arXiv subjects

Krzysztof G. Hełminiak

Publications and source records attributed to Krzysztof G. Hełminiak.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

UX Men: Detached Eclipsing Binary as a Benchmark Candidate

We present ultra-precise fundamental parameters for the detached eclipsing binary UX Men based on 31 TESS sectors ($\sim$882 d) and radial velocities from HARPS, FEROS, CORALIE, and UCLES. The light curves were detrended for spot-induced variability and modelled independently with JKTEBOP and ALLESFITTER, while radial velocities were extracted via TODCOR and fitted with a Keplerian orbit. Spectral disentangling yielded individual component spectra analysed with iSpec to determine $T_{\rm eff}$ and $\mathrm{[M/H]}$. Multi-band photometry was used to determine the fluxes, flux ratios and ultimately to measure photometric $T_{\rm eff}$. We obtain the masses $M_{\rm A}$ = $1.2300 \pm{0.0012}$ M$_{\odot}$, $M_{\rm B}$ = $1.1946\pm{0.0012}$ M$_{\odot}$ and radii $R_{\rm A}$ = $1.3605\pm{0.0031}$ R$_{\odot}$, $R_{\rm B}$ = $1.2801\pm{0.0069}$ R$_{\odot}$ with sub-percent precision. Uncertainties were found to be dominated by systematic effects coming from (weak) stellar activity. $T_{\rm eff,A}$ = $6302\pm{77}$, $T_{\rm eff,B}$ = $6292\pm65$ \& Metallicity estimates are $[M/H]_{\rm A} = 0.02\pm{0.13}$ dex and $[M/H]_{\rm B}= 0.07\pm{0.10}$ dex. Isochrone fitting yields a consistent age of $τ$ = $2.75\pm{0.13}$ Gyr. The system exhibits a $\sim$ 673-day periodicity in eclipse-timing variations, likely due to stellar activity, with no evidence for a third body. Results are independent of the modelling code used, but without proper treatment of activity-induced systematics the uncertainties would be underestimated. UX Men is a high-precision benchmark binary providing stringent tests of stellar models and a robust calibration source for PLATO. Expanding the sample of well-characterised detached eclipsing binaries will strengthen the empirical foundations for stellar physics and the calibration of future photometric missions

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arXiv2026

Multiplicity of Cool Stars and their Evolution

Making up a sizeable portion of the galactic census, stellar multiples are experiencing a renaissance. Enabling the study of multiple strands of the study of cool stars, stellar multiples have been found and characterised in great numbers by the missions of the last decade, allowing the exploration of stellar parameters and populations, observation of stellar interactions, studies into stellar formation and evolution, and characterisation of circumbinary systems. This exciting explosion of science is only set to continue, with future missions set to offer even further insights into the topic. Within these proceedings we will summarise the presentations and discussions on cool stellar multiplicity within our splinter sessions at the 23rd Cambridge Workshop on Cool Stars, Stellar Systems, and the Sun, as we examine the present state of the field and look to what the future may bring.

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arXiv2024

Adding TESS to CRÉME. Light curves and masses of 300+ eclipsing binaries

The Comprehensive Research with Echelles on the Most interesting Eclipsing binaries (CRÉME) projects was aimed to collect high-resolutions spectra of about 380 detached eclipsing binaries (DEBs), which mostly do not have literature RV data. From this vast observational material we were able to estimate masses of components of 325 double-lined system. Since the launch of the TESS mission we have been collecting 2-min cadence photometry for the CRÉME targets through successful GI proposals. As by Sector 85, we obtained data for $>$330 of them. We are thus now in the process of comprehensively analyzing our targets. This paper presents the recent status of the CRÉME project and its space photometry counterpart, and describes several sub-projects within CRÉME that focus on specific classes of targets.

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arXiv2024

High-resolution spectroscopy of detached eclipsing binaries during total eclipses

We present results of high-resolution spectroscopic observations of detached eclipsing binaries (DEBs) with total eclipses, for which UVES spectra were obtained during the phase of totality. With the additional, independent information on effective temperature and metallicity of one of the components, we aimed at estimating the precise ages of the studied binaries, and show the usefulness of totality spectra. We also provide precise orbital and physical stellar parameters of the components of systems in question. Using the VLT/UVES we obtained high-resolution spectra of 11 DEBs during their total eclipse phase. Atmospheric parameters of then-visible (larger) components were obtained with iSpec. With additional spectroscopy from the CRÉME project, public archives, and literature, we obtained radial velocity (RV) measurements, from which orbital parameters were calculated. Photometric time-series observations from TESS and ASAS were modelled with the JKTEBOP code, and, combined with RV-based results, allowed us to obtain physical parameters for nine double-lined systems from our sample. All the available data were used to constrain the ages with our own approach, utilising MESA isochrones. Reddening-free, isochrone-based distances were also estimated, and confronted with Gaia DR3. We show that single spectroscopic observations taken during a total eclipse can break the age-metallicity degeneracy, and allow for precise determination of the age of a DEB, down to 5-10% level of uncertainty. Even for single-lined DEBs, where absolute masses are not possible to obtain, the spectroscopic analysis of one of the components allows one to put strong constraints on the properties of both stars. For some cases we noted inconsistencies between isochrone-based and GDR3 distances. For one binary, which could not be fitted with a single isochrone (RZ Eri) we suggest a new explanation.

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arXiv2023

Identification of the Top TESS Objects of Interest for Atmospheric Characterization of Transiting Exoplanets with JWST

JWST has ushered in an era of unprecedented ability to characterize exoplanetary atmospheres. While there are over 5,000 confirmed planets, more than 4,000 TESS planet candidates are still unconfirmed and many of the best planets for atmospheric characterization may remain to be identified. We present a sample of TESS planets and planet candidates that we identify as "best-in-class" for transmission and emission spectroscopy with JWST. These targets are sorted into bins across equilibrium temperature $T_{\mathrm{eq}}$ and planetary radius $R{_\mathrm{p}}$ and are ranked by transmission and emission spectroscopy metric (TSM and ESM, respectively) within each bin. In forming our target sample, we perform cuts for expected signal size and stellar brightness, to remove sub-optimal targets for JWST. Of the 194 targets in the resulting sample, 103 are unconfirmed TESS planet candidates, also known as TESS Objects of Interest (TOIs). We perform vetting and statistical validation analyses on these 103 targets to determine which are likely planets and which are likely false positives, incorporating ground-based follow-up from the TESS Follow-up Observation Program (TFOP) to aid the vetting and validation process. We statistically validate 23 TOIs, marginally validate 33 TOIs to varying levels of confidence, deem 29 TOIs likely false positives, and leave the dispositions for 4 TOIs as inconclusive. 14 of the 103 TOIs were confirmed independently over the course of our analysis. We provide our final best-in-class sample as a community resource for future JWST proposals and observations. We intend for this work to motivate formal confirmation and mass measurements of each validated planet and encourage more detailed analysis of individual targets by the community.

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arXiv2022

Direct Imaging Discovery and Dynamical Mass of a Substellar Companion Orbiting an Accelerating Hyades Sun-like Star with SCExAO/CHARIS

We present the direct-imaging discovery of a substellar companion in orbit around a Sun-like star member of the Hyades open cluster. So far, no other substellar companions have been unambiguously confirmed via direct imaging around main-sequence stars in Hyades. The star HIP 21152 is an accelerating star as identified by the astrometry from the Gaia and Hipparcos satellites. We have detected the companion, HIP 21152 B, in multi-epoch using the high-contrast imaging from SCExAO/CHARIS and Keck/NIRC2. We have also obtained the stellar radial-velocity data from the Okayama 188cm telescope. The CHARIS spectroscopy reveals that HIP 21152 B's spectrum is consistent with the L/T transition, best fit by an early T dwarf. Our orbit modeling determines the semi-major axis and the dynamical mass of HIP 21152 B to be 17.5$^{+7.2}_{-3.8}$ au and 27.8$^{+8.4}_{-5.4}$ $M_{\rm{Jup}}$, respectively. The mass ratio of HIP 21152 B relative to its host is $\approx$2\%, near the planet/brown dwarf boundary suggested from recent surveys. Mass estimates inferred from luminosity evolution models are slightly higher (33--42 $M_{\rm{Jup}}$). With a dynamical mass and a well-constrained age due to the system's Hyades membership, HIP 21152 B will become a critical benchmark in understanding the formation, evolution, and atmosphere of a substellar object as a function of mass and age. Our discovery is yet another key proof-of-concept for using precision astrometry to select direct imaging targets.

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arXiv2019

TESS light curves of low-mass detached eclipsing binaries

We present high-precision light curves of several M- and K-type, active detached eclipsing binaries (DEBs), recorded with 2-minute cadence by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). Analysis of these curves, combined with new and literature radial velocity (RV) data, allows to vastly improve the accuracy and precision of stellar parameters with respect to previous studies of these systems. Results for one previously unpublished DEB are also presented.

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arXiv2019

HD 213885b: A transiting 1-day-period super-Earth with an Earth-like composition around a bright ($V=7.9$) star unveiled by TESS

We report the discovery of the 1.008-day, ultra-short period (USP) super-Earth HD 213885b (TOI-141b) orbiting the bright ($V=7.9$) star HD 213885 (TOI-141, TIC 403224672), detected using photometry from the recently launched TESS mission. Using FEROS, HARPS and CORALIE radial-velocities, we measure a precise mass of $8.8\pm0.6$ $M_\oplus$ for this $1.74 \pm 0.05$ $R_\oplus$ exoplanet, which provides enough information to constrain its bulk composition, which is similar to Earth's but enriched in iron. The radius, mass and stellar irradiation of HD 213885b are, given our data, very similar to 55 Cancri e, making this exoplanet a good target to perform comparative exoplanetology of short period, highly irradiated super-Earths. Our precise radial-velocities reveal an additional $4.78$-day signal which we interpret as arising from a second, non-transiting planet in the system, HD 213885c (TOI-141c), whose minimum mass of $19.95\pm 1.4$ $M_\oplus$ makes it consistent with being a Neptune-mass exoplanet. The HD 213885 system is very interesting from the perspective of future atmospheric characterization, being the second brightest star to host an ultra-short period transiting super-Earth (with the brightest star being, in fact, 55 Cancri). Prospects for characterization with present and future observatories are discussed.

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arXiv2019

Near-resonance in a system of sub-Neptunes from TESS

We report the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite ($TESS$) detection of a multi-planet system orbiting the $V=10.9$ K0 dwarf TOI 125. We find evidence for up to five planets, with varying confidence. Three high signal-to-noise transit signals correspond to sub-Neptune-sized planets ($2.76$, $2.79$, and $2.94\ R_{\oplus}$), and we statistically validate the planetary nature of the two inner planets ($P_b = 4.65$ days, $P_c = 9.15$ days). With only two transits observed, we report the outer object ($P_{.03} = 19.98$ days) as a high signal-to-noise ratio planet candidate. We also detect a candidate transiting super-Earth ($1.4\ R_{\oplus}$) with an orbital period of only $12.7$ hours and a candidate Neptune-sized planet ($4.2\ R_{\oplus}$) with a period of $13.28$ days, both at low signal-to-noise. This system is amenable to mass determination via radial velocities and transit timing variations, and provides an opportunity to study planets of similar size while controlling for age and environment. The ratio of orbital periods between TOI 125 b and c ($P_c/P_b = 1.97$) is slightly smaller than an exact 2:1 commensurability and is atypical of multiple planet systems from $Kepler$, which show a preference for period ratios just $wide$ of first-order period ratios. A dynamical analysis refines the allowed parameter space through stability arguments and suggests that, despite the nearly commensurate periods, the system is unlikely to be in resonance.

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arXiv2016

High-Contrast Imaging of Intermediate-Mass Giants with Long-Term Radial Velocity Trends

A radial velocity (RV) survey for intermediate-mass giants has been operated for over a decade at Okayama Astrophysical Observatory (OAO). The OAO survey has revealed that some giants show long-term linear RV accelerations (RV trends), indicating the presence of outer companions. Direct imaging observations can help clarify what objects generate these RV trends. We present the results of high-contrast imaging observations or six intermediate-mass giants with long-term RV trends using the Subaru Telescope and HiCIAO camera. We detected co-moving companions to $γ$ Hya B ($0.61^{+0.12}_{-0.14} M_\odot$), HD 5608 B ($0.10 \pm 0.01 M_\odot$), and HD 109272 B ($0.28 \pm 0.06 M_\odot$). For the remaining targets($ι$ Dra, 18 Del, and HD 14067) we exclude companions more massive than 30-60 $M_\mathrm{Jup}$ at projected separations of 1arcsec-7arcsec. We examine whether these directly imaged companions or unidentified long-period companions can account for the RV trends observed around the six giants. We find that the Kozai mechanism can explain the high eccentricity of the inner planets $ι$ Dra b, HD 5608 b, and HD 14067 b.

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arXiv2016

Spectroscopic Survey of Eclipsing Binaries with a Low Cost Échelle Spectrograph -- Scientific Commissioning

We present scientific results obtained with a recently commissioned échelle spectrograph on the 0.5-m Solaris-1 telescope in the South African Astronomical Observatory. BACHES is a low-cost slit échelle spectrograph that has a resolution of 21,000 at 5,500 Å. The described setup is fully remotely operated and partly automated. Custom hardware components have been designed to allow both spectroscopic and photometric observations. The setup is controlled via dedicated software. The throughput of the system allows us to obtain spectra with an average SNR of 22 at 6375 Å for a 30-min exposure of a $V=10$ mag target. The stability of the instrument is influenced mainly by the ambient temperature changes. We have obtained radial velocity RMS values for a bright (V = 5.9 mag) spectroscopic binary as good as 0.59 km s$^{-1}$ and 1.34 km s$^{-1}$ for a $V = 10.2$ mag eclipsing binary. Radial velocity measurements have been combined with available photometric light curves. We present models of six eclipsing binary systems, and for previously known targets, we compare our results with those available in the literature. Masses of binary components have been determined with 3% errors for some targets. We confront our results with benchmark values based on measurements from the HARPS and UCLES spectrographs on 4-m class telescopes and find very good agreement. The described setup is very efficient and well suited for a spectroscopic survey. We can now spectroscopically characterize about 300 eclipsing binary stars per year up to 10.2 mag assuming typical weather conditions at SAAO without a single observing trip.

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arXiv2015

Absolute stellar parameters of KIC 09246715 -- a double-giant eclipsing system with a solar-like oscillator

We present our results of a combined analysis of radial velocity and light curves of a double-lined spectroscopic and eclipsing binary KIC 09246715, observed photometrically by the $Kepler$ satellite, and spectroscopically with the OAO-1.88m telescope with the HIgh-Dispertion Echelle Spectrograph (HIDES). The target was claimed to be composed of two red giants, one of which is showing solar-like oscillations. We have found that the mass and radius of the primary are $M_1=2.169\pm0.024$ M$_\odot$ and $R_1=8.47\pm0.13$ R$_\odot$, and of the secondary: $M_2=2.143\pm0.025$ M$_\odot$ and $R_2=8.18\pm0.09$ R$_\odot$, which confirms the double-giant status. Our secondary is the star to which the oscillations were attributed. Results of its previous asteroseismic analysis are in agreement with ours, only significantly less precise, but the subsequent light-curve-based study failed to derive correct mass and radius of our primary. KIC 09246715 is one of the rare cases where asteroseismic parameters of a solar-like oscillator were confirmed by an independent method, and only the third example of a Galactic double-giant eclipsing binary with masses and radii measured with precision below 2%.

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arXiv2015

Planetary Candidates Observed by Kepler VI: Planet Sample from Q1-Q16 (47 Months)

\We present the sixth catalog of Kepler candidate planets based on nearly 4 years of high precision photometry. This catalog builds on the legacy of previous catalogs released by the Kepler project and includes 1493 new Kepler Objects of Interest (KOIs) of which 554 are planet candidates, and 131 of these candidates have best fit radii <1.5 R_earth. This brings the total number of KOIs and planet candidates to 7305 and 4173 respectively. We suspect that many of these new candidates at the low signal-to-noise limit may be false alarms created by instrumental noise, and discuss our efforts to identify such objects. We re-evaluate all previously published KOIs with orbital periods of >50 days to provide a consistently vetted sample that can be used to improve planet occurrence rate calculations. We discuss the performance of our planet detection algorithms, and the consistency of our vetting products. The full catalog is publicly available at the NASA Exoplanet Archive.

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arXiv2010

Orbital and physical parameters of eclipsing binaries from the ASAS catalogue -- II. Two spotted M < 1 M$_\odot$ systems at different evolutionary stages

Aims. We present the results of our detailed spectroscopic and photometric analysis of two previously unknown < 1 M{_\sun} detached eclipsing binaries: ASAS J045304-0700.4 and ASAS J082552-1622.8. Methods. With the HIgh Resolution Echelle Spectrometer (HIRES) on the Keck-I telescope, we obtained spectra of both objects covering large fractions of orbits of the systems. We also obtained V and I band photometry with the 1.0-m Elizabeth telescope of the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO). The orbital and physical parameters of the systems were derived with the PHOEBE and JKTEBOP codes. We investigated the evolutionary status of both binaries with several sets of widely-used isochrones. Results. Our modelling indicates that (1) ASAS J045304-0700.4 is an old, metal-poor, active system with component masses of M1 = 0.8452 \pm 0.0056 M$_\odot$, M2 = 0.8390 \pm 0.0056 M$_\odot$ and radii of R1 = 0.848 \pm 0.005 R$_\odot$ and R2 = 0.833 \pm 0.005 R$_\odot$, which places it at the end of the Main Sequence evolution - a stage rarely observed for this type of stars. (2) ASAS J082552-1622.8 is a metal-rich, active binary with component masses of M1 = 0.703 \pm 0.003 M$_\odot$, M2 = 0.687 \pm 0.003 M$_\odot$ and radii of R1 = 0.694(+0.007-0.011) R$_\odot$ and R2 = 0.699(+0.011-0.014) R$_\odot$. Both systems show significant out-of-eclipse variations, probably owing to large, cold spots. we also investigated the influence of a third light in the second system.

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arXiv2009

The Radial Velocity TATOOINE Search for Circumbinary Planets: Planet Detection Limits for a Sample of Double-lined Binary Stars - Initial Results from Keck I/Hires, Shane/CAT/Hamspec and TNG/Sarg Observations

We present preliminary results of the first and on-going radial velocity survey for circumbinary planets. With a novel radial velocity technique employing an iodine absorption cell we achieve an unprecedented RV precision of up to 2 m/s for double-lined binary stars. The high resolution spectra collected with the Keck I/Hires, TNG/Sarg and Shane/CAT/Hamspec telescopes/spectrographs over the years 2003-2008 allow us to derive RVs and compute planet detection limits for ten double-lined binary stars. For this initial sample of targets, we can rule out planets on dynamically stable orbits with masses as small as ~0.3 to 3 MJup for the orbital periods of up to ~5.3 years. Even though the presented sample of stars is too small to make any strong conclusions, it is clear that the search for circumbinary planets is now technique-wise possible and eventually will provide new constraints for the planet formation theories.

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arXiv2009

Impact of the Atmospheric Refraction on the Precise Astrometry with Adaptive Optics in Infrared

We study the impact of the atmospheric differential chromatic refraction on the measurements and precision of relative astrometry. Specifically, we address the problem of measuring the separations of close pairs of binary stars with adaptive optics in the J and K bands. We investigate the influence of weather conditions, zenithal distance, star's spectral type and observing wavelength on the astrometric precision and determine the accuracy of these parameters that is necessary to detect exoplanets with existing and planned large ground based telescopes with adaptive optics facilities. The analytical formulae for simple monochromatic refraction and a full approach, as well as moderately simplified procedure, are used to compute refraction corrections under a variety of observing conditions. It is shown that the atmospheric refraction must be taken into account in astrometric studies but the full procedure is not neccessary in many cases. Requirements for achieving a certain astrometric precision are specified.

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