation of Water Masers toward the Mira Variable BX Cam

AbstractWe report VLBI monitoring observations of the 22 GHz H2O masers toward the Mira variable BX Cam. Data from 37 epochs spanning ∼3 stellar pulsation periods were obtained between May 2018 and June 2021 with a time interval of 3–4 weeks. In particular, the VERA dual-beam system was used to measure the kinematics and parallaxes of the H2O maser features. The obtained parallax, 1.79±0.08 mas, is consistent with Gaia EDR3 and previous VLBI measurements. The position of the central star was estimated relied on Gaia EDR3 data and the center position of the 43 GHz SiO maser ring imaged with KVN. Analysis of the 3D maser kinematics revealed an expanding circumstellar envelope with a velocity of 13±4 km s−1 and significant spatial and velocity asymmetries. The H2O maser animation achieved by our dense monitoring program manifests the propagation of shock waves in the circumstellar envelope of BX Cam.

Period–Luminosity–Metallicity relations for Classical Pulsators at Near-infrared Wavelengths

AbstractClassical pulsating stars such as Cepheid and RR Lyrae variables exhibit well-defined Period–Luminosity relations at near-infrared wavelengths. Despite their extensive use as stellar standard candles, the effects of metallicity on Period–Luminosity relations for these pulsating variables, and in turn, on possible biases in distance determinations, are not well understood. We present ongoing efforts in determining accurate and precise metallicity coefficients of Period–Luminosity-Metallicity relations for classical pulsators at near-infrared wavelengths. For Cepheids, it is crucial to obtain a homogeneous sample of photometric light curves and high-resolution spectra for a wide range of metallicities to empirically determine metallicity coefficient and reconcile differences with the predictions of the theoretical models. For RR Lyrae variables, using their host globular clusters covering a wide range of metallicities, we determined the most precise metallicity coefficient at near-infrared wavelengths, which is in excellent agreement with the predictions of the horizontal branch evolution and stellar pulsation models.

A multiphase study of classical Cepheids in the Magellanic Clouds- Models and Observations

AbstractThis work presents the study of multiphase relations of classical Cepheids in the Magellanic Clouds for short periods (log P < 1) and long periods (log P > 1). From the analysis, it has been found that the multiphase relations obtained using the models as well as observations are highly dynamic with pulsational phase. The multiphase relations for short and long periods are found to display contrasting behaviour for both LMC and SMC. It has been observed that the multiphase relations obtained using the models agree better with the observations in the PC plane in most phases in comparison to the PL plane. Multiphase relations obtained using the models display a clear distinction among different convection sets in most phases. Comparison of models and observations in the multiphase plane is one way to test the models with the observations and to constrain the theory of stellar pulsation.

The Astrometric Animation of Water Masers toward the Mira Variable BX Cam

We report very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) monitoring observations of the 22 GHz water (H2O) masers around the Mira variable BX Cam, which were carried out as a part of the EAVN Synthesis of Stellar Maser Animations project. Data of 37 epochs in total were obtained from 2018 May to 2021 June with a time interval of 3–4 weeks, spanning approximately three stellar pulsation periods (P = ∼440 days). In particular, the dual-beam system equipped on the VERA stations was used to measure the kinematics and parallaxes of the H2O maser features. The measured parallax, π = 1.79 ± 0.08 mas, is consistent with Gaia EDR3 and previously measured VLBI parallaxes within a 1σ error level. The position of the central star was estimated, based on both the Gaia EDR3 data and the center position of the ring-like 43 GHz silicon-monoxide (SiO) maser distribution imaged with the Korean VLBI Network. The three-dimensional H2O maser kinematics indicates that the circumstellar envelope is expanding at a velocity of 13 ± 4 km s−1, while there are asymmetries in both the spatial and velocity distributions of the maser features. Furthermore, the H2O maser animation achieved by our dense monitoring program manifests the propagation of shock waves in the circumstellar envelope of BX Cam.

Superfast Stellar Pulsations from O to A Stars

Superfast Stellar Pulsations from O to A Stars

Results of KVN Key Science Program for evolved stars

AbstractWe present the results of KVN Key Science Program (KSP) for evolved stars, which was launched in 2014. The first phase of KSP ended in June 2020 and the second phase started in October 2020. The goal of KSP is to study the physical characteristics of the evolved stars by observing the spatial distribution and temporal variability of the stellar masers at four frequency-bands (K, Q, W and D bands). The 22 GHz H2O maser is usually observed from the outer part of circumstellar envelopes compared to the 43, 86, 129 GHz SiO masers, thus the kinematic links between these regions can be studied by the multi-frequency simultaneous observations of KSP along the stellar pulsation cycles. This eventually enable us to study the enormous mass-loss rate of evolved stars, and the accumulated results from KSP are expected to shed light on the study of the late stage of the stellar evolution.

Photometric and Spectroscopic Analysis of the SX Phe Star BL Cam

In the present paper, we report the photometric and spectroscopic observations obtained by the 1.88 m telescope at the Kottamia astronomical observatory of the pulsating star BL Cam. Fourier analysis of the light curves reveals that the fundamental mode has two harmonics. The O-C method is used to establish the period changes. So far, the analysis has been very successful in mapping the pulsation amplitude of the star across the instability strip. By using the formalism of Eddington and Plakidis (1929), we found significant results and strong indications of the evolutionary period change. A total of 55 new maximum light timings are reported. New values of (1/P) dP/dt are estimated using the O-C diagram based on all newly obtained times of maximum light combined with those taken from the literature, assuming the periods are decreasing and changing smoothly. To compute the effective temperature and surface gravity of the star, we performed model atmosphere analysis on its spectra. The physical parameters of the star are calculated and compared with the evolutionary models.

A strong H− opacity signal in the near-infrared emission spectrum of the ultra-hot Jupiter KELT-9b

We present the analysis of a spectroscopic secondary eclipse of the hottest transiting exoplanet detected to date, KELT-9b, obtained with the Wide Field Camera 3 aboard the Hubble Space Telescope. We complement these data with literature information on stellar pulsations and Spitzer/Infrared Array Camera and Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite eclipse depths of this target to obtain a broadband thermal emission spectrum. Our extracted spectrum exhibits a clear turnoff at 1.4 μm. This points to H− bound-free opacities shaping the spectrum. To interpret the spectrum, we perform grid retrievals of self-consistent 1D equilibrium chemistry forward models, varying the composition and energy budget. The model with solar metallicity and C/O ratio provides a poor fit because the H− signal is stronger than expected, requiring an excess of electrons. This pushes our retrievals toward high atmospheric metallicities ([M/H] = 1.98−0.21+0.19) and a C/O ratio that is subsolar by 2.4σ. We question the viability of forming such a high-metallicity planet, and therefore provide other scenarios to increase the electron density in this atmosphere. We also look at an alternative model in which we quench TiO and VO. This fit results in an atmosphere with a slightly subsolar metallicity and subsolar C/O ratio ([M/H] = −0.22−0.13+0.17, log (C/O) = −0.34−0.34+0.19). However, the required TiO abundances are disputed by recent high-resolution measurements of the same planet.

AlphaTg: GUI application for flux and limb derivatives of UBVRI, Kepler and TESS pass-bands for asteroseismology applications

The flux derivatives, limb darkening integrals and limb darkening derivatives have been used in many astronomical applications. Among these applications, the flux and limb darkening derivatives are mandatory parameters in asteroseismology whenever determining the theoretical amplitudes of stellar pulsations. The amplitude ratio method, which compares the observed amplitudes of UBVRI color bands with the theoretical amplitudes is widely used in asteroseismology. The computation of theoretical amplitudes is very complex and time-consuming due to the dependency on several parameters, including flux and limb darkening derivatives. Besides, more theoretical amplitude models are needed to compare with the observations for an ideal conclusion. In addition, the computation of synthetic line profiles in spectroscopy is also used the flux and limb darkening derivatives; therefore, we introduce the AlphaTg code to determine flux and limb darkening derivatives in a single application to minimize the complexity of computation. The facility enables to compute flux derivatives for any effective temperature (Teff) within the range of 3500 K ≤ Teff≤ 50000 K and any gravity value within the range of 0.0 ≤ log (g) ≤ 5.0 for UBVRI, Kepler and TESS photometric systems. The limb darkening derivatives can be determined for a spherical degree, l = 0, 1, and 2 for linear, quadratic and non-linear limb darkening laws for the effective temperature range of 3500 K ≤ Teff≤ 50000 K and gravity range of 1.0 ≤ log (g) ≤ 5.0. A case study is also discussed to explain the usage and limitations of the application.

Asteroseismic inferences from the study of non-linearities in δ Sct stars

Many pulsating star light curves must be interpreted strictly within the framework of a non-linear theory. The detection of non-linear interactions between pulsation modes has increased due to the ultra-precise photometric data provided by space missions. For this reason, it is now possible and essential to continue the effort of building data-driven non-linear pulsation models. The analysis of non-linear stellar light curves has become a fundamental challenge in asteroseismology in the era of space missions. In this article, a diagnostic method is presented. It is based on an observational characterization of the non-linear behavior of high-amplitude delta Scuti (HADS) stars. It diagnoses the nature of non-linear pulsations in δ Sct stars of lower amplitudes. It potentially provides an extra hint for identifying a radial mode and determine its radial order n. Additionally, it could show signatures of moderate to rapid rotation in these stars. Overall, this article shows the capabilities for making asteroseismic inferences from studying combination frequencies in δ Sct stars.

Stochastic excitation of internal gravity waves in rotating late F-type stars: A 3D simulation approach

Context. There are no strong constraints placed thus far on the amplitude of internal gravity waves (IGWs) that are stochastically excited in the radiative interiors of solar-type stars. Late F-type stars have relatively thin convective envelopes with fast convective flows and tend to be fast rotators compared to solar-type stars of later spectral types. These two elements are expected to directly impact the IGW excitation rates and properties. Aims. We want to estimate the amplitude of stochastically excited gravity modes (g-modes) in F-type stars for different rotational regimes. Methods. We used the ASH code to perform 3D simulations of deep-shell models of 1.3 M⊙ F-type solar-type stars, including the radiative interior and the shallow convective envelope. Results. We found different differential rotation regimes in the convective zone, depending on the rotation rate we imposed on the stellar models. We find that the convective structures and the overshoot properties are affected by rotation. The IGWs are excited by interface interactions between convective plumes and the top of the radiative interior. We were able to characterise the IGWs and g-mode properties in the radiative interior, and we compared these properties using the computation from the 1D oscillation code GYRE. The amplitude of low-frequency modes is significantly higher in fast-rotating models and the evolution of the period spacing of consecutive modes exhibits evidence of a behaviour that is modified by the influence of the Coriolis force. For our fastest rotating model, we were able to detect the intermediate degree g-mode signature near the top of the simulation domain. Nevertheless, the predicted luminosity perturbations from individual modes still remain at small amplitudes. Conclusions. We obtained mode amplitudes that are several orders of magnitude higher than those of prior 3D simulations of solar models. Our simulations suggest that g-mode signatures could be detectable in late F-type stars, which are the hottest main-sequence solar-type pulsating stars. We therefore emphasise that they constitute object of primary importance for improving our understanding of internal stellar dynamics.