arXiv subjects

Eric J. Bakker

Publications and source records attributed to Eric J. Bakker.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2001

Spectroscopic Study of IRAS 19285+0517(PDS 100): A Rapidly Rotating Li-Rich K Giant

We report on photometry and high-resolution spectroscopy for IRAS 19285+0517. The spectral energy distribution based on visible and near-IR photometry and far-IR fluxes shows that the star is surrounded by dust at a temperature of $T_{\rm {d}}$ $\sim$ 250 K. Spectral line analysis shows that the star is a K giant with a projected rotational velocity $v sin i$ = 9 $\pm$ 2 km s$^{-1}$. We determined the atmospheric parameters: $T_{\rm {eff}}$ = 4500 K, log $g$ = 2.5, $ξ_{t}$ = 1.5 km s$^{-1}$, and [Fe/H] = 0.14 dex. The LTE abundance analysis shows that the star is Li-rich (log $ε$(Li) = 2.5$\pm$0.15), but with essentially normal C, N, and O, and metal abundances. Spectral synthesis of molecular CN lines yields the carbon isotopic ratio $^{12}$C/$^{13}$C = 9 $\pm$3, a signature of post-main sequence evolution and dredge-up on the RGB. Analysis of the Li resonance line at 6707 Åfor different ratios $^{6}$Li/$^{7}$Li shows that the Li profile can be fitted best with a predicted profile for pure $^{7}$Li. Far-IR excess, large Li abundance, and rapid rotation suggest that a planet has been swallowed or, perhaps, that an instability in the RGB outer layers triggered a sudden enrichment of Li and caused mass-loss.

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arXiv1999

The Impact of the Massive Young Star GL 2591 on its Circumstellar Material: Temperature, Density and Velocity Structure

The temperature, density and kinematics of the gas and dust surrounding the luminous young stellar object GL~2591 are investigated on scales as small as 100 AU, probed by 4.7 micron absorption spectroscopy, to over 60,000 AU, probed by single-dish submillimeter spectroscopy. These two scales are connected by interferometric 86-226 GHz images of size 60,000 AU and resolution 2000 AU in continuum and molecular lines. The data are used to constrain the physical structure of the envelope and investigate the influence of the young star on its immediate surroundings.

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arXiv1998

The circumstellar shell of the post-AGB star HD 56126: the 12C12C/12C13C isotope ratio and 12C16O column density

We have made the first detection of circumstellar absorption lines of the 12C13C (Phillips) system 1-0 band and the 12C16O first-overtone 2-0 band in the spectrum of the post-AGB star HD56126 (IRAS07134+1005). The rotational temperatures are lower for molecules with a higher permanent dipole moment. Derived relative column densities ratios are 12C12C/12C13C=36+-13, 12C16O/(12C12C+12C13C)=606+-230, and 12C16O/(12C14N+13C14N)=475+-175. The isotopic exchange reaction for 12C12C is too slow to significantly alter the 12C12C/12C13C ratio and the 12C12C to 12C13C ratio a good measure of half the carbon isotope ratio: 12C/13C=2 X 12C12C/12C13C=72+-26. A fit of the 12C12C excitation model of van Dishoeck & Black (1982) to the relative population distribution of 12C12C yields n sigma / I = 3.3 +- 1.0 X 1e-14. At r=1e16cm this translates in n=1.7e7cm-3 and dM/dt=2.5e-4Msol/year.

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arXiv1998

Spectral variability of the binary HR 4049

The H$α$ profile varies with the orbital period. The two strong shell type emission peaks are identified as from one single broad emission feature with an absorption centered around -7.5~\kms. The intensity variations are largely attributed to a differential amount of reddening towards the H$α$ emitting region and the stellar continuum. The radial velocities suggest that the H$α$ emission moves in phase with the primary, but with a slightly lower velocity amplitude. We propose two competing models that could account for the observed velocity and intensity variations of the H$α$ profile. Model I: light from the primary reflects on a localized spot near the inner radius of the circumbinary disc which is closest to the primary. Model II: H$α$ emission originates in the outer layers of the extended atmosphere of the primary due to activity. These activities are locked to the position of the primary in its orbit. We discuss the similarities of variability and shape of the H$α$ emission of HR~4049 with those of early type T-Tauri stars (e.g SU~Aur).

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arXiv1998

Photospheric composition of the carbon-rich 21 micron post-AGB stars IRAS 22223+4327 and IRAS 04296+3429

We present a detailed chemical analysis on the basis of high-resolution, high signal-to-noise optical spectra of two post-AGB objects IRAS 22223+4327 and IRAS 04296+3429. Both display the unidentified $21 μm$ feature in their IR-spectra. The spectroscopic indicators provide accurate atmospheric parameters of $T_{eff}$=6500 K, $log g=1.0$ and $ξ_t = 5.5 km/s$ for IRAS 2223+4327 and $T_{eff}$=7000 K, $log g=1.0$ and $ξ_t = 4.0 km/s$ for IRAS 04296+3429. Both photospheres are found to be metal-deficient with [Fe/H]= -0.4 and -0.7 respectively. C and N are found to be overabundant. The mean abundance of all the measured s-process-elements is [s/Fe]=+1.0 for IRAS 2223+4327 and +1.4 for IRAS 04296+3429. The distribution of the s-process elements can best be described as due to a distribution of neutron exposures with a low mean neutron exposure of $τ_{0} = 0.2 mbarn^{-1}$. The 21 $μ$m stars form an interesting sub-group in the total post-AGB sample of stars, not only for their IR characteristics, but also in a broader context of stellar (chemical) evolution theory. They show, in contrast to other post-AGB stars, that the 3rd dredge-up has been efficient during their AGB evolution. The mean neutron exposure is lower than expected for their metallicity.

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arXiv1997

Further evidence for the planet around 51 Pegasi

The discovery of the planet around the solar-type star 51 Pegasi marked a watershed in the search for extrasolar planets. Since then seven other solar-type stars have been discovered, of which several have surprisingly short orbital periods, like the planet around 51 Peg. These planets were detected using the indirect technique of measuring variations in the Doppler shifts of lines in the spectra of the primary stars. But it is possible that oscillations of the stars themselves (or other effects) could mimic the signature of the planets, particularly around the short-period planets. The apparent lack of spectral and brightness variations, however, led to widespread acceptance that there is a planet around 51 Peg. This conclusion was challenged by the observation of systematic variations in the line profile shapes of 51 Peg, which suggested stellar oscillations. If these observations are correct, then there is no need to invoke a planet around 51 Peg to explain the data. Here we report observations of 51 Peg at a much higher spectral resolution than those in ref.9, in which we find no evidence for systematic changes in the line shapes. The data are most consistent with a planetary companion to 51 Peg.

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arXiv1997

The circumstellar shell of the post-AGB star HD 56126: the $^{12}$CN/$^{13}$CN isotope ratio and fractionation

We have detected circumstellar absorption lines of the $^{12}$CN and $^{13}$CN Violet and Red System in the spectrum of the post-AGB star HD~56126. From a synthetic spectrum analysis, we derive a Doppler broadening parameter of $b=0.51\pm0.04$ km~s$^{-1}$, $^{12}$CN/$^{13}$CN$=38\pm2$, and a lower limit of $2000$ on $^{12}$CN/$^{14}$CN and $^{12}$C$^{14}$N/$^{12}$C$^{15}$N. A simple chemical model has been computed of the circumstellar shell surrounding HD~56126 that takes into account the gas-phase ion-molecule reaction between CN and C$^{+}$. From this we infer that this reaction leads to isotopic fractionation of CN. Taking into account the isotopic exchange reaction and the observed $^{12}$CN/$^{13}$CN we find $^{12}$C/$^{13}$C$\sim 67$ (for $T_{\rm kin}=25$ K). Our analysis suggests that $^{12}$CN has a somewhat higher rotational temperature than $^{13}$CN: $T_{\rm rot}=11.5\pm0.6$ and $8.0\pm0.6$ K respectively. We identify possible causes for this difference in excitation temperature, among which the $N''$ dependence of the isotopic exchange reaction.

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arXiv1996

Circumstellar C2, CN, and CH+ in the optical spectra of post-AGB stars

We present optical high-resolution spectra of a sample of sixteen post-AGB stars and IRC +10216. Of the post-AGB stars, ten show C2 Phillips and Swan and CN Red System absorption, one CH+ emission, one CH+ absorption, and four without any molecules. We find typically Trot=43-399, 155-202, and 18-50 K, log N = 14.90-15.57, 14.35, and 15.03-16.47 cm-2 for C2, CH+, and CN respectively, and 0.6 20. The presence of C2 and CN absorption is correlated with cold dust (Tdust<300K) and the presence of CH+ with hot dust (Tdust>300K). All objects with the unidentified 21mum emission feature exhibit C2 and CN absorption, but not all objects with C2 and CN detections exhibit a 21mum feature. The derived expansion velocity, ranging from 5 to 44 km/s, is the same as that derived from CO millimeter line emission. This unambiguously proves that these lines are of circumstellar origin and are formed in the AGB ejecta (circumstellar shell expelled during the preceding AGB phase). Furthermore there seems to be a relation between the C2 molecular column density and the expansion velocity, which is attributed to the fact that a higher carbon abundance of the dust leads to a more efficient acceleration of the AGB wind. Using simple assumptions for the location of the molecular lines and molecular abundances, mass-loss rates have been derived from the molecular absorption lines and are comparable to those obtained from CO emission lines and the infrared excess.

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arXiv1996

Lines of Circumstellar C2, CN, and CH+ in the Optical Spectra of Post-Agb Stars

Recent optical spectra of post-AGB stars show the presence of C2, CN, and CH+ originating in the circumstellar shell. We present here new, higher resolution spectra which provide constraints on the physical parameters and information on the line profiles. An empirical curve of growth for the C2 Phillips and CN Red system lines in the spectrum of HD 56126 yields b = 0.50 (+0.59, -0.23) km/s. CH+ (0,0) emission lines in the spectrum of the Red Rectangle have been resolved with a FWHM approx 8.5 pm 0.8 km/s. The circumstellar CN lines of IRAS 08005--2356 are resolved into two separate components with a velocity separation of Delta v = 5.7 pm 2.0 km/s. The line profiles of CN of HD 235858 have not been resolved.

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arXiv1995

The 218 day period of the peculiar late B-type star HD 101584

We have searched for periodicity in the photometric and spectroscopic variations of the enigmatic star HD 101584 and found a long-term variability on a typical time scale of 1700 days (4.7 years) and a highly significant period of 218+-0.7 day. This period is most prominently present in the photometric indices which are a measure for the Balmer jump (Geneva d and Stromgren c). The Doppler velocities of the high-excitation photospheric absorption lines (HeI and CII) seem to be variable with the photometric period. Our data favor the 218 day period for the Doppler velocities with a small probability that the true period is 436 days. We argue that HD 101584 is a close (highly) eccentric 218 day binary system with a low-mass unseen secondary. The photometric and Doppler variations are attributed to changes in the velocity law and mass-loss rate of the stellar wind which lead to asymmetric line profiles and a phase dependent Balmer discontinuity. Binary interaction is responsible for the changes in velocity law and mass-loss rate leading to the observed phenomena.

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arXiv1995

The optical spectrum of HR 4049 (includes a line identification from 3650 to 10850ang)

High-resolution optical spectra (UES/WHT) of the extreme metal-poor post-AGB star HR4049 were obtained at four different orbital phases. The spectra cover the wavelength region from 3650ang to 10850ang at a resolution of R=5.2x10^4. These observations are supplemented with four high-resolution spectra of the NaI D1 & D2 and CaII K lines at R=10^5 (CAT/CES). The optical spectrum shows 217 spectral lines: the Balmer series (H alpha - H35), the Paschen series (P9 - P23), NI, OI and numerous CI lines. We show that the lines of H alpha, H beta, H gamma and NaI D show significant changes in profile between different observation dates. Nine components were identified in the profile of the NaI D lines of which three are circumstellar and six interstellar. The stronger CI lines are asymmetric and we derive a post-AGB mass-loss of Mdot= 6x10^-7Msol/yr from the asymmetry. The [OI] 6300ang line has been detected in emission at the system velocity and we argue that the emission is from an almost edge-on disk with a radius of about 20 Rstar.

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arXiv1995

A study on the nature of the peculiar supergiant HD101584

We present a study of low- and high-resolution ultraviolet, high-resolution optical CAT/CES spectra and ultraviolet, optical and infrared photometry of the peculiar supergiant HD101584. From the photometry we learn that the ultraviolet and optical energy distribution cannot be fitted in a consistent way and we need a model in which the UV and optical energy distribution are formed by different gas. The Geneva photometry is best fitted to a B9II Kurucz model, Teff=12000+-1000K and log g=3.0 +-1.0, with an extinction of E(B-V)=0.49+-0.05. The observed spectral features in the spectrum of HD101584 are classified in eight different categories based on the velocity, shape of profile and the identification. The high-excitation HeI(chi=20.87eV), NII(chi=18.40eV), CII (chi=14.39eV) and NI (chi=10.29eV) optical absorption lines are formed in the photosphere of a late B-star (e.g. B8-9I-II). These absorption lines show radial velocity variations which are attributed to binary motion, with the secondary being a white dwarf or a low-mass main sequence object. The low-excitation P-Cygni lines in the optical and UV are formed in the wind. The number density of absorption lines in the UV is so large that the wind spectrum acts as an iron curtain in front of the B-star. The terminal velocity of the wind of $v_{\infty}=100\pm30$ km~s$^{-1}~$ is consistent with the star being a low-mass post-AGB star and the low effective gravity is attributed to the presence of a nearby, unseen, secondary. We estimate a mass-loss rate of M$\approx 10^{-8}$~M$_{\odot}$~yr$^{-1}$. Narrow absorption and emission lines are observed which are formed in a circumsystem disk with a typical radius of $10^{2} R_{\ast}$.

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arXiv1995

Spectral line identification of the ultraviolet spectrum of the peculiar post-AGB star HD101584 (F0Iape)

The high-resolution (R = 10^4) near-ultraviolet IUE spectrum of the peculiar post Asymptotic Giant Branch (post-AGB) supergiant HD101584 (F0Iape) has been analyzed. In the wavelength range between 2500 and 3000ang, 291 out of 332 absorption features are identified. The main contribution comes from FeII, CrII and MnII. Most of the absorption features are blends from several absorption lines. This is mainly due to the intrinsic broad line profiles in the spectrum of HD101584 in combination with the many absorption lines which occur in the UV for a F-type spectrum. The list compiled gives for all measured absorption features between 2500 and 3000ang the measured central wavelength of the core of the profile, the equivalent width of the profile if this could be determined, the depth of the profile, an asymmetry factor, a quality factor and lists the transitions which are responsible for the feature. An analysis of the radial velocities of the absorption profiles will be give in a separate paper.

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arXiv1995

The velocity gradient in the pseudo-photosphere of the peculiar supergiant HD101584

In this paper preliminary results are presented based on a study of the low and high resolution ultraviolet spectrum of the peculiar supergiant (post-AGB star) HD101584. By a comparison of the low resolution spectrum (1200-3200ang) with standard stars, the star is classified as an A7I, indicating an effective temperature of 8150 K, where literature quotes spectral type F0I. The Doppler shift of the FeII absorption lines in the high resolution spectrum (2500-3000ang) show a relation with the line optical depth. This suggests an expanding accelerating wind, c.q. pseudo-photosphere. The relation is extended by a factor 10^5 in optical depth by using available data from optical HeI and NI lines. The relation suggests that the radial heliocentric velocity of the star is at least 54.5km/s. From the Halpha line a velocity of 96km/s is measured for the terminal velocity of the wind.

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arXiv1995

Detection of C2, CN, and NaID absorption in the AGB remnant of HD56126

We present the detection of molecular absorption lines in the optical spectrum of the post-AGB star HD56126. The C2 Phillips A^{1}Π_{u}-X^{1}Σ^{+}_{g} (1,0), (2,0), and (3,0); Swan d^{3}Π_{g}-a^{3}Π_{u} (0,0) and (1,0); and CN Red system A^{2}Π-X^{2}Σ^{+} (1,0), (2,0), (3,0), and (4,0) bands have been identified. From the identification of the molecular bands we find an expansion velocity of 8.5+-0.6 kms independent of excitation condition or molecular specie. On the basis of the expansion velocity, rotational temperatures, and molecular column densities we argue that the line-forming region is the AGB remnant. This is in agreement with the expansion velocity derived from the CO lines. We find column densities of log N_C2=15.3+-0.3 cm-2 and log N_CN=15.5+-0.3 cm-2, and rotational temperatures of T_rot=242+-20 K and T_rot=24+-5 K respectively for C2 and CN. By studying molecular line absorption in optical spectra of post-AGB stars we have found a new tracer of the AGB remnant. From comparison with the results of CO and IR observations it is possible to obtain information on non-spherical behavior of the AGB remnant. Using different molecules with different excitation conditions it should be possible to study the AGB remnant as a function of the distance to the star, and thus as a function of the evolutionary status of the star on the AGB.

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arXiv1995

Time resolved spectroscopy of the post-AGB star HD56126

We have investigated the report of Tamura and Takeuti that the Halpha line of the F-type post-AGB star HD56126 is variable on time scales of minutes. To this end, HD56126 was observed on two occasions with the William Herschel Telescope. Seventeen, respectively thirty spectra were taken within time span of 1.5 hours in order to detect any short term variations. We find that the Halpha line profile changed strongly over the two month interval, but no evidence is found for short term variability. The variability Tamura and Takeuti claim to find is probably due to the low signal-to-noise in their spectra.

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arXiv1995

Circumstellar molecular line absorption and emission in the optical spectra of post-AGB stars

We present a list of post-AGB stars showing molecular line absorption and emission in the optical spectrum. Two objects show CH+, one in emission and one in absorption, and ten stars show C2 and CN in absorption. The Doppler velocities of the C2 lines and the rotational temperatures indicate that the line forming region is the AGB remnant. An analysis of the post-AGB stars of which CO millimeter data is available suggests that the C2} expansion velocity is of the same order as the CO expansion velocity. HD56126 has been studied in detail and we find a mass-loss rate of Mdot=2.8e-4 Msol/yr, fC2=2.4e-8 and fCN=1.3e-8. The mass loss derived from C2 is significantly larger than Mdot=1.2e-5 Msol/yr derived from CO. We find that all objects with the 21mu feature in emission show C2 and CN absorption, but not all objects with C2 and CN detections show a 21mu feature.

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