arXiv subjects

K. Kolenberg

Publications and source records attributed to K. Kolenberg.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2012

Nonlinear asteroseismology of RR Lyrae

The observations of the Kepler space telescope revealed that fundamental-mode RR Lyrae stars may show various radial overtones. The presence of multiple radial modes may allow us to conduct nonlinear asteroseismology: comparison of mode amplitudes and frequency shifts between observations and models. Here we report the detection of three radial modes in the star RR Lyr, the eponym of the class, using the Kepler short cadence data: besides the fundamental mode, both the first and the ninth overtones can be derived from the data set. RR Lyrae shows period doubling, but switches occasionally to a state where a pattern of six pulsation cycles repeats instead of two. We found hydrodynamic models that show the same three modes and the period-six state, allowing for comparison with the observations.

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arXiv2012

Discovery of a magnetic field in the early B-type star sigma Lupi

Magnetic early B-type stars are rare. To identify them, we use the strongest indirect indicator of a magnetic field in B stars, which is periodic variability of UV stellar wind lines occurring symmetric about the approximate rest wavelength. Probable magnetic candidates are targets for follow-up spectropolarimetry to search for a magnetic field. From the UV wind line variability the B1/B2V star sigma Lupi emerged as a new magnetic candidate star. AAT spectropolarimetric measurements with SEMPOL were obtained. The longitudinal component of the magnetic field integrated over the visible surface of the star was determined with the Least-Squares Deconvolution method. The UV line variations of sigma Lupi are similar to what is known in magnetic B stars, but no periodicity could be determined. We detected a varying longitudinal magnetic field with amplitude of about 100 G with error bars of typically 20 G, which supports an oblique magnetic-rotator configuration. The EW variations of the UV lines, the magnetic and the optical-line variations are consistent with the photometric period of 3.02 d, which we identify with the rotation period of the star. Additional observations with ESPaDOnS attached to the CFHT confirmed this discovery, and allowed the determination of a precise magnetic period. Analysis revealed that sigma Lupi is a He-strong star, with an enhanced N abundance and an underabundance of C, and has a chemically spotted surface. Like in other magnetic B stars the UV wind emission appears to originate close to the magnetic equatorial plane, with maximum emission when a magnetic pole points towards the Earth. The 3.01972(43) d magnetic rotation period is consistent with the photometric period, with maximum light corresponding to maximum magnetic field.

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arXiv2012

Discovery of Peculiar Double-Mode Pulsations and Period Doubling in KEPLER RRc Variables

We analyzed the Long Cadence photometry of 4 first overtone RR Lyr-type stars (RRc stars) observed by the KEPLER telescope. All studied variables are multiperiodic. The strongest secondary peak appears for f_2/f_1 = 1.58-1.63, or P_2/P_1 = 0.61-0.63. In each star we detect at least one subharmonic of f_2, either at ~1/2 f_2 or at ~3/2 f_2. The presence of subharmonics is a characteristic signature of a period doubling.

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arXiv2012

The complex case of V445 Lyr observed with Kepler: Two Blazhko modulations, a non-radial mode, possible triple mode RR Lyrae pulsation, and more

Rapid and strong changes in the Blazhko modulation of RR Lyrae stars, as they have recently been detected in high precision satellite data, have become a crucial topic in finding an explanation of the long-standing mystery of the Blazhko effect. We present here an analysis of the most extreme case detected so far, the RRab star V445 Lyr (KIC 6186029) which was observed with the Kepler space mission. V445 Lyr shows very strong cycle-to-cycle changes in its Blazhko modulation, which are caused both by a secondary long-term modulation period as well as irregular variations. In addition to the complex Blazhko modulation, V445 Lyr also shows a rich spectrum of additional peaks in the frequency range between the fundamental pulsation and the first harmonic. Among those peaks, the second radial overtone could be identified, which, combined with a metallicity estimate of [Fe/H]=-2.0 dex from spectroscopy, allowed to constrain the mass (0.55-0.65 M_sun) and luminosity (40-50 L_sun) of V445 Lyr through theoretical Petersen diagrams. A non-radial mode as well as possibly the first overtone are also excited. Furthermore, V445 Lyr shows signs of the period doubling phenomenon and a long term period change. A detailed Fourier analysis along with a study of the O-C variation of V445 Lyr is presented, and the origin of the additional peaks and possible causes of the changes in the Blazhko modulation are discussed. The results are then put into context with those of the only other star with a variable Blazhko effect for which a long enough set of high precision continuous satellite data has been published so far, the CoRoT star 105288363.

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arXiv2012

How to Correctly Stitch Together {\it Kepler} Data of a Blazhko Star

One of the most challenging difficulties that precedes the frequency analysis of {\it Kepler} data for a Blazhko star is stitching together the data from different seasons (quarters). We discuss the preliminary steps in the stitching, detrending and rescaling process using the data for long-term Blazhko stars. We present the process on {\it Kepler} data of a Blazhko star with a variable Blazhko cycle and some first results of our analysis.

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arXiv2011

Period doubling in Kepler RR Lyrae stars

The origin of the conspicuous amplitude and phase modulation of the RR Lyrae pulsation - known as the Blazhko effect - is still a mystery after more than 100 years of its discovery. With the help of the Kepler space telescope we have revealed a new and unexpected phenomenon: period doubling in RR Lyr - the eponym and prototype of its class - as well as in other Kepler Blazhko RR Lyrae stars. We have found that period doubling is directly connected to the Blazhko modulation. Furthermore, with hydrodynamic model calculations we have succeeded in reproducing the period doubling and proved that the root cause of this effect is a high order resonance (9:2) between the fundamental mode and the 9th radial overtone, which is a strange mode. We discuss the implications of these recent findings on our understanding of the century-old Blazhko problem.

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arXiv2011

Variable Stars

This is the triennial report of IAU Commission 27, mostly presenting a review of recent advances in the field.

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arXiv2011

Non-Blazhko RR Lyrae Stars Observed with the KEPLER Space Telescope

This paper summarizes the main results of our recent study of the non-Blazhko RR Lyrae stars observed with the Kepler space telescope. These stars offer the opportunity for studying the stability of the pulsations of RR Lyrae stars and for providing a reference against which the Blazhko RR Lyrae stars can be compared. Of particular interest is the stability of the low-dispersion (sigma < 1mmag) light curves constructed from ~18,000 long-cadence (30-min) and (for FN Lyr and AW Dra) the ~150,000 short-cadence (1-min) photometric data points. Fourier-based [Fe/H] values and other physical characteristics are also derived. When the observed periods are compared with periods computed with the Warsaw non-linear convective pulsation code better agreement is achieved assuming pulsational L and M values rather than the (higher) evolutionary L and M values.

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arXiv2011

Discovery of the magnetic field of the B1/B2V star σLupi

In our search for new magnetic massive stars we use the strongest indirect indicator of a magnetic field in B stars, which is periodic variability of UV stellar wind lines occurring in a velocity range symmetric around zero. Our aim is to obtain follow-up spectropolarimetry to search for a magnetic field in magnetic candidate stars. We quantify UV wind line variability, and analyse its time behaviour. The B1/B2V star sigma Lup emerged as a new magnetic candidate star. AAT spectropolarimetric measurements with SEMPOL were obtained. The stellar wind line variations of sigma Lup are similar to what is known in magnetic B stars, but no periodicity could be determined. We detected a longitudinal magnetic field with varying strength and amplitude of about 100 G with error bars of typically 20 G, which supports an oblique magnetic-rotator configuration. The equivalent width variations of the UV lines, the magnetic and the optical line variations are consistent with the well-known photometric period of 3.02 days, which we identify with the rotation period of the star. Additional observations with ESPaDOnS at CFHT strongly confirmed this discovery, and allowed to determine a precise magnetic period. Further analysis revealed that $σ$ Lupi is a helium-strong star, with an enhanced nitrogen abundance and an underabundance of carbon, and has a spotted surface. We conclude that sigma Lup is a magnetic oblique rotator, and is a He-strong star. It is the 4th B star for which a magnetic field is discovered from studying only its wind variability. Like in the other magnetic B stars the wind emission originates in the magnetic equator, with maximum emission occurring when a magnetic pole points towards the Earth. The 3.02 d magnetic rotation period is consistent with the photometric period, with maximum light corresponding to maximum magnetic field. A full paper will be submitted to A&A.

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arXiv2011

Fourier analysis of non-Blazhko ab-type RR Lyrae stars observed with the Kepler space telescope

Nineteen of the ~40 RR Lyr stars in the Kepler field have been identified as candidate non-Blazhko (or unmodulated) stars. In this paper we present the results of Fourier decomposition of the time-series photometry of these stars acquired during the first 417 days of operation (Q0-Q5) of the Kepler telescope. Fourier parameters based on ~18400 long-cadence observations per star (and ~150000 short-cadence observations for FN Lyr and for AW Dra) are derived. None of the stars shows the recently discovered `period-doubling' effect seen in Blazhko variables; however, KIC 7021124 has been found to pulsate simultaneously in the fundamental and second overtone modes with a period ratio P2/P0 ~ 0.59305 and is similar to the double-mode star V350 Lyr. Period change rates are derived from O-C diagrams spanning, in some cases, over 100 years; these are compared with high-precision periods derived from the Kepler data alone. Extant Fourier correlations by Kovacs, Jurcsik et al. (with minor transformations from the V to the Kp passband) have been used to derive underlying physical characteristics for all the stars. This procedure seems to be validated through comparisons of the Kepler variables with galactic and LMC RR Lyr stars. The most metal-poor star in the sample is NR Lyr, with [Fe/H]=-2.3 dex; and the four most metal-rich stars have [Fe/H] ranging from -0.6 to +0.1 dex. Pulsational luminosities and masses are found to be systematically smaller than L and mass values derived from stellar evolution models, and are favoured over the evolutionary values when periods are computed with the Warsaw linear hydrodynamics code. Finally, the Fourier parameters are compared with theoretical values derived using the Warsaw non-linear convective pulsation code.

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arXiv2011

The CoRoT star 105288363: strong cycle to cycle changes of the Blazhko modulation

We present the analysis of the CoRoT star 105288363, a new Blazhko RR Lyrae star of type RRab (f0 = 1.7623 c/d), observed with the CoRoT space craft during the second long run in direction of the galactic center (LRc02, time base 145 d). The CoRoT data are characterized by an excellent time sampling and a low noise amplitude of 0.07 mmag in the 2-12 c/d range and allow us to study not only the fine details of the variability of the star but also long-term changes in the pulsation behaviour and the stability of the Blazhko cycle. We use, among other methods, standard Fourier analysis techniques and O-C diagrams to investigate the pulsational behavior of the Blazhko star 105288363. In addition to the frequency pattern expected for a Blazhko RR Lyrae star, we find an independent mode (f1 = 2.984 c/d) showing a f0/f1 ratio of 0.59 which is similar to that observed in other Blazhko RR Lyrae stars. The bump and hump phenomena are also analysed, with their variations over the Blazhko cycle. We carefully investigated the strong cycle-to-cycle changes in the Blazhko modulation (PB = 35.6 d), which seem to happen independently and partly diametrically in the amplitude and the phase modulation. Furthermore, the phasing between the two types of modulation is found to change during the course of the observations.

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arXiv2011

Variable turbulent convection as the cause of the Blazhko effect - testing the Stothers model

The amplitude and phase modulation observed in a significant fraction of the RR Lyrae variables - the Blazhko effect - represents a long-standing enigma in stellar pulsation theory. No satisfactory explanation for the Blazhko effect has been proposed so far. In this paper we focus on the Stothers (2006) idea, in which modulation is caused by changes in the structure of the outer convective zone, caused by a quasi-periodically changing magnetic field. However, up to this date no quantitative estimates were made to investigate whether such a mechanism can be operational and whether it is capable of reproducing the light variation we observe in Blazhko variables. We address the latter problem. We use a simplified model, in which the variation of turbulent convection is introduced into the non-linear hydrodynamic models in an ad hoc way, neglecting interaction with the magnetic field. We study the light curve variation through the modulation cycle and properties of the resulting frequency spectra. Our results are compared with Kepler observations of RR Lyr. We find that reproducing the light curve variation, as is observed in RR Lyr, requires a huge modulation of the mixing length, of the order of +/-50 per cent, on a relatively short time-scale of less than 40 days. Even then, we are not able to reproduce neither all the observed relations between modulation components present in the frequency spectrum, nor the relations between Fourier parameters describing the shape of the instantaneous light curves.

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arXiv2010

Discovery of the magnetic field in the B1/B2V star sigma Lupi

The ultraviolet stellar wind lines of the photometrically periodic variable early B-type star sigma Lupi were found to behave very similarly to what has been observed in known magnetic B stars, although no periodicity could be determined. AAT spectropolarimetric measurements with SEMPOL were obtained. We detected a longitudinal magnetic field with varying strength and amplitude of about 100 G with error bars of typically 20 G. This type of variability supports an oblique magnetic rotator model. We fold the equivalent width of the 4 usable UV spectra in phase with the well-known photometric period of 3.019 days, which we identify with the rotation period of the star. The magnetic field variations are consistent with this period. Additional observations with ESPaDOnS attached to the CFHT strongly confirmed this discovery, and allowed to determine a precise magnetic period. Like in the other magnetic B stars the wind emission likely originates in the magnetic equatorial plane, with maximum emission occurring when a magnetic pole points towards the Earth. The 3.0182 d magnetic rotation period is consistent with the photometric period, with maximum light corresponding to maximum magnetic field. No helium or other chemical peculiarity is known for this object.

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arXiv2010

Kepler photometry of the prototypical Blazhko star RR Lyr: An old friend seen in a new light

We present our analysis of the long cadence Kepler data for the well-studied Blazhko star RR Lyr, gathered during the first two quarters of the satellite's observations and covering a total of 127d. Besides being of great importance for our understanding of RR Lyrae stars in general, these RR Lyr data can be regarded as a case study for observations of bright stars with Kepler. Kepler can perform high-precision photometry on targets like RR Lyr, as the saturated flux is conserved to a very high degree. The Kepler data on RR Lyr are revolutionary in several respects. Even with long-cadence sampling (one measurement per 29.4 min), the unprecedented precision (< mmag) of the Kepler photometry allows the study of the star's extreme light curve variations in detail. The multiplet structures at the main frequency and its harmonics, typical for Blazhko stars, are clearly detected up to the quintuplets. For the first time, photometric data of RR Lyr reveal the presence of half-integer frequencies, linked to a period doubling effect. This phenomenon may be connected to the still unexplained Blazhko modulation. Moreover, with three observed Blazhko cycles at our disposal, we observe that there is no exact repetition in the light curve changes from one modulation cycle to the next for RR Lyr. This may be due to additional periodicities in the star, or to transient or quasi-periodic changes.

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arXiv2010

Flavours of variability: 29 RR Lyrae stars observed with Kepler

We present our analysis of Kepler observations of 29 RR Lyrae stars, based on 138-d of observation. We report precise pulsation periods for all stars. Nine of these stars had incorrect or unknown periods in the literature. Fourteen of the stars exhibit both amplitude and phase Blazhko modulations, with Blazhko periods ranging from 27.7 to more than 200 days. For V445 Lyr, a longer secondary variation is also observed in addition to its 53.2-d Blazhko period. The unprecedented precision of the Kepler photometry has led to the discovery of the the smallest modulations detected so far. Moreover, additional frequencies beyond the well-known harmonics and Blazhko multiplets have been found. These frequencies are located around the half-integer multiples of the main pulsation frequency for at least three stars. In four stars, these frequencies are close to the first and/or second overtone modes. The amplitudes of these periodicities seem to vary over the Blazhko cycle. V350 Lyr, a non-Blazhko star in our sample, is the first example of a double mode RR Lyrae star that pulsates in its fundamental and second overtone modes.

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arXiv2010

Does Kepler unveil the mystery of the Blazhko effect? First detection of period doubling in Kepler Blazhko RR Lyrae stars

The first detection of the period doubling phenomenon is reported in the Kepler RR Lyrae stars RR Lyr, V808 Cyg and V355 Lyr. Interestingly, all these pulsating stars show Blazhko modulation. The period doubling manifests itself as alternating maxima and minima of the pulsational cycles in the light curve, as well as through the appearance of half-integer frequencies located halfway between the main pulsation period and its harmonics in the frequency spectrum. The effect was found to be stronger during certain phases of the modulation cycle. We were able to reproduce the period doubling bifurcation in our nonlinear RR Lyrae models computed by the Florida-Budapest hydrocode. This enabled us to trace the origin of this instability in RR Lyrae stars to a resonance, namely a 9:2 resonance between the fundamental mode and a high-order (9th) radial overtone showing strange-mode characteristics. We discuss the connection of this new type of variation to the mysterious Blazhko effect and argue that it may give us fresh insights to solve this century-old enigma.

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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

First Kepler results on RR Lyrae stars

We present the first results of our analyses of selected RR Lyrae stars for which data have been obtained by the Kepler Mission. As expected, we find a significant fraction of the RRab stars to show the Blazhko effect, a still unexplained phenomenon that manifests itself as periodic amplitude and phase modulations of the light curve, on time scales of typically tens to hundreds of days. The long time span of the Kepler Mission of 3.5 yrs, and the unprecedentedly high precision of its data provide a unique opportunity for the study of RR Lyrae stars. Using data of a modulated star observed in the first roll as a showcase, we discuss the data, our analyses, findings, and their implications for our understanding of RR Lyrae stars and the Blazhko effect. With at least 40% of the RR Lyrae stars in our sample showing modulation, we confirm the high incidence rate that was only found in recent high-precision studies. Moreover, we report the occurrence of additional frequencies, beyond the main pulsation mode and its modulation components. Their half-integer ratio to the main frequency is reminiscent of a period doubling effect caused by resonances, observed for the first time in RR Lyrae stars.

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