arXiv subjects

Gregor Rauw

Publications and source records attributed to Gregor Rauw.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2013

X-ray properties of the young open clusters HM1 and IC2944/2948

Using XMM data, we study for the first time the X-ray emission of HM1 and IC2944/2948. Low-mass, pre-main-sequence objects with an age of a few Myr are detected, as well as a few background or foreground objects. Most massive stars in both clusters display the usual high-energy properties of that type of objects, though with log(Lx/Lbol) apparently lower in HM1 than in IC2944/2948. Compared with studies of other clusters, it seems that a low signal-to-noise ratio at soft energies, due to the high extinction, may be the main cause of this difference. In HM1, the two Wolf-Rayet stars show contrasting behaviors: WR89 is extremely bright, but much softer than WR87. It remains to be seen whether wind-wind collisions or magnetically confined winds can explain these emissions. In IC2944/2948, the X-ray sources concentrate around HD101205; a group of massive stars to the north of this object is isolated, suggesting that there exist two subclusters in the field-of-view.

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arXiv2013

Spectral modelling of massive binary systems

Aims: We simulate the spectra of massive binaries at different phases of the orbital cycle, accounting for the gravitational influence of the companion star on the shape and physical properties of the stellar surface. Methods: We used the Roche potential modified to account for radiation pressure to compute the stellar surface of close circular systems and we used the TIDES code for surface computation of eccentric systems. In both cases, we accounted for gravity darkening and mutual heating generated by irradiation to compute the surface temperature. We then interpolated NLTE plane-parallel atmosphere model spectra in a grid to obtain the local spectrum at each surface point. We finally summed all contributions, accounting for the Doppler shift, limb-darkening, and visibility to obtain the total synthetic spectrum. We computed different orbital phases and sets of physical and orbital parameters. Results: Our models predict line strength variations through the orbital cycle, but fail to completely reproduce the Struve-Sahade effect. Including radiation pressure allows us to reproduce a surface temperature distribution that is consistent with observations of semi-detached binary systems. Conclusions: Radiation pressure effects on the stellar surface are weak in (over)contact binaries and well-detached systems but can become very significant in semi-detached systems. The classical von Zeipel theorem is sufficient for the spectral computation. Broad-band light curves derived from the spectral computation are different from those computed with a model in which the stellar surfaces are equipotentials of the Roche potential scaled by the instantaneous orbital separation. In many cases, the fit of two Gaussian/Lorentzian profiles fails to properly measure the equivalent width of the lines and leads to apparent variations that could explain some of the effects reported in the literature.

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arXiv2012

An XMM-Newton view of the M17 nebula

We present the analysis of an XMM-Newton observation of the M17 nebula. The X-ray point source population consists of massive O-type stars and a population of probable low-mass pre-main sequence stars. CEN1a,b and OI352, the X-ray brightest O-type stars in M17, display hard spectra (kT of 3.8 and 2.6 keV) consistent with a colliding wind origin in binary/multiple systems. We show that the strong interstellar reddening towards the O-type stars of M17 yields huge uncertainties on their Lx/Lbol values. The low-mass pre-main sequence stars exhibit hard spectra resulting from a combination of high plasma temperatures and very large interstellar absorption. We find evidence for considerable long term (months to years) variability of these sources. M17 is one of the few star formation complexes in our Galaxy producing diffuse X-ray emission. We analyze the spectrum of this emission and compare it with previous studies. Finally, we discuss the Optical Monitor UV data obtained simultaneously with the X-ray images. We find very little correspondence between the UV and X-ray sources, indicating that the majority of the UV sources are foreground stars, whilst the bulk of the X-ray sources are deeply embedded in the M17 complex.

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arXiv2012

The nature of the high Galactic latitude O-star HD93521: new results from X-ray and optical spectroscopy

Owing to its unusual location and its isolation, the nature of the high Galactic latitude O9.5Vp object HD93521 is still uncertain. We have collected X-ray and optical observations to characterize the star and its surroundings. X-ray images and spectra are analyzed to search for traces of a recent star formation event around HD93521 and to search for the signature of a possible compact companion. Optical echelle spectra are analysed with plane-parallel model atmosphere codes, assuming either a spherical star or a gravity darkened rotationally flattened star, to infer the effective temperature and surface gravity, and to derive the He, C, N and O abundances of HD93521. The X-ray images reveal no traces of a population of young low-mass stars coeval with HD93521. The X-ray spectrum of HD93521 is consistent with a normal late O-type star although with subsolar metallicity. No trace of a compact companion is found in the X-ray data. In the optical spectrum, He and N are found to be overabundant, in line with the effect of rotational mixing in this very fast rotator, whilst C and O are subsolar. A critical comparison with the properties of subdwarf OB stars, indicates that, despite some apparent similarities, HD93521 does not belong to this category. Despite some ambiguities on the runaway status of the star, the most likely explanation is that HD93521 is a Population I massive O-type star that was ejected from the Galactic plane either through dynamical interactions or a result of a supernova event in a binary system.

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arXiv2011

A detailed X-ray investigation of zeta Puppis I. The dataset and some preliminary results

Aims: zeta Puppis, one of the closest and brightest massive stars, was the first early-type object observed by the current generation of X-ray observatories. These data provided some surprising results, confirming partly the theoretical predictions while simultaneously unveiling some problematic mismatches with expectations. In this series of papers, we perform a thorough study of zeta Puppis in X-rays, using a decade of XMM observations. Methods: zeta Puppis was observed 18 times by XMM, totaling 1Ms in exposure. This provides the highest-quality high-resolution X-ray spectrum of a massive star to date, as well as a perfect dataset for studying X-ray variability in an "archetype" object. Results: This first paper reports on the data reduction of this unique dataset and provides a few preliminary results. On the one hand, the analysis of EPIC low-resolution spectra shows the star to have a remarkably stable X-ray emission from one observation to the next. On the other hand, the fitting by a wind model of individual line profiles recorded by RGS confirms the wavelength dependence of the line morphology.

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arXiv2011

The first X-ray survey of Galactic Luminous Blue Variables

Aims: The X-ray emission of massive stars has been studied when these objects are in their main-sequence phase, as well as in their Wolf-Rayet phase. However, the X-ray properties of the transitional Luminous Blue Variable (LBV) phase remain unknown. Methods: Using a dedicated but limited XMM survey as well as archival XMM and Chandra observations, we performed the first X-ray survey of LBVs: about half of the known LBVs or candidate LBVs are studied. Results: Apart from the well known X-ray sources eta Car and Cyg OB2 #12, four additional LBVs are detected in this survey, though some doubt remains on the association with the X-ray source for two of these. For the other LBVs, upper limits on the flux were derived, down to $\log[L_{\rm X}/L_{\rm BOL}]-9.4$ for PCyg. This variety in the strength of the X-ray emission is discussed, with particular emphasis on the potential influence of binarity.

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arXiv2011

A multi-epoch XMM-Newton campaign on the core of the massive Cyg OB2 association

Cyg OB2 is one of the most massive associations of O-type stars in our Galaxy. Despite the large interstellar reddening towards Cyg OB2, many studies, spanning a wide range of wavelengths, have been conducted to more clearly understand this association. X-ray observations provide a powerful tool to overcome the effect of interstellar absorption and study the most energetic processes associated with the stars in Cyg OB2. We analyse XMM-Newton data to investigate the X-ray and UV properties of massive O-type stars as well as low-mass pre-main sequence stars in Cyg OB2. We obtained six XMM-Newton observations of the core of Cyg OB2. In our analysis, we pay particular attention to the variability of the X-ray bright OB stars, especially the luminous blue variable candidate Cyg OB2 #12. We find that X-ray variability is quite common among the stars in Cyg OB2. Whilst short-term variations are restricted mostly to low-mass pre-main sequence stars, one third of the OB stars display long-term variations. The X-ray flux of Cyg OB2 #12 varies by 37%, over timescales from days to years, whilst its mean log(L_X/L_bol) amounts to -6.10. These properties suggest that Cyg OB2 #12 is either an interacting-wind system or displays a magnetically confined wind. Two other X-ray bright O-type stars (MT91 516 and CPR2002 A11) display variations that suggest they are interacting wind binary systems.

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arXiv2011

A spectroscopic investigation of early-type stars in the young open cluster Westerlund 2

The distance of the very young open cluster Westerlund 2, which contains the very massive binary system WR 20a and is likely associated with a TeV source, has been the subject of much debate. We attempt a joint analysis of spectroscopic and photometric data of eclipsing binaries in the cluster to constrain its distance. A sample of 15 stars, including three eclipsing binaries (MSP 44, MSP 96, and MSP 223) was monitored with the FLAMES multi-object spectrograph. The spectroscopic data are analysed together with existing BV photometry. The analysis of the three eclipsing binaries clearly supports the larger values of the distance, around 8 kpc, and rules out values of about 2.4 - 2.8 kpc that have been suggested in the literature. Furthermore, our spectroscopic monitoring reveals no clear signature of binarity with periods shorter than 50 days in either the WN6ha star WR 20b, the early O-type stars MSP 18, MSP 171, MSP 182, MSP 183, MSP 199, and MSP 203, or three previously unknown mid O-type stars. The only newly identified candidate binary system is MSP 167. The absence of a binary signature is especially surprising for WR 20b and MSP 18, which were previously found to be bright X-ray sources. The distance of Westerlund 2 is confirmed to be around 8 kpc as previously suggested based on the spectrophotometry of its population of O-type stars and the analysis of the light curve of WR 20a. Our results suggest that short-period binary systems are not likely to be common, at least not among the population of O-type stars in the cluster.

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arXiv2011

Spectral modeling of circular massive binary systems: Towards an understanding of the Struve--Sahade effect?

Context: Some secondary effects are known to introduce variations in spectra of massive binaries. These phenomena (such as the Struve--Sahade effect, difficulties to determine properly the spectral type,...) have been reported and documented in the literature. Aims: We simulate the spectra of circular massive binaries at different phases of the orbital cycle and accounting for the gravitational influence of the companion star on the shape and physical properties of the stellar surface. Methods: We use the Roche potential to compute the stellar surface, von Zeipel theorem and reflection effects to compute the surface temperature. We then interpolate in a grid of NLTE plan-parallel atmosphere model spectra to obtain the local spectrum at each surface point. We finally sum all the contributions (accounting for the Doppler shift, limb-darkening, ...) to obtain the total spectrum. The computation is done for different orbital phases and for different sets of physical and orbital parameters. Results: Our first models reproduce the Struve--Sahade effect for several lines. Another effect, surface temperature distribution is visible but the distribution predicted by our current model is not yet consistent with observations. Conclusions: In some cases, the Struve--Sahade effect as well as more complex line intensity variations could be linked to blends of intrinsically asymmetric line profiles that are not appropriatly treated by the deblending routine. Systematic variations of lines for (nearly) contact systems are also predicted by the model.

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arXiv2010

Non-thermal radio emission from colliding-wind binaries: modelling Cyg OB2 No. 8A and No. 9

Some OB stars show variable non-thermal radio emission. The non-thermal emission is due to synchrotron radiation that is emitted by electrons accelerated to high energies. The electron acceleration occurs at strong shocks created by the collision of radiatively-driven stellar winds in binary systems. Here we present results of our modelling of two colliding wind systems: Cyg OB2 No. 8A and Cyg OB2 No. 9.

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arXiv2010

Hard X-ray identification of Eta Carinae and steadiness close to periastron

Context: The colliding-wind binary Eta Car exhibits soft X-ray thermal emission that varies strongly around periastron, and non-thermal emission seen in hard X-rays and gamma-rays. Aims: To definitively identify Eta Car as the source of the hard X-ray emission, to examine how changes in the 2-10 keV band influence changes in the hard X-ray band, and to understand more clearly the mechanisms producing the non-thermal emission using new INTEGRAL observations obtained close to periastron. Methods: A Chandra observation encompassing the ISGRI error circle was analysed, and all other soft X-ray sources (including the outer shell of Eta Car itself) were discarded as likely counter-parts. New hard X-ray images of Eta Car were studied close to periastron, and compared to previous observations far from periastron. Results: The INTEGRAL component, when represented by a power law (with a photon index of 1.8), would produce more emission in the Chandra band than observed from any point source in the ISGRI error circle apart from Eta Car, as long as the hydrogen column density to the ISGRI source is lower than 1E24 cm^{-2}. Such sources are rare, thus the ISGRI emission is very likely to be associated with Eta Car. The eventual contribution of the outer shell to the non-thermal component also remains fairly limited. Close to periastron, a 3-sigma detection is achieved for the hard X-ray emission of Eta Car, with a flux similar to the average value far from periastron. Conclusions: Assuming a single absorption component for both the thermal and non-thermal sources, this detection can be explained with a hydrogen column density that does not exceed 6E23 cm^{-2} without resorting to an intrinsic increase in the hard X-ray emission. The energy injected in hard X-rays (averaged over a month) appears rather constant as close as a few stellar radii, well within the acceleration region of the wind.

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arXiv2010

Hot and cool: two emission-line stars with constrasting behaviours in the same XMM-Newton field

High-energy emissions are good indicators of peculiar behaviours in stars. We have therefore obtained an XMM-Newton observation of HD155806 and 1RXSJ171502.4-333344, and derived their spectral properties for the first time. The X-ray spectrum of HD155806 appears soft, even slightly softer than usual for O-type stars (as shown by a comparison with the O9 star HD155889 in the same XMM field). It is well-fitted with a two-component thermal model with low temperatures (0.2 and 0.6 keV), and it shows no overluminosity (log[LX/Lbol]=-6.75). The high-resolution spectrum, though noisy, reveals a few broad, symmetric X-ray lines (FWHM ~ 2500 km/s). The X-ray emission is compatible with the wind-shock model and therefore appears unaffected by the putative dense equatorial regions at the origin of the Oe classification. 1RXSJ171502.4-333344 is a nearby flaring source of moderate X-ray luminosity (log[LX/Lbol]=-3), with a soft thermal spectrum composed of narrow lines and presenting a larger abundance of elements (e.g. Ne) with a high first ionization potential (FIP) compared to lower-FIP elements. All the evidence indicates a coronal origin for the X-ray emission, in agreement with the dMe classification of this source.

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arXiv2008

The Multiwavelength Picture of Star Formation in the Very Young Open Cluster NGC6383

We review the properties of the very young (2 Myr) open cluster NGC6383. The cluster is dominated by the massive binary HD159176 (O7V + O7V). The distance to NGC6383 is consistently found to be 1.3 +- 0.1 kpc and the average reddening is determined to be E(B-V) = 0.32 +- 0.02. Several pre-main sequence candidates have been identified using different criteria relying on the detection of emission lines, infrared excesses, photometric variability and X-ray emission.

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arXiv2008

High-resolution X-ray spectroscopy of Theta Car

Context : The peculiar hot star Theta Car in the open cluster IC2602 is a blue straggler as well as a single-line binary of short period (2.2d). Aims : Its high-energy properties are not well known, though X-rays can provide useful constraints on the energetic processes at work in binaries as well as in peculiar, single objects. Methods : We present the analysis of a 50ks exposure taken with the XMM-Newton observatory. It provides medium as well as high-resolution spectroscopy. Results : Our high-resolution spectroscopy analysis reveals a very soft spectrum with multiple temperature components (1--6MK) and an X-ray flux slightly below the `canonical' value (log[L_X(0.1-10.)/L_{BOL}] ~ -7). The X-ray lines appear surprisingly narrow and unshifted, reminiscent of those of beta Cru and tau Sco. Their relative intensities confirm the anomalous abundances detected in the optical domain (C strongly depleted, N strongly enriched, O slightly depleted). In addition, the X-ray data favor a slight depletion in neon and iron, but they are less conclusive for the magnesium abundance (solar-like?). While no significant changes occur during the XMM-Newton observation, variability in the X-ray domain is detected on the long-term range. The formation radius of the X-ray emission is loosely constrained to <5 R_sol, which allows for a range of models (wind-shock, corona, magnetic confinement,...) though not all of them can be reconciled with the softness of the spectrum and the narrowness of the lines.

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arXiv2008

Chandra monitoring of the very massive binary WR20a and the young massive cluster Westerlund2

Results: The two Wolf-Rayet stars WR20a (WN6ha+WN6ha) and WR20b (WN6ha) were analyzed in detail. They are both very luminous and display very hard spectra, but WR20b does not seem to vary. On the contrary, WR20a, a known eclipsing, colliding-wind binary, brightens in the X-ray domain during the eclipses, i.e. when the collision is seen face-on. This can be explained by the properties of the wind-wind collision zone, whose high density leads to a large absorbing column (2 10^24 cm^-2).All twelve O-type stars previously classified spectroscopically, two eclipsing binaries previously identified and nine newly identified O-type star candidates are detected in the high energy domain; ten of them could be analyzed spectroscopically. Four are overluminous, but the others present typical L_X/L_BOL ratios, suggesting that several O-type objects are actually binaries. Variability at the ~2sigma level was detected for a majority of the sources, of unknown origin for the putatively single objects. Faint, soft, diffuse emission pervades the entire field-of-view but no clear structure can be identified, even at the position of a blister proposed to be at the origin of the TeV source HESS J1023-575. Finally, the X-ray properties of PMS objects were also investigated, in particular the brightest flaring ones. They provided an additional argument in favor of a large distance (~8kpc) for the cluster.

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arXiv2007

Hard X-ray emission from Eta Carinae

Context : If relativistic particle acceleration takes place in colliding-wind binaries, hard X-rays and gamma-rays are expected through inverse Compton emission, but to date these have never been unambiguously detected. Aims : To detect this emission, observations of Eta Carinae were performed with INTEGRAL, leveraging its high spatial resolution. Methods : Deep hard X-ray images of the region of Eta Car were constructed in several energy bands. Results : The hard X-ray emission previously detected by BeppoSax around Eta Car originates from at least 3 different point sources. The emission of Eta Car itself can be isolated for the first time, and its spectrum unambiguously analyzed. The X-ray emission of Eta Car in the 22-100 keV energy range is very hard (photon index around 1) and its luminosity is 7E33 erg/s. Conclusions : The observed emission is in agreement with the predictions of inverse Compton models, and corresponds to about 0.1% of the energy available in the wind collision. Eta Car is expected to be detected in the GeV energy range.

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arXiv2006

Towards an understanding of the Of?p star HD191612: Phase-resolved multiwavelength observations

We present the analysis of phase-resolved X-ray and optical observations of the peculiar hot star HD191612 (Of?p). This star is known to display line-profile variations that are recurrent with a period of 538d and its spectrum was found to present the signature of a magnetic field. In the X-rays, it is slightly overluminous compared to the canonical L_X/L_BOL relation and appears brighter when the optical lines are strongest. Our XMM-Newton observations further reveal that the X-ray spectrum of \hd exhibits rather broad lines and is dominated by a `cool' (0.2-0.6 keV) thermal component, two characteristics at odds with the proposed magnetic rotator model. We also report for the first time the low-level variability of the metallic (abs/em) lines and HeII absorptions that appear to be associated with radial-velocity shifts. Finally, we compare our results with observations of the early-type stars and discuss several possible scenarios.

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arXiv2004

A Period and a Prediction for the Of?p Spectrum Alternator HD 191612

The observational picture of the enigmatic O-type spectrum variable HD191612 has been sharpened substantially. A symmetrical, low-amplitude light curve with a period near 540 d has recently been reported from Hipparcos photometry. This period satisfies all of the spectroscopy since at least 1982, including extensive new observations during 2003 and 2004, and it has predicted the next transition during September--October 2004. Measurements of the H alpha equivalent width reveal a sharp emission peak in the phase diagram, in contrast to the apparently sinusoidal light curve. The He II absorption-line strength is essentially constant, while He I varies strongly, possibly filled in by emission in the O6 state, thus producing the apparent spectral-type variations. The O8 state appears to be the "normal" one. Two intermediate O7 observations have been obtained, which fall at the expected phases, but these are the only modern observations of the transitions so far. The period is too long for rotation or pulsation; although there is no direct evidence as yet for a companion, a model in which tidally induced oscillations drive an enhanced wind near periastron of an eccentric orbit appears promising. Further observations during the now predictable transitions may provide a critical test. Ultraviolet and X-ray observations during both states will likely also prove illuminating.

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