arXiv subjects

J. Molenda-Zakowicz

Publications and source records attributed to J. Molenda-Zakowicz.

36 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2011

Magnetic activity and differential rotation in the very young star KIC 8429280

We present a spectroscopic/photometric analysis of the rapid rotator KIC8429280, discovered by ourselves as a very young star and observed by the Kepler mission. We use spectroscopic/photometric ground-based data to derive stellar parameters, and we adopt a spectral subtraction technique to highlight the chromospheric emission in the cores of Halpha, CaII H&K and IRT lines. We fit a robust spot model to the high-precision Kepler photometry spanning 138 days. Model selection and parameter estimation is performed in a Bayesian manner using a Markov chain Monte Carlo method. We find that KIC8429280 is a cool (K2V) star with an age of ~50 Myr, based on its Li content, that has passed its T Tau phase and is spinning up approaching the ZAMS. Its high level of chromospheric activity is indicated by the radiative losses in CaII H&K and IRT, Halpha, and Hbeta lines. Furthermore, its Balmer decrement and the flux ratio of CaII IRT lines imply that these lines are mainly formed in optically-thick sources analogue to solar plages. The analysis of the Kepler data uncovers evidence of at least 7 enduring spots. Since the star's inclination is rather high, ~70°, the assignment of the spots to the northern/southern hemisphere is not unambiguous. We find at least 3 solutions with nearly the same level of residuals. The distribution of the active regions is such that the spots are located around 3 latitude belts, i.e. the equator and +-(50°-60°), with the high-latitude spots rotating slower than the low-latitude ones. The equator-to-pole differential rotation ~0.27 rad/d is at variance with some recent mean-field models of differential rotation in rapidly rotating MS stars, which predict a much smaller latitudinal shear. Our results are consistent with the scenario of a higher differential rotation, which changes along the magnetic cycle.

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arXiv2011

Evidence for the impact of stellar activity on the detectability of solar-like oscillations observed by Kepler

We use photometric observations of solar-type stars, made by the NASA Kepler Mission, to conduct a statistical study of the impact of stellar surface activity on the detectability of solar-like oscillations. We find that the number of stars with detected oscillations fall significantly with increasing levels of activity. The results present strong evidence for the impact of magnetic activity on the properties of near-surface convection in the stars, which appears to inhibit the amplitudes of the stochastically excited, intrinsically damped solar-like oscillations.

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arXiv2011

Solar-like oscillations in KIC11395018 and KIC11234888 from 8 months of Kepler data

We analyze the photometric short-cadence data obtained with the Kepler Mission during the first eight months of observations of two solar-type stars of spectral types G and F: KIC 11395018 and KIC 11234888 respectively, the latter having a lower signal-to-noise ratio compared to the former. We estimate global parameters of the acoustic (p) modes such as the average large and small frequency separations, the frequency of the maximum of the p-mode envelope and the average linewidth of the acoustic modes. We were able to identify and to measure 22 p-mode frequencies for the first star and 16 for the second one even though the signal-to-noise ratios of these stars are rather low. We also derive some information about the stellar rotation periods from the analyses of the low-frequency parts of the power spectral densities. A model-independent estimation of the mean density, mass and radius are obtained using the scaling laws. We emphasize the importance of continued observations for the stars with low signal-to-noise ratio for an improved characterization of the oscillation modes. Our results offer a preview of what will be possible for many stars with the long data sets obtained during the remainder of the mission.

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arXiv2011

Predicting the detectability of oscillations in solar-type stars observed by Kepler

Asteroseismology of solar-type stars has an important part to play in the exoplanet program of the NASA Kepler Mission. Precise and accurate inferences on the stellar properties that are made possible by the seismic data allow very tight constraints to be placed on the exoplanetary systems. Here, we outline how to make an estimate of the detectability of solar-like oscillations in any given Kepler target, using rough estimates of the temperature and radius, and the Kepler apparent magnitude.

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arXiv2011

Preparation of Kepler lightcurves for asteroseismic analyses

The Kepler mission is providing photometric data of exquisite quality for the asteroseismic study of different classes of pulsating stars. These analyses place particular demands on the pre-processing of the data, over a range of timescales from minutes to months. Here, we describe processing procedures developed by the Kepler Asteroseismic Science Consortium (KASC) to prepare light curves that are optimized for the asteroseismic study of solar-like oscillating stars in which outliers, jumps and drifts are corrected.

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arXiv2011

Cepheid investigations using the Kepler space telescope

We report results of initial work done on selected candidate Cepheids to be observed with the Kepler space telescope. Prior to the launch 40 candidates were selected from previous surveys and databases. The analysis of the first 322 days of Kepler photometry, and recent ground-based follow-up multicolour photometry and spectroscopy allowed us to confirm that one of these stars, V1154 Cyg (KIC 7548061), is indeed a 4.9-d Cepheid. Using the phase lag method we show that this star pulsates in the fundamental mode. New radial velocity data are consistent with previous measurements, suggesting that a long-period binary component is unlikely. No evidence is seen in the ultra-precise, nearly uninterrupted Kepler photometry for nonradial or stochastically excited modes at the micromagnitude level. The other candidates are not Cepheids but an interesting mix of possible spotted stars, eclipsing systems and flare stars.

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arXiv2010

A precise asteroseismic age and radius for the evolved Sun-like star KIC 11026764

The primary science goal of the Kepler Mission is to provide a census of exoplanets in the solar neighborhood, including the identification and characterization of habitable Earth-like planets. The asteroseismic capabilities of the mission are being used to determine precise radii and ages for the target stars from their solar-like oscillations. Chaplin et al. (2010) published observations of three bright G-type stars, which were monitored during the first 33.5 days of science operations. One of these stars, the subgiant KIC 11026764, exhibits a characteristic pattern of oscillation frequencies suggesting that it has evolved significantly. We have derived asteroseismic estimates of the properties of KIC 11026764 from Kepler photometry combined with ground-based spectroscopic data. We present the results of detailed modeling for this star, employing a variety of independent codes and analyses that attempt to match the asteroseismic and spectroscopic constraints simultaneously. We determine both the radius and the age of KIC 11026764 with a precision near 1%, and an accuracy near 2% for the radius and 15% for the age. Continued observations of this star promise to reveal additional oscillation frequencies that will further improve the determination of its fundamental properties.

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arXiv2010

Asteroseismology of Solar-type Stars with Kepler I: Data Analysis

We report on the first asteroseismic analysis of solar-type stars observed by Kepler. Observations of three G-type stars, made at one-minute cadence during the first 33.5d of science operations, reveal high signal-to-noise solar-like oscillation spectra in all three stars: About 20 modes of oscillation can clearly be distinguished in each star. We discuss the appearance of the oscillation spectra, including the presence of a possible signature of faculae, and the presence of mixed modes in one of the three stars.

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arXiv2010

Characterization of Kepler early-type targets

Stellar pulsation offers a unique opportunity to constrain the intrinsic parameters of stars and unveil their inner structure. The Kepler satellite is collecting an enormous amount of data of unprecedent photometric precision, which will allow us to test theory and obtain a very precise tomography of stellar interiors. We attempt to determine the stars' fundamental parameters Teff, log g, v sin i, and luminosity needed for computing asteroseismic models and interpreting Kepler data. We report spectroscopic observations of 23 early-type Kepler asteroseismic targets, 13 other stars in the Kepler field, that had not been selected to be observed. We measured the radial velocity by performing a cross-correlation with template spectra to help us identify non-single stars. Spectral synthesis was performed to derive the stellar parameters of our target stars, and the state-of-the-art LTE atmospheric models were computed. For all the stars of our sample, we derived the radial velocity, Teff, log g, v sin i, and luminosities. For 12 stars, we performed a detailed abundance analysis of 20 species, for 16, we could derive only the [Fe/H] ratio. A spectral classification was also performed for 17 stars in the sample. We identify two double-lined spectroscopic binaries, HIP96299 and HIP98551, the former of which is an already known eclipsing binary, and two single-lined spectroscopic binaries, HIP 97254 and HIP 97724. We also report two suspected spectroscopic binaries, HIP92637 and HIP96762, and the detection of a possible variability in the radial velocity of HIP 96277. Two of our program stars are chemically peculiar, namely HIP93941, which we classify as B2 He-weak, and HIP96210, which we classify as B6 HgMn. Finally, we find that HIP93522, HIP93941, HIP93943, HIP96210 and HIP96762, are very slow rotators which makes them very interesting and promising targets for asteroseismic modeling.

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arXiv2010

Ground-based observations of Kepler asteroseismic targets

We present the ground-based activities within the different working groups of the Kepler Asteroseismic Science Consortium (KASC). The activities aim at the systematic characterization of the 5000+ KASC targets, and at the collection of ground-based follow-up time-series data of selected promising Kepler pulsators. So far, 36 different instruments at 31 telescopes on 23 different observatories in 12 countries are in use, and a total of more than 530 observing nights has been awarded. (Based on observations made with the Isaac Newton Telescope, William Herschel Telescope, Nordic Optical Telescope, Telescopio Nazionale Galileo, Mercator Telescope (La Palma, Spain), and IAC-80 (Tenerife, Spain). Also based on observations taken at the observatories of Sierra Nevada, San Pedro Martir, Vienna, Xinglong, Apache Point, Lulin, Tautenburg, Loiano, Serra la Nave, Asiago, McDonald, Skinakas, Pic du Midi, Mauna Kea, Steward Observatory, Mt Wilson, Bialkow Observatory of the Wroclaw University, Piszkesteto Mountain Station, Observatoire de Haute Provence, and Centro Astronomico Hispano Aleman at Calar Alto. Based on data from the AAVSO International Database.)

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arXiv2010

Ground-based follow-up in relation to Kepler Asteroseismic Investigation

The Kepler space mission, successfully launched in March 2009, is providing continuous, high-precision photometry of thousands of stars simultaneously. The uninterrupted time-series of stars of all known pulsation types are a precious source for asteroseismic studies. The Kepler data do not provide information on the physical parameters, such as effective temperature, surface gravity, metallicity, and vsini, which are crucial for successful asteroseismic modelling. Additional ground-based time-series data are needed to characterize mode parameters in several types of pulsating stars. Therefore, ground-based multi-colour photometry and mid/high-resolution spectroscopy are needed to complement the space data. We present ground-based activities within KASC on selected asteroseismic Kepler targets of several pulsation types. (Based on observations made with the Isaac Newton Telescope, William Herschel Telescope, Nordic Optical Telescope, Telescopio Nazionale Galileo, Mercator Telescope (La Palma, Spain), and IAC-80 (Tenerife, Spain). Also based on observations taken at the observatories of Sierra Nevada, San Pedro Martir, Vienna, Xinglong, Apache Point, Lulin, Tautenburg, Loiano, Serra la Nave, Asiago, McDonald, Skinakas, Pic du Midi, Mauna Kea, Steward Observatory, Mt Wilson, Bialkow Observatory of the Wroclaw University, Piszkesteto Mountain Station, Observatoire de Haute Provence, and Centro Astronomico Hispano Aleman at Calar Alto. Based on data from the AAVSO International Database.)

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arXiv2010

The asteroseismic potential of Kepler: first results for solar-type stars

We present preliminary asteroseismic results from Kepler on three G-type stars. The observations, made at one-minute cadence during the first 33.5d of science operations, reveal high signal-to-noise solar-like oscillation spectra in all three stars: About 20 modes of oscillation may be clearly distinguished in each star. We discuss the appearance of the oscillation spectra, use the frequencies and frequency separations to provide first results on the radii, masses and ages of the stars, and comment in the light of these results on prospects for inference on other solar-type stars that Kepler will observe.

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arXiv2010

Hybrid gamma Doradus - delta Scuti pulsators: New insights into the physics of the oscillations from Kepler observations

Observations of the pulsations of stars can be used to infer their interior structure and test theoretical models. The main sequence $γ$ Doradus (Dor) and $δ$ Scuti (Sct) stars with masses 1.2-2.5 $M_{\sun}$ are particularly useful for these studies. The $γ$ Dor stars pulsate in high-order $g$ modes with periods of order 1 day, driven by convective blocking at the base of their envelope convection zone. The $δ$ Sct stars pulsate in low-order $g$ and $p$ modes with periods of order 2 hours, driven by the $κ$ mechanism operating in the Heii ionization zone. Theory predicts an overlap region in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram between instability regions, where 'hybrid' stars pulsating in both types of modes should exist. The two types of modes with properties governed by different portions of the stellar interior provide complementary model constraints. Among the known $γ$ Dor and $δ$ Sct stars, only four have been confirmed as hybrids. Now, analysis of combined Quarter 0 and Quarter 1 Kepler data for hundreds of variable stars shows that the frequency spectra are so rich that there are practically no pure $δ$ Sct or $γ$ Dor pulsators, i.e. essentially all of the stars show frequencies in both the $δ$ Sct and $γ$ Dor frequency range. A new observational classification scheme is proposed that takes into account the amplitude as well as the frequency, and is applied to categorize 234 stars as $δ$ Sct, $γ$ Dor, $δ$ Sct/$γ$ Dor or $γ$ Dor/$δ$ Sct hybrids.

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arXiv2009

Rotation of delta Scuti Stars in the Open Clusters NGC1817 and NGC7062

We report results of spectroscopic and photometric observations of ten delta Scuti stars and one eclipsing binary in the open cluster NGC1817, and of ten delta Scuti stars and two other variables in the open cluster NGC7062. For all targets in NGC1817 and for three targets in NGC7062, the radial velocity and projected rotational velocity are determined. For all stars, the effective temperature and surface gravity is measured. Two delta Scuti stars, NGC1817-V1 and NGC7062-V1, and the eclipsing binary, NGC1817-V18, are discovered to be single-lined spectroscopic binaries. The eclipsing binary delta Scuti star NGC1817-V4 is discovered to be a double-lined spectroscopic binary. All delta Scuti stars which we observed spectroscopically are found to be moderate or fast rotators.

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arXiv2009

Photometric Study of Variable Stars in the Open Cluster NGC6866

We report the discovery of 19 variable stars and two blue-stragglers in the field of the open cluster NGC6866. Three of the variable stars we classify as delta Sct, two, as gamma Dor, four, as WUMa, two, as ellipsoidal variables, and one, as an eclipsing binary. Seven stars show irregular variability. Two of the pulsators, a delta Sct star NGC 6866-29 and a gamma Dor star NGC6866-21, are multiperiodic. From an analysis of proper motions, we conclude that the delta Sct stars, one of the gamma Dor stars and both blue-stragglers are very probable members of the cluster. The position on the color-magnitude diagram of seven other variables suggests that they also belong to the cluster. The eclipsing binary, which we discover to be a new high-velocity star, and the seven irregular variables are non-members. Then, we discuss in detail the age and metallicity of open clusters that host gamma Dor stars and we show that none of these parameters is correlated with the number of gamma Dor stars in cluster.

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arXiv2009

Photometric Study of Kepler Asteroseismic Targets

Reported are UBV and uvbybeta observations of 15 candidates for Kepler primary astero- seismic targets and 14 other stars in the Kepler field, carried out at the M.G. Fracastoro station of the Catania Astrophysical Observatory. These data serve to plot the 29 stars in two-parameter diagrams with the photometric indices (such as B-V or delta m1 and the atmospheric parameters (such as the MK type or [Fe/H]) as coordinates. The two-parameter diagrams show no evidence of interstellar reddening. The photometric indices B-V and beta are then used to derive photometric effective temperatures, Teff(B-V) and Teff(beta). For Teff(B-V) > 6400 K, the photometric effective temperatures turn out to be systematically higher than spectroscopic effective temperatures by 311 +/- 34 K and 346 +/- 91 K for Teff(B-V) and Teff(beta), respectively. For T_eff(B-V) < 6250 K, the agreement between Teff(B-V) and the spectroscopic effective temperatures is very good. The photometric surface gravities, derived from c_1 and beta, show a range of about a factor of two greater than their spectroscopic counterparts do.

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arXiv2009

Spectroscopic Study of Candidates for Kepler Asteroseismic Targets - Solar-Like Stars

We report spectroscopic observations of 23 candidates for Kepler asteroseismic targets and 10 other stars in the Kepler field, carried out at two observatories (see the footnote). For all these stars, we derive the radial velocities, effective temperature, surface gravity, metallicity, the projected rotational velocity, and estimate the MK type. HIP 97513 and HIP 92132 are classified as suspected new single-lined spectroscopic binaries. For 28 stars, the radial velocity is measured for the first time.

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arXiv2009

A Spectroscopic Study of Kepler Asteroseismic Targets

Reported are spectroscopic observations of 15 candidates for Kepler primary asteroseismic targets and 14 other stars in the Kepler field, carried out at three observatories (see the footnote). For all these stars, the radial velocities, effective temperature, surface gravity, metallicity, and the projected rotational velocity are derived from two separate sets of data by means of two independent methods. In addition, MK type is estimated from one of these sets of data. Three stars, HIP 94335, HIP 94734, and HIP 94743, are found to have variable radial-velocity. For HIP 94335 = FL Lyr, a well-known Algol-type eclipsing variable and a double-lined spectroscopic binary, the orbital elements computed from our data agree closely with those of Popper et al. For HIP 94734 and HIP 94743 = V2077 Cyg, which we discover to be single-lined systems, orbital elements are derived. In addition, from our value of the orbital period and the Hipparcos epoch photometry, HIP 94743 is demonstrated to be a detached eclipsing binary.

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