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A. A. Pamyatnykh

Publications and source records attributed to A. A. Pamyatnykh.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Oscillation Frequencies of Moderately Rotating Delta Scuti Stars: Asymmetric Mode Splittings Due to Non-spherical Distortion

We find that the observed pressure-mode rotational splittings of slowly/moderately rotating Delta Scuti stars and Beta Cephei stars mostly have a positive asymmetry. That is, the left frequency spacing is larger than the right spacing in the dipole mode splitting triplets and the $l=2$ mode splitting multiplets (considering $m=1, 0, -1$ modes only). This is in agreement with the second-order perturbative effect of the rotational non-spherical distortion: both the prograde and retrograde modes have their frequencies shifted towards lower values relative to the $m=0$ modes. We thus study the rotational perturbation both in the first and second order, as well as the near-degeneracy mode coupling effect in MESA models representing Delta Scuti stars. For faster rotators, the near-degeneracy mode coupling between the nearest radial and quadrupole modes can significantly shift the $m=0$ modes, reduce the splitting asymmetry, and even change its sign. We find the theoretical splitting asymmetry from the second-order non-spherical distortion is larger than observed asymmetry. To facilitate future detections, we predict correlations between splitting asymmetry, splitting amplitude, and pulsation frequency. We also discuss additional factors that can influence splitting asymmetry, including embedded magnetic fields, resonant mode coupling, and binarity.

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Asteroseismology of the double-radial mode $δ$ Scuti star BP Pegasi

Using the ASAS data, we determine the pulsational frequencies of the high-amplitude $δ$ Sct star BP Pegasi. The analysis revealed only the two known, independent frequencies. On the basis of multicolour Strömgren photometry, we independently find that both frequencies can only be associated with radial modes which, according to the frequency ratio, are fundamental and first overtone modes. The models fitting the two frequencies depend strongly on the opacity data. For low values of the mixing length parameter $α_{\rm MLT}\approx 0.5$, only the OPAL seismic models in the post-main sequence phase of evolution are caught within the observed error box. Seismic OP and OPLIB models can only reach the error box if we increase $α_{\rm MLT}$ to at least 2.0. Then, including the non-adiabatic parameter $f$ into our seismic modelling, we constrain various parameters, employing Monte Carlo-based Bayesian analysis.

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Mode identification and seismic study of $δ$ Scuti, the prototype of a class of pulsating stars

We present a seismic study of $δ$ Scuti based on a mode identification from multicoulor photometry. The dominant frequency can be associated only with a radial mode and the second frequency is, most probably, a dipole mode. The other six frequencies have more ambiguous identifications. The photometric mode identification provided also some constraints on the atmospheric metallicity [m/H]$\approx$+0.5 and microturbulent velocity $ξ_t\approx 4~\kms$.\\ For models reproducing the dominant frequency, we show that only the fundamental mode is possible and the first overtone is excluded. However, the location of $δ$ Scuti near the terminal age main sequence requires the consideration of three stages of stellar evolution. For the star to be on the main sequence, it is necessary to include overshooting from the convective core with a parameter of at least $α_{\rm ov}=0.25$ at the metallicity greater than $Z=0.019$. It turned out that the value of the relative amplitude of the bolometric flux variations (the nonadiabatic parameter $f$) is mainly determined by the position of the star in the HR diagram, i.e., by its effective temperature and luminosity, whereas the effect of the evolutionary stage is minor. On the other hand, the convective efficiency in the subphotospheric layers has a dominant effect on the value of the parameter $f$. %in the $δ$ Sct star models. Comparing the theoretical and empirical values of $f$ for the radial dominant mode, we obtain constraints on the mixing length parameter $α_{\rm MLT}$ which is less than about 1.0, independently of the adopted opacity data and chemical mixture. This value of $α_{\rm MLT}$ is substantially smaller than for a calibrated solar model indicating rather low to moderately efficient convection in the envelope of $δ$ Scuti.

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Seismic analysis of the double-mode radial pulsator SX Phoenicis

We present the results of complex seismic analysis of the prototype star SX Phoenicis. This analysis consists of a simultaneous fitting of the two radial-mode frequencies, the corresponding values of the bolometric flux amplitude (the parameter $f$) and of the intrinsic mode amplitude $\varepsilon$. The effects of various parameters as well as the opacity data are examined. With each opacity table it is possible to find seismic models that reproduce the two observed frequencies with masses allowed by evolutionary models appropriate for the observed values of the effective temperature and luminosity. All seismic models are in the post-main sequence phase. The OPAL and OP seismic models are in hydrogen shell-burning phase and the OPLIB seismic model has just finished an overall contraction and starts to burn hydrogen in a shell. The OP and OPLIB models are less likely due to the requirement of high initial hydrogen abundance ($X_0=0.75)$ and too high metallicity ($Z\approx 0.004$) as for a Population II star. The fitting of the parameter $f$, whose empirical values are derived from multi-colour photometric observations, provides constraints on the efficiency of convective transport in the outer layers of the star and on the microturbulent velocity in the atmosphere. Our complex seismic analysis with each opacity data indicates low to moderately efficient convection in the star's envelope, described by the mixing length parameter of $α_{\rm MLT}\in (0.0,~0.7)$, and the microturbulent velocity in the atmosphere of about $ξ_{\rm t}\in(4,~8)~\kms$.

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The solitary g-mode frequencies in early B-type stars

We present possible explanations of pulsations in early B-type main sequence stars which arise purely from the excitation of gravity modes. There are three stars with this type of oscillations detected from the BRITE light curves: $κ$ Cen, a Car, $κ$ Vel. We show that by changing metallicity or the opacity profile it is possible in some models to dump pressure modes keeping gravity modes unstable. Other possible scenario involves pulsations of a lower mass companion.

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Nonradial and radial period changes of the Delta Scuti star 4 CVn II. Systematic behavior over 40 years

Pulsators on and near the main sequence show period and amplitude changes that are too large to be the product of stellar evolution. The multiperiodic Delta Scuti stars are well suited to study these changes. This requires a very large amount of photometric data covering years and decades as well as mode identifications. We have examined over 800 nights of high-precision photometry of the multiperiodic pulsator 4 CVn obtained from 1966 through 2012. Because most of the data were obtained in adjacent observing seasons, it is possible to derive very accurate period values for a number of the excited pulsation modes and to study their systematic changes from 1974 to 2012. Most pulsation modes show systematic significant period and amplitude changes on a timescale of decades. For the well-studied modes, around 1986 a general reversal of the directions of both the positive and negative period changes occurred. Furthermore, the period changes between the different modes are strongly correlated, although they differ in size and sign. For the modes with known values of the spherical degree and azimuthal order, we find a correlation between the direction of the period changes and the identified azimuthal order, m. The associated amplitude changes generally have similar timescales of years or decades, but show little systematic or correlated behavior from mode to mode. A natural explanation for the opposite behavior of the prograde and retrograde modes is that their period changes are driven by a changing rotation profile. The changes in the rotation profile could in turn be driven by processes, perhaps the pulsations themselves, that redistribute angular momentum within the star. In general, different modes have different rotation kernels, so this will produce period shifts of varying magnitude for different modes.

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Interpretation of the BRITE oscillation data of the hybrid pulsator $ν$ Eridani: a call for the modification of stellar opacities

The analysis of the BRITE oscillation spectrum of the main sequence early B-type star $ν$ Eridani is presented. Only models with the modified mean opacity profile can account for the observed frequency ranges as well as for the values of some individual frequencies. The number of the $κ$ modified seismic models is constrained by the nonadiabatic parameter $f$, which is very sensitive to the opacity changes in the subphotospheric layers where the pulsations are driven. We present an example of the model that satisfies all the above conditions. It seems that the OPLIB opacities are preferred over those from the OPAL and OP projects. Moreover, we discuss additional consequences of the opacity modification, namely, an enhancement of the efficiency of convection in the Z-bump as well as an occurrence of close radial modes which is a kind of avoided-crossing phenomenon common for nonradial modes in standard main sequence models.

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The BRITE-Constellation Nanosatellite Space Mission And Its First Scientific Results

The BRIght Target Explorer (BRITE) Constellation is the first nanosatellite mission applied to astrophysical research. Five satellites in low-Earth orbits perform precise optical two-colour photometry of the brightest stars in the night sky. BRITE is naturally well suited for variability studies of hot stars. This contribution describes the basic outline of the mission and some initial problems that needed to be overcome. Some information on BRITE data products, how to access them, and how to join their scientific exploration is provided. Finally, a brief summary of the first scientific results obtained by BRITE is given.

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Evolutionary history of four binary blue stragglers from the globular clusters ωCen, M55, 47 Tuc and NGC 6752

Context. Origin and evolution of blue stragglers in globular clusters is still a matter of debate. Aims. The aim of the present investigation is to reproduce the evolutionary history of four binary blue stragglers in four different clusters, for which precise values of global parameters are known. Methods. Using the model for cool close binary evolution, developed by one of us (KS), progenitors of all investigated binaries were found and their parameters evolved into the presently observed values. Results. The results show that the progenitors of the binary blue stragglers are cool close binaries with period of a few days, which transform into stragglers by rejuvenation of the initially less massive component by mass transfer from its more massive companion overflowing the inner critical Roche surface. The parameters of V209 from ωCen indicate that the binary is substantially enriched in helium. This is an independent and strong evidence for the existence of the helium rich subpopulation in this cluster.

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Pulsation frequency distribution in Delta Scuti stars

We study the frequency distributions of Delta Scuti stars observed by the Kepler satellite in short-cadence mode. To minimize errors in the estimated stellar parameters, we divided the instability strip into ten regions and determined the mean frequency distribution in each region. We confirm that the presence of low frequencies is a property of all Delta Scuti stars, rendering meaningless the concept of Delta Sct/Gamma Dor hybrids. We obtained the true distribution of equatorial rotational velocities in each region and calculated the frequency distributions predicted by pulsation models, taking into account rotational splitting of the frequencies. We confirm that rotation cannot account for the presence of low frequencies. We calculated a large variety of standard pulsation models with different metal and helium abundances, but were unable to obtain unstable low-frequency modes driven by the kappa mechanism in any model. We also constructed models with modified opacities in the envelope. Increasing the opacity at a temperature log T = 5.06 by a factor of two does lead to instability of low-degree modes at low frequencies, but also decreases the frequency range of Delta Sct-type pulsations to some extent. We also re-affirm the fact that less than half of the stars in the Delta Sct instability strip have pulsations detectable by Kepler. We also point out the huge variety of frequency patterns in stars with roughly similar parameters, suggesting that nonlinearity is an important factor in Delta Sct pulsations.

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Detection of high-degree prograde sectoral mode sequences in the A-star KIC 8054146?

This paper examines the 46 frequencies found in the Delta Sct star KIC 8054146 involving a frequency spacing of exactly 2.814 c/d (32.57 microHz), which is also a dominant low-frequency peak near or equal to the rotational frequency. These 46 frequencies range up to 146 c/d. Three years of Kepler data reveal distinct sequences of these equidistantly spaced frequencies, including the basic sequence and side lobes associated with other dominant modes (i.e., small amplitude modulations). The amplitudes of the basic sequence show a high-low pattern. The basic sequence follows the equation fm = 2.8519 + m * 2.81421 c/d with m ranging from 25 to 35. The zero-point offset and the lack of low-order harmonics eliminate an interpretation in terms of a Fourier series of a non-sinusoidal light curve. The exactness of the spacing eliminates high-order asymptotic pulsation. The frequency pattern is not compatible with simple hypotheses involving single or multiple spots, even with differential rotation. The basic high-frequency sequence is interpreted in terms of prograde sectoral modes. These can be marginally unstable, while their corresponding low-degree counterparts are stable due to stronger damping. The measured projected rotation velocity (300 km/s) indicates that the star rotates with app. 70% of the Keplerian break-up velocity. This suggests a near equator-on view. We qualitatively examine the visibility of prograde sectoral high-degree g-modes in integrated photometric light in such a geometrical configuration and find that prograde sectoral modes can reproduce the frequencies and the odd-even amplitude pattern of the high-frequency sequence.

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Pulsational instability in B-type supergiant stars

We present results of the instability analysis of the post-main sequence massive star models against radial and nonradial pulsations. We confirm that both p- and g-modes can be excited by the $κ$-mechanism acting in the metal opacity bump. However, as opposed to the previous claims, we find that an intermediate convective zone (ICZ) related to the hydrogen burning shell is not necessary for excitation of g-modes. These modes can be reflected at a minimum of the Brunt-Väisälä frequency, located at the top of the chemical composition gradient region surrounding the radiative helium core. This minimum is associated with the change of actual temperature gradient from the adiabatic value in the semiconvective zone to the radiative value above it. Thus, the existence of pulsations at this evolutionary stage does not prove the existence of the convective zone but only some reflective layer. Finally, we show that no regular patterns can be expected in oscillation spectra of blue supergiant pulsators but there is a prospect for identification of the mode degree, $\ell$, from multicolour photometry.

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Identification of Pulsation Modes in Main Sequence Stars: Potentials and Limits

We review the present-day methods of mode identification applied to main sequence pulsators focusing on those that make use of multicolour photometry and radial velocity data. The effects which may affect diagnostic properties of these observables are discussed. We also raise the problem of identification of high degree modes which can dominate oscillation spectra obtained from space-based projects.

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Regular frequency patterns in the classical delta Scuti star HD 144277 observed by the MOST satellite

We present high-precision time-series photometry of the classical delta Scuti star HD 144277 obtained with the MOST (Microvariability and Oscillations of STars) satellite in two consecutive years. The observed regular frequency patterns are investigated asteroseismologically. HD 144277 is a hot A-type star that is located on the blue border of the classical instability strip. While we mostly observe low radial order modes in classical delta Scuti stars, HD 144277 presents a different case. Its high observed frequencies, i.e., between 59.9c/d (693.9 microHz) and 71.1c/d (822.8microHz), suggest higher radial orders. We examine the progression of the regular frequency spacings from the low radial order to the asymptotic frequency region. Frequency analysis was performed using Period04 and SigSpec. The results from the MOST observing runs in 2009 and 2010 were compared to each other. The resulting frequencies were submitted to asteroseismic analysis. HD 144277 was discovered to be a delta Scuti star using the time-series photometry observed by the MOST satellite. Twelve independent pulsation frequencies lying in four distinct groups were identified. Two additional frequencies were found to be combination frequencies. The typical spacing of 3.6c/d corresponds to the spacing between subsequent radial and dipole modes, therefore the spacing between radial modes is twice this value, 7.2c/d. Based on the assumption of slow rotation, we find evidence that the two radial modes are the sixth and seventh overtones, and the frequency with the highest amplitude can be identified as a dipole mode. The models required to fit the observed instability range need slightly less metallicity and a moderate enhancement of the helium abundance compared to the standard chemical composition. Our asteroseismic models suggest that HD 144277 is a delta Scuti star close to the ZAMS with a mass of 1.66 solar masses.

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Photometric study of the star cluster NGC 2155 in the Large Magellanic Cloud: age estimation and variable stars

We present results of new photometry for the globular star cluster NGC 2155 in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). Our I- and V-band observations were obtained with the 6.5-meter Magellan 1 Baade Telescope at Las Campanas Observatory resulting in deep photometry down to V ~ 24 mag. By analyzing the color-magnitude diagram for the cluster and utilizing the Victoria-Regina grid of isochrones models we estimated the age of the cluster at ~ 2.25 Gyr and [Fe/H]=-0.71, the numbers which place NGC 2155 outside the age-gap in the age-metallicity relation for LMC clusters. Using the Difference Image Analysis Package (DIAPL), we detected 7 variable stars in the cluster field with variability at the level of 0.01 magnitude in the I-band. Three variables are particularly interesting: two SX Phoenicis (SX Phe) stars pulsating in the fundamental mode, and a detached eclipsing binary which is a prime candidate to estimate the distance to the cluster.

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Regularities in frequency spacings of Delta Scuti stars: The Kepler star KIC 9700322

In the faint star KIC 9700322 observed by the Kepler satellite, 76 frequencies with amplitudes from 14 to 29000 ppm were detected. The two dominant frequencies at 9.79 and 12.57 c/d (113.3 and 145.5 μHz), interpreted to be radial modes, are accompanied by a large number of combination frequencies. A small additional modulation with a 0.16 c/d frequency is also seen; this is interpreted to be the rotation frequency of the star. The corresponding prediction of slow rotation is confirmed by a spectrum from which v sin i = 19 \pm 1 km/s is obtained. The analysis of the spectrum shows that the star is one of the coolest δ Sct variables. We also determine Teff = 6700 \pm 100 K and log g = 3.7 \pm 0.1, compatible with the observed frequencies of the radial modes. Normal solar abundances are found. An \ell = 2 frequency quintuplet is also detected with a frequency separation consistent with predictions from the measured rotation rate. A remarkable result is the absence of additional independent frequencies down to an amplitude limit near 14 ppm, suggesting that the star is stable against most forms of nonradial pulsation. The frequency spectrum of this star emphasizes the need for caution in interpreting low frequencies in δ Sct stars as independent gravity modes. A low frequency peak at 2.7763 c/d in KIC 9700322 is, in fact, the frequency difference between the two dominant modes and is repeated over and over in various frequency combinations involving the two dominant modes. The relative phases of the combination frequencies show a strong correlation with frequency, but the physical significance of this result is not clear.

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A delta Scuti star in the post-MS contraction phase: 44 Tauri

The evolutionary stage of the delta Scuti star 44 Tau has been unclear. Recent asteroseismic studies have claimed models on the main sequence, as well as in the expansion phase of the post-main sequence evolution. However, these models could not reproduce all of the observed frequencies, the mode instability range, and the fundamental stellar parameters simultaneously. A recent photometric study has increased the number of detected independent modes in 44 Tau to 15, and a newly found gravity mode at 5.30 c/d extends the observed frequency range. Aims. One of the possible evolutionary stages of 44 Tau has not yet been considered: the overall contraction phase after the main sequence. We computed asteroseismic models to examine whether models in this evolutionary stage provide a better fit of the observed frequency spectrum. Methods. We used Dziembowski's pulsation code to compute nonadiabatic frequencies of radial and nonradial modes. Observation of two radial modes and an avoided crossing of dipole modes put strong constraints on the models. A two-parametric overshooting routine is utilized to determine the efficiency of element mixing in the overshoot layer above the convective core. Results. We find that pulsation models in the post-MS contraction phase successfully reproduce the observed frequency range, as well as the frequency values of all individual radial and nonradial modes. The theoretical frequencies of the mixed modes at 7.79 c/d and 9.58 c/d are in better agreement with the observations if efficient element mixing in a small overshoot layer is assumed.

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Modelling hybrid Beta Cephei/SPB pulsations: Gamma Pegasi

Recent photometric and spectroscopic observations of the hybrid variable Gamma Pegasi (Handler et al. 2009, Handler 2009) revealed 6 frequencies of the SPB type and 8 of the Beta Cep type pulsations. Standard seismic models, which have been constructed with OPAL (Iglesias & Rogers 1996) and OP (Seaton 2005) opacities by fitting three frequencies (those of the radial fundamental and two dipole modes), do not reproduce the frequency range of observed pulsations and do not fit the observed individual frequencies with a satisfactory accuracy. We argue that better fitting can be achieved with opacity enhancements, over the OP data, by about 20-50 percent around the opacity bumps produced by excited ions of the iron-group elements at temperatures of about 200 000 K (Z bump) and 2 million K (Deep Opacity Bump).

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