arXiv subjects

M. J. P. F. G. Monteiro

Publications and source records attributed to M. J. P. F. G. Monteiro.

72 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2008

Spectroscopic parameters for 451 stars in the HARPS GTO planet search program. Stellar [Fe/H] and the frequency of exo-Neptunes

To understand the formation and evolution of solar-type stars in the solar neighborhood, we need to measure their stellar parameters to high accuracy. We present a catalogue of accurate stellar parameters for 451 stars that represent the HARPS Guaranteed Time Observations (GTO) ``high precision'' sample. Spectroscopic stellar parameters were measured using high signal-to-noise (S/N) spectra acquired with the HARPS spectrograph. The spectroscopic analysis was completed assuming LTE with a grid of Kurucz atmosphere models and the recent ARES code for measuring line equivalent widths. We show that our results agree well with those ones presented in the literature (for stars in common). We present a useful calibration for the effective temperature as a function of the index color B-V and [Fe/H]. We use our results to study the metallicity-planet correlation, namely for very low mass planets. The results presented here suggest that in contrast to their jovian couterparts, Neptune-like planets do not form preferentially around metal-rich stars. The ratio of jupiter-to-neptunes is also an increasing function of stellar metallicity. These results are discussed in the context of the core-accretion model for planet formation.

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arXiv2008

The CoRoT Evolution and Seismic Tools Activity: Goals and Tasks

The forthcoming data expected from space missions such as CoRoT require the capacity of the available tools to provide accurate models whose numerical precision is well above the expected observational errors. In order to secure that these tools meet the specifications, a team has been established to test and, when necessary, to improve the codes available in the community. The CoRoT evolution and seismic tool activity (ESTA) has been set up with this mission. Several groups have been involved. The present paper describes the motivation and the organisation of this activity, providing the context and the basis for the presentation of the results that have been achieved so far. This is not a finished task as future even better data will continue to demand more precise and complete tools for asteroseismology.

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arXiv2008

Asteroseismology and Interferometry

Asteroseismology provides us with a unique opportunity to improve our understanding of stellar structure and evolution. Recent developments, including the first systematic studies of solar-like pulsators, have boosted the impact of this field of research within Astrophysics and have led to a significant increase in the size of the research community. In the present paper we start by reviewing the basic observational and theoretical properties of classical and solar-like pulsators and present results from some of the most recent and outstanding studies of these stars. We centre our review on those classes of pulsators for which interferometric studies are expected to provide a significant input. We discuss current limitations to asteroseismic studies, including difficulties in mode identification and in the accurate determination of global parameters of pulsating stars, and, after a brief review of those aspects of interferometry that are most relevant in this context, anticipate how interferometric observations may contribute to overcome these limitations. Moreover, we present results of recent pilot studies of pulsating stars involving both asteroseismic and interferometric constraints and look into the future, summarizing ongoing efforts concerning the development of future instruments and satellite missions which are expected to have an impact in this field of research.

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arXiv2008

Grids of stellar evolution models for asteroseismology (CESAM + POSC)

In this paper we present a grid of stellar evolution models, computed with an up-to-date physical description of the internal structure, using the Code d'Evolution Stellaire Adaptatif et Modulaire (CESAM). The evolutionary sequences span from the pre-main sequence to the beginning of the Red Giant Branch and cover an interval of mass typical for low and intermediate mass stars. The chemical composition (both helium and metal abundance) is the solar one. The frequencies of oscillation, computed for specific stellar models of the grid using the Porto Oscillations Code (POSC), are also provided. This work was accomplished in order to support the preparation of the CoRoT mission within the Evolution and Seismic Tools Activity (CoRoT/ESTA). On the other hand, the grid can also be used, more generally, to interpret the observational properties of either individual stars or stellar populations. The grids (data and documentation) can be found at http://www.astro.up.pt/corot/models/cesam

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arXiv2007

Inter-comparison of the g-, f- and p-modes calculated using different oscillation codes for a given stellar model

In order to make astroseismology a powerful tool to explore stellar interiors, different numerical codes should give the same oscillation frequencies for the same input physics. This work is devoted to test, compare and, if needed, optimize the seismic codes used to calculate the eigenfrequencies to be finally compared with observations. The oscillation codes of nine research groups in the field have been used in this study. The same physics has been imposed for all the codes in order to isolate the non-physical dependence of any possible difference. Two equilibrium models with different grids, 2172 and 4042 mesh points, have been used, and the latter model includes an explicit modelling of semiconvection just outside the convective core. Comparing the results for these two models illustrates the effect of the number of mesh points and their distribution in particularly critical parts of the model, such as the steep composition gradient outside the convective core. A comprehensive study of the frequency differences found for the different codes is given as well. These differences are mainly due to the use of different numerical integration schemes. The use of a second-order integration scheme plus a Richardson extrapolation provides similar results to a fourth-order integration scheme. The proper numerical description of the Brunt-Vaisala frequency in the equilibrium model is also critical for some modes. An unexpected result of this study is the high sensitivity of the frequency differences to the inconsistent use of values of the gravitational constant (G) in the oscillation codes, within the range of the experimentally determined ones, which differ from the value used to compute the equilibrium model.

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arXiv2007

A new code for automatic determination of equivalent widths: Automatic Routine for line Equivalent widths in stellar Spectra (ARES)

We present a new automatic code (ARES) for determining equivalent widths of the absorption lines present in stellar spectra. We also describe its use for determining fundamental spectroscopic stellar parameters. The code is written in C++ based on the standard method of determining EWs and is available for the community. The code automates the manual procedure that the users normally carry out when using interactive routines such as the splot routine implemented in IRAF. We test the code using both simulated and real spectra with different levels of resolution and noise and comparing its measurements to the manual ones obtained in the standard way. The results shows a small systematic difference, always below 1.5mÅ. This can be explained by errors in the manual measurements caused by subjective continuum determination. The code works better and faster than others tested before.

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arXiv2007

Microscopic Diffusion in Stellar Evolution Codes: First Comparison results of ESTA-Task~3

We present recent work undertaken by the Evolution and Seismic Tools Activity (ESTA) team of the CoRoT Seismology Working Group. The new ESTA-Task 3 aims at testing, comparing and optimising stellar evolution codes which include microscopic diffusion of the chemical elements resulting from pressure, temperature and concentration gradients. The results already obtained are globally satisfactory, but some differences between the different numerical tools appear that require further investigations.

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arXiv2007

Asteroseismology across the HR diagram

High precision spectroscopy provides essential information necessary to fully exploit the opportunity of probing the internal structure of stars using Asteroseismology. In this work we discuss how Asteroseismology combined with High Precision Spectroscopy can establish a detailed view on stellar structure and evolution of stars across the HR diagramme.

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arXiv2007

The complementary roles of interferometry and asteroseismology in determining the mass of solar-type stars

How important is an independent diameter measurement for the determination of stellar parameters of solar-type stars? When coupled with seismic observables, how well can we determine the stellar mass? If we can determine the radius of the star to between 1% and 4%, how does this affect the theoretical uncertainties? Interferometry can provide an independent radius determination and it has been suggested that we should expect at least a 4% precision on such a measurement for nearby solar-type stars. This study aims to provide both qualitative and quantitive answers to these questions for a star such as our Sun, where seismic information will be available. We show that the importance of an independent radius measurement depends on the combination of observables available and the size of the measurement errors. It is important for determining all stellar parameters and in particular the mass, where a good radius measurement can even allow us to determine the mass with a precision better than 2%. Our results also show that measuring the small frequency separation significantly improves the determination of the evolutionary stage and the mixing-length parameter.

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arXiv2007

A theoretical approach for the interpretation of pulsating PMS intermediate-mass stars

The investigation of the pulsation properties of pre-main-sequence intermediate-mass stars is a promising tool to evaluate the intrinsic properties of these stars and to constrain current evolutionary models. Many new candidates of this class have been discovered during the last decade and very accurate data are expected from space observations obtained for example with the CoRoT satellite. In this context we aim at developing a theoretical approach for the interpretation of observed frequencies, both from the already available ground-based observations and from the future more accurate and extensive CoRoT results. To this purpose we have started a project devoted to the computations of fine and extensive grids of asteroseismic models of intermediate mass pre-main-sequence stars. The obtained frequencies are used to derive an analytical relation between the large frequency separation and the stellar luminosity and effective temperature and to develop a tool to compare theory and observations in the echelle diagram. The predictive capabilities of the proposed method are verified through the application to two test stars. As a second step, we apply the procedure to two true observations from multisite campaigns and we are able to constrain their stellar parameters, in particular the mass, in spite of the small number of frequencies. We expect that with a significantly higher number of frequencies both the stellar mass and age could be constrained and, at the same time, the physics of the models could be tested.

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arXiv2006

Discovery of $δ$ Scuti pulsation in the Herbig Ae star VV Ser

A new observational study of the Herbig Ae star VV Ser has been performed in order to detect and accurately measure pulsation frequencies in the $δ$ Scuti range. As it belongs to the continuous field of view of the asteroseismological satellite COROT, this study also aims at characterizing the properties of VV Ser as a potential ``COROT additional program'' candidate. CCD time series photometry in the Johnson V filter has been obtained during three consecutive years. The resulting light curves have been subject to detailed frequency analysis and the derived frequencies have been compared to model predictions. Seven pulsation frequencies have been measured on the basis of the best dataset obtained in 2004, ranging from $\sim$ 31 to $\sim$ 118 $μHz$, with an accuracy of the order of 0.5 $μHz$. The comparison with an extensive set of asteroseismological models shows that all the observed periodicities can be reproduced if the stellar mass is close to $4 M_{\odot}$. Conversely, the measured frequencies can be associated to $p$ modes only if the effective temperature is significantly lower than that obtained from the spectral type conversion. The present results seem to suggest that more accurate spectral type determination is necessary in order to discriminate the best fit model solution. In any case, the stellar mass of VV Ser is close to the upper mass limit ($\sim 4 M_{\odot}$) for this class of pulsators.

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arXiv2006

On the effect of overshooting as predicted by the modelling of the pre-main sequence evolution of a 2 solar-mass star

We discuss the effects of convective overshooting in the PMS evolution of intermediate mass stars, by analysing in detail the early evolution towards the main sequence of a 2 M_sun stellar model. These effects can be extremely important in the end of the PMS, when the abundances in CNO elements approach the equilibrium in the centre. We provide a possible physical explanation on why a moderate amount of overshooting produces, as the star approaches the ZAMS, an extra loop in the evolutionary tracks on the HR diagram. An interesting feature is that there is a very well defined amount of overshooting (for a given stellar mass and chemical composition) beyond which a loop is produced. For smaller amounts of overshooting such a loop does not take place and the evolutionary tracks are similar to the ones obtained by Iben (1965). The amount of overshooting needed to produce the loop decreases with stellar mass. We discuss the underlining physical reasons for the behaviour predicted by the evolution models and argue that it provides a crucial observational test for convective overshooting in the core of intermediate mass stars.

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arXiv2005

A multisite photometric campaign on the Pre-Main-Sequence delta Scuti pulsator IP Per

We present the results of a photometric multisite campaign on the $δ$ Scuti Pre-Main-Sequence star IP Per. Nine telescopes have been involved in the observations, with a total of about 190 hours of observations over 38 nights. Present data confirms the multiperiodic nature of this star and leads to the identification of at least nine pulsational frequencies. Comparison with the predictions of linear non-adiabatic radial pulsation models allowed us to identify only five of the nine observed frequencies, and to constrain the position of IP Per in the HR diagram. The latter is in good agreement with the empirical determination of the stellar parameters obtained by Miroshnichenko et al. (2001). An initial interpretation of the observed frequencies using the Aarhus non-radial pulsation code suggests that three frequencies could be associated with non-radial ($l$=2) modes. Finally, we present new evolutionary and pulsation models at lower metallicity (Z=0.008) to take into account the possibility that IP Per is metal deficient, as indicated by Miroshnichenko et al. (2001).

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arXiv2005

Seismic analysis of the second ionization region of helium in the Sun: I. Sensitivity study and methodology

The region of the second ionization of helium in the Sun is a narrow layer near the surface. Ionization induces a local change of the adiabatic exponent $Γ_1$, which produces a characteristic signature in the frequencies of p-modes. By adapting the method developed by (Monteiro et al. 1994), we propose a methodology for determining the properties of this region by studying such a signature in the frequencies of oscillation. Using solar data we illustrate how the signal from the helium ionization zone can be isolated. Using solar models with different physics -- theory of convection, equation of state and low temperature opacities -- we establish how the characteristics of the signal depend on the different aspects contributing to the structure in the ionization layer. We further discuss how the method can be used to measure the solar helium abundance in the envelope and to constrain the physics affecting this region of the Sun. The potential usefulness of the method we propose is shown. It may complement other inversion methods developed to study the solar structure and to determine the envelope helium abundance.

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arXiv2004

The role of the time step and overshooting in the modelling of PMS evolution: the case of EK Cephei

We have produced detailed evolutionary models of the binary EK Cep using the CESAM stellar evolution code (Morel 1997). A $χ^2$-minimisation was performed to derive the most reliable set of modelling parameters. We have found that an evolutionary age of about 26.8 Myrs fits both components in the same isochrone. The positions of EK Cep A and B in the HR diagram are consistent (within the observational uncertainties) with our results. Our revised calibration shows clearly that EK Cep is in the beginning of the main sequence, while EK Cep B is indeed a PMS star. Such a combination allows for a precise age determination of the binary, and provides a strict test of the modelling. In particular we have found that the definition of the time step in calculating the PMS evolution is crucial to reproduce the observations. A discussion of the optimal time step for calculating PMS evolution is presented. The fitting to the radii of both components is a more difficult task; although we managed to do it for EK Cep B, EK Cep A has a lower radius than our best models. We further studied the effect of the inclusion of a moderate convective overshooting; the calibration of the binary is not significantly altered, but the effect of the inclusion of overshooting can be dramatic in the approach to the main sequence of stars with masses high enough to burn hydrogen through the CNO cycle on the main sequence.

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arXiv2003

Multisite observations of the PMS delta Scuti star V351 Ori

We present the results of multisite observations spanning two years on the pre--main-sequence (PMS) star V351 Ori. A total of around 180 hours of observations over 29 nights have been collected, allowing us to measure five different periodicities, most likely related to the delta Scuti variability of V351 Ori. Comparison with the predictions of linear nonadiabatic radial pulsation models put stringent constraints on the stellar parameters and indicate that the distance to V351 Ori is intermediate between the lower limit measured by Hipparcos (210 pc) and that of the Orion Nebula (450 pc). However, radial pulsation models are unable to reproduce all of the observed frequencies with a single choice of (M, L, and Te), suggesting the presence of additional nonradial modes.

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arXiv2001

Asteroseismic Inference for Solar-Type Stars

The oscillation spectra of solar-type stars may in the not-too- distant future be used to constrain certain properties of the stars. The CD diagram of large versus small frequency separations is one of the powerful tools available to infer the properties - including perhaps masses and ages - of stars which display a detectable spectrum of oscillation. Also, the border of a convective region in a solar-type star gives rise to a characteristic periodic signal in the star's low-degree p-mode frequencies. Such a signature contains information about the location and nature of the transition between convective and non-convective regions in the star. In this work we address some of the uncertainties associated with the direct use of the CD diagram to evaluate the mass and age of the star due to the unknown contributions that make the stars different from the evolutionary models used to construct our reference grid. We also explore the possibility of combining an amplitude versus period diagram with the CD diagram to evaluate the properties of convective borders within solar-type stars.

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arXiv1995

NEAR-SURFACE EFFECTS IN MODELLING OSCILLATIONS OF ETA BOO

Following the report of solar-like oscillations in the G0 V star eta Boo (Kjeldsen et al. 1995, AJ 109, 1313), a first attempt to model the observed frequencies was made by Christensen-Dalsgaard et al. (1995, ApJ Letters, in press). This attempt succeeded in reproducing the observed frequency separations, although there remained a difference of about 10 microHz between observed and computed frequencies. In those models, the near-surface region of the star was treated rather crudely. Here we consider more sophisticated models that include non-local mixing-length theory, turbulent pressure and nonadiabatic oscillations.

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