arXiv subjects

Marc H. Pinsonneault

Publications and source records attributed to Marc H. Pinsonneault.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

arXiv2013

Red Giant Branch Bump Brightness and Number Counts in 72 Galactic Globular Clusters Observed with the Hubble Space Telescope

We present the broadest and most precise empirical investigation of red giant branch bump (RGBB) brightness and number counts ever conducted. We implement a new method and use data from two \textit{Hubble Space Telescope (HST)} globular cluster (GC) surveys to measure the brightness and star counts of the RGBB in 72 GCs. The brightness is measured to a precision better than 0.01 mag while the precision in number counts reaches 10%. The position of the main-sequence turnoff (MSTO) and the number of horizontal branch (HB) stars are used as comparisons where appropriate. Several independent scientific conclusions are newly possible with our parametrization of the RGBB. Both brightness and number counts are shown to have second parameters in addition to their strong dependence on metallicity. The RGBBs are found to be anomalous in the GCs NGC 2808, 5286, 6388 and 6441, likely due to the presence of multiple populations. Finally, we use our empirical calibration to predict the properties of the Galactic bulge RGBB if the assumption of similar stellar physics for the bulge and Galactic GC system holds. The RGBB properties for the bulge are shown to differ from those of the Galactic GC system, with the former having lower number counts, a lower brightness dispersion and a brighter peak luminosity than would be expected from the latter. This discrepancy is well explained by the Galactic bulge having a higher helium abundance than expected from GCs, $Δ$Y$\sim +$0.06 at the median metallicity.

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arXiv2012

The Stellar Metallicity Distribution Function of the Galactic Halo from SDSS Photometry

We explore the stellar metallicity distribution function of the Galactic halo based on SDSS ugriz photometry. A set of stellar isochrones is calibrated using observations of several star clusters and validated by comparisons with medium-resolution spectroscopic values over a wide range of metal abundance. We estimate distances and metallicities for individual main-sequence stars in the multiply scanned SDSS Stripe 82, at heliocentric distances in the range 5 - 8 kpc and |b| > 35 deg, and find that the in situ photometric metallicity distribution has a shape that matches that of the kinematically-selected local halo stars from Ryan & Norris. We also examine independent kinematic information from proper-motion measurements for high Galactic latitude stars in our sample. We find that stars with retrograde rotation in the rest frame of the Galaxy are generally more metal poor than those exhibiting prograde rotation, which is consistent with earlier arguments by Carollo et al. that the halo system comprises at least two spatially overlapping components with differing metallicity, kinematics, and spatial distributions. The observed photometric metallicity distribution and that of Ryan & Norris can be described by a simple chemical evolution model by Hartwick (or by a single Gaussian distribution); however, the suggestive metallicity-kinematic correlation contradicts the basic assumption in this model that the Milky Way halo consists primarily of a single stellar population. When the observed metallicity distribution is deconvolved using two Gaussian components with peaks at [Fe/H] ~ -1.7 and -2.3, the metal-poor component accounts for ~20% - 35% of the entire halo population in this distance range.

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arXiv2012

Detached Red Giant Eclipsing Binary Twins: Rosetta Stones to the Galactic Bulge

We identify 34 highly-probable detached, red giant eclipsing binary pairs among 315 candidates in Devor's catalog of $\sim$10,000 OGLE-II eclipsing binaries. We estimate that there should be at least 200 such systems in OGLE-III. We show that spectroscopic measurements of the metallicities and radial-velocity-derived masses of these systems would independently constrain both the age-metallicity and helium-metallicity relations of the Galactic Bulge, potentially breaking the age-helium degeneracy that currently limits our ability to characterize the Bulge stellar population. Mass and metallicity measurements alone would be sufficient to immediately validate or falsify recent claims about the age and helium abundance of the Bulge. A spectroscopic survey of these systems would constrain models of Milky Way assembly, as well as provide significant auxiliary science on research questions such as mass loss on the red giant branch. We discuss the theoretical uncertainties in stellar evolution models that would need to be accounted for to maximize the scientific yield.

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arXiv2012

Magnetic Braking Formulation for Sun-Like Stars: Dependence on Dipole Field Strength and Rotation Rate

We use two-dimensional axisymmetric magnetohydrodynamic simulations to compute steady-state solutions for solar-like stellar winds from rotating stars with dipolar magnetic fields. Our parameter study includes 50 simulations covering a wide range of relative magnetic field strengths and rotation rates, extending from the slow- and approaching the fast-magnetic-rotator regimes. Using the simulations to compute the angular momentum loss, we derive a semi-analytic formulation for the external torque on the star that fits all of the simulations to a precision of a few percents. This formula provides a simple method for computing the magnetic braking of sun-like stars due to magnetized stellar winds, which properly includes the dependence on the strength of the magnetic field, mass loss rate, stellar radius, suface gravity, and spin rate and which is valid for both slow and fast rotators.

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arXiv2012

A He3 driven instability near the fully convective boundary

We report on the discovery of an instability in low mass stars just above the threshold ($\sim 0.35 \textrm{M}_{\odot}$) where they are expected to be fully convective on the main sequence. Non-equilibrium He3 burning creates a convective core, which is separated from a deep convective envelope by a small radiative zone. The steady increase in central He3 causes the core to grow until it touches the surface convection zone, which triggers fully convective episodes in what we call the "convective kissing instability". These episodes lower the central abundance and cause the star to return to a state in which is has a separate convective core and envelope. These periodic events eventually cease when the He3 abundance throughout the star is sufficiently high that the star is fully convective, and remains so for the rest of its main sequence lifetime. The episodes correspond to few percent changes in radius and luminosity, over Myr to Gyr timescales. We discuss the physics of the instability, as well as prospects for detecting its signatures in open clusters and wide binaries. Secondary stars in cataclysmic variables (CVs) will pass through this mass range, and this instability could be related to the observed paucity of such systems for periods between two and three hours. We demonstrate that the instability can be generated for CV secondaries with mass-loss rates of interest for such systems, and discuss potential implications.

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arXiv2011

The Sensitivity of Convection Zone Depth to Stellar Abundances: An Absolute Stellar Abundance Scale from Asteroseismology

The base of the convection zone is a source of acoustic glitches in the asteroseismic frequency spectra of solar-like oscillators, allowing one to precisely measure the acoustic depth to the feature. We examine the sensitivity of the depth of the convection zone to mass, stellar abundances, and input physics, and in particular, the use of a measurement of the acoustic depth to the CZ as an atmosphere-independent, absolute measure of stellar metallicities. We find that for low mass stars on the main sequence with $0.4 M_{\odot} \le M \le 1.6 M_{\odot}$, the acoustic depth to the base of the convection zone, normalized by the acoustic depth to the center of the star, $τ_{cz,n}$, is both a strong function of mass, and varies at the 0.5-1% per 0.1 dex level in [Z/X], and is therefore also a sensitive probe of the composition. We estimate the theoretical uncertainties in the stellar models, and show that combined with reasonable observational uncertainties, we can expect measure the the metallicity to within 0.15 - 0.3 dex for solar-like stars. We discuss the applications of this work to rotational mixing, particularly in the context of the observed mid F star Li dip, and to distguishing between different mixtures of heavy elements.

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arXiv2010

A Bound on the Light Emitted During the TP-AGB Phase

The integrated luminosity of the TP-AGB phase is a major uncertainty in stellar population synthesis models. We use the white dwarf initial final mass relation and stellar interiors models to demonstrate that a significant fraction of the core mass growth for intermediate (1.5 < Msun < 6) mass stars takes place during the TP-AGB phase. We find evidence that the peak fractional core mass contribution for TP-AGB stars is ~20% and occurs for stars between 2 Msun and 3.5 Msun. Using a simple fuel consumption argument we couple this core mass increase to a lower limit on the TP-AGB phase energy output. Roughly half of the energy released in models of TP-AGB stars can be directly accounted for by this core growth; while the remainder is predominantly the stellar yield of He. A robust measurement of the emitted light in this phase will therefore set strong constraints on helium enrichment from TP-AGB stars, and we estimate the yields predicted by current models as a function of initial mass. Implications for stellar population studies and prospects for improvements are discussed.

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arXiv2009

A Photometric Metallicity Estimate of the Virgo Stellar Overdensity

We determine photometric metal abundance estimates for individual main-sequence stars in the Virgo Overdensity (VOD), which covers almost 1000 deg^2 on the sky, based on a calibration of the metallicity sensitivity of stellar isochrones in the gri filter passbands using field stars with well-determined spectroscopic metal abundances. Despite the low precision of the method for individual stars, we derive [Fe/H] = -2.0 +/-0.1 (internal) +/-0.5 (systematic) for the metal abundance of the VOD from photometric measurements of 0.7 million stars in the Northern Galactic hemisphere with heliocentric distances from ~10 kpc to ~20 kpc. The metallicity of the VOD is indistinguishable, within Delta [Fe/H] < 0.2, from that of field halo stars covering the same distance range. This initial application suggests that the SDSS gri passbands can be used to probe the properties of main-sequence stars beyond ~10 kpc, complementing studies of nearby stars from more metallicity-sensitive color indices that involve the u passband.

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arXiv2009

Metallicity Mapping with gri Photometry: The Virgo Overdensity and the Halos of the Galaxy

We describe the methodology required for estimation of photometric estimates of metallicity based on the SDSS gri passbands, which can be used to probe the properties of main-sequence stars beyond ~ 10 kpc, complementing studies of nearby stars from more metallicity-sensitive color indices that involve the u passband. As a first application of this approach, we determine photometric metal abundance estimates for individual main-sequence stars in the Virgo Overdensity, which covers almost 1000 square degrees on the sky, based on a calibration of the metallicity sensitivity of stellar isochrones in the gri filter passbands using field stars with well-determined spectroscopic metal abundances. Despite the low precision of the method for individual stars, internal errors of in [Fe/H] ~ +/- 0.1 dex can be achieved for bulk stellar populations. The global metal abundance of the Virgo Overdensity determined in this way is <[Fe/H]> = -2.0 +/- 0.1 (internal) +/- 0.5 (systematic), from photometric measurements of 0.7 million stars with heliocentric distances from ~ 10 kpc to ~ 20 kpc. A preliminary metallicity map, based on results for 2.9 million stars in the northern SDSS DR-7 footprint, exhibits a shift to lower metallicities as one proceeds from the inner- to the outer-halo population, consistent with recent interpretation of the kinematics of local samples of stars with spectroscopically available metallicity estimates and full space motions.

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arXiv2009

Galactic Globular and Open Clusters in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. II. Test of Theoretical Stellar Isochrones

We perform an extensive test of theoretical stellar models for main-sequence stars in ugriz, using cluster fiducial sequences obtained in the previous paper of this series. We generate a set of isochrones using the Yale Rotating Evolutionary Code (YREC) with updated input physics, and derive magnitudes and colors in ugriz from MARCS model atmospheres. These models match cluster main sequences over a wide range of metallicity within the errors of the adopted cluster parameters. However, we find a large discrepancy of model colors at the lower main sequence (Teff < ~4500 K) for clusters at and above solar metallicity. We also reach similar conclusions using the theoretical isochrones of Girardi et al. and Dotter et al., but our new models are generally in better agreement with the data. Using our theoretical isochrones, we also derive main-sequence fitting distances and turn-off ages for five key globular clusters, and demonstrate the ability to derive these quantities from photometric data in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. In particular, we exploit multiple color indices (g - r, g - i, and g - z) in the parameter estimation, which allows us to evaluate internal systematic errors. Our distance estimates, with an error of sigma(m - M) = 0.03-0.11 mag for individual clusters, are consistent with Hipparcos-based subdwarf fitting distances derived in the Johnson-Cousins or Stromgren photometric systems.

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arXiv2007

The Distances to Open Clusters from Main-Sequence Fitting. IV. Galactic Cepheids, the LMC, and the Local Distance Scale

We derive the basic properties of seven Galactic open clusters containing Cepheids and construct their period-luminosity (P-L) relations. For our cluster main-sequence fitting we extend previous Hyades-based empirical color-temperature corrections to hotter stars using the Pleiades as a template. We use BVI_{C}JHK_{s} data to test the reddening law, and include metallicity effects to perform a more comprehensive study for our clusters than prior efforts. The ratio of total to selective extinction R_V that we derive is consistent with expectations. Assuming the LMC P-L slopes, we find = -3.93 +/- 0.07 (statistical) +/- 0.14 (systematic) for 10-day period Cepheids, which is generally fainter than those in previous studies. Our results are consistent with recent HST and Hipparcos parallax studies when using the Wesenheit magnitudes W(VI). Uncertainties in reddening and metallicity are the major remaining sources of error in the V-band P-L relation, but a higher precision could be obtained with deeper optical and near-infrared cluster photometry. We derive distances to NGC4258, the LMC, and M33 of (m - M)_0 = 29.28 +/- 0.10, 18.34 +/- 0.06, and 24.55 +/- 0.28, respectively, with an additional systematic error of 0.16 mag in the P-L relations. The distance to NGC4258 is in good agreement with the geometric distance derived from water masers [Δ(m - M)_0 = 0.01 +/- 0.24]; our value for M33 is less consistent with the distance from an eclipsing binary [Δ(m - M)_0 = 0.37 +/- 0.34]; our LMC distance is moderately shorter than the adopted distance in the HST Key Project, which formally implies an increase in the Hubble constant of 7% +/- 8%.

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arXiv2007

The Distances to Open Clusters from Main-Sequence Fitting. III. Improved Accuracy with Empirically Calibrated Isochrones

We continue our series of papers on open cluster distances with a critical assessment of the accuracy of main-sequence fitting using isochrones that employ empirical corrections to the color-temperature relations. We use four nearby open clusters with multicolor photometry and accurate metallicities and present a new metallicity for Praesepe ([Fe/H] = +0.11 +/- 0.03) from high-resolution spectra. The internal precision of distance estimates is about a factor of 5 better than the case without the color calibrations. After taking into account all major systematic errors, we obtain distances accurate to about 2%-3% when there exists a good metallicity estimate. Metallicities accurate to better than 0.1 dex may be obtained from BVIcKs photometry alone. We also derive a helium abundance for the Pleiades of Y = 0.279 +/- 0.015, which is equal within the errors to the Sun's initial helium abundance and that of the Hyades. Our best estimates of distances are (m - M)_0 = 6.33 +/- 0.04, 8.03 +/- 0.04, and 9.61 +/- 0.03 to Praesepe, NGC 2516, and M67, respectively. Our Pleiades distance at the spectroscopic metallicity, (m - M)_0 = 5.66 +/- 0.01 (internal) +/- 0.05 (systematic), is in excellent agreement with several geometric distance measurements. We have made calibrated isochrones for -0.3 <= [Fe/H] <= +0.2 available at http://www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/iso/ .

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arXiv2005

Oxygen from the Lambda 7774 High-Excitation Triplet in Open Cluster Dwarfs: Hyades

Oxygen abundances have been derived from the near-IR, high-excitation Lambda 7774 O I triplet in high-resolution, high signal-to-noise spectra of 45 Hyades dwarfs using standard one dimensional, plane-parallel LTE models. Effective temperatures of the stellar sample range from 4319-6301 K, and the derived relative O abundances as a function of T_eff evince a trichotomous morphology. At T_eff > 6100 K, there is evidence of an increase in the O abundances with increasing T_eff, consistent with non-LTE (NLTE) predictions. At intermediate T_eff (5450 < T_eff < 6100 K), the O abundances are flat, and star-to-star values are in good agreement, having a mean value of [O/H] = +0.25 +/- 0.02; however, systematic errors at the ~0.10 dex level might exist. The O abundances for stars with T_eff < 5450 K show a striking increase with decreasing T_eff, in stark contrast to expectations and canonical NLTE calculations. The cool Hyades triplet results are compared to those recently reported for dwarfs in the Pleiades cluster and the UMa moving group; qualitative differences between the trends observed in these stellar aggregates point to a possible age-related diminution of triplet abundance trends in cool open cluster dwarfs. Correlations with age-related phenomena, i.e., chromospheric activity and photospheric spots, faculae, and/or plages, are investigated. No correlation with Ca II H+K chromospheric activity indicators is observed. Multi-component LTE ``toy'' models have been constructed in order to simulate photospheric temperature inhomogeneities that could arise from the presence of starspots, and we demonstrate that photospheric spots are a plausible source of the triplet trends among the cool dwarfs.

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arXiv2003

Theoretical Examination of the Lithium Depletion Boundary

We explore the sensitivity in open cluster ages obtained by the lithium depletion boundary (LDB) technique to the stellar model input physics. The LDB age technique is limited to open clusters with ages ranging from 20 to 200 Myr. Effective 1-sig errors in the LDB technique due to uncertain input physics are roughly 3% at the oldest age increasing to 8% at the youngest age. Bolometric correction uncertainties add an additional 10 to 6% error to the LDB age technique for old and young clusters, respectively. Rotation rates matching the observed fastest rotators in the Pleiades affect LDB ages by less than 2%. The range of rotation rates in an open cluster are expected to ``smear'' the LDB location by only 0.02 mag for a Pleiades age cluster increasing to 0.06 mag for a 20 Myr cluster. Thus, the observational error of locating the LDB (~7-10%) and the bolometric correction uncertainty currently dominate the error in LDB ages. For our base case, we formally derive a LDB age of 148 +- 19 Myr for the Pleiades, where the error includes 8, 3, and 9% contributions from observational, theoretical, and bolometric correction sources, respectively. A maximally plausible 0.3 magnitude shift in the I-band bolometric correction to reconcile main sequence isochrone fits with the observed (V-I) color for the low mass Pleiades members results in an age of 126 +- 11 Myr, where the error includes observational and theoretical errors only. Upper main-sequence-fitting ages that do not include convective core overshoot for the Pleiades (~75 Myr) are ruled out by the LDB age technique.

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arXiv2003

Survey for Transiting Extrasolar Planets in Stellar Systems: I. Fundamental Parameters of the Open Cluster NGC 1245

We derive fundamental parameters for the old, rich open cluster NGC 1245 using BVI photometry from the MDM 1.3m and 2.4m telescopes. Based on detailed isochrone fitting, we find NGC 1245 has a slightly sub-solar metallicity, [Fe/H]=-0.05 +- 0.03 (statistical) +- 0.08 (systematic), and an age of 1.04 +- 0.02 +- 0.09 Gyr. In contrast to previous studies, we find no evidence for significant differential reddening. We determine an extinction of A_V=0.68 +- 0.02 +- 0.09 mag and a distance modulus of (m-M)o=12.27 +- 0.02 +- 0.12 mag, which corresponds to a distance of 2.8 +- 0.2 Kpc. We derive a logarithmic mass-function slope for the cluster of a=-3.12 +- 0.27, where a Salpeter slope is a=-1.35. Fits to the radial surface-density profile yield a core radius of r_c=3.10 +- 0.52 arcmin (2.57 +- 0.47 pc). NGC 1245 is highly relaxed and contains a strongly mass segregated population. The mass function for the inner cluster has a very shallow slope, b=-0.56 +- 0.28. In contrast, the outer periphery of the cluster is enriched with low mass members and devoid of high mass members out to the tidal radius, r_t=20 arcmin (16.5 pc). Based on the observed surface-density profile and an extrapolated mass function, we derive a total cluster mass, M=1300 +- 90 +- 170 M_(solar).

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arXiv2003

Why are the K dwarfs in the Pleiades so Blue?

The K dwarfs in the Pleiades fall nearly one half magnitude below a main sequence isochrone when plotted in a color-magnitude diagram utilizing V magnitude as the luminosity index and B-V as the color index. This peculiarity has been known for forty years but has gone unexplained and mostly ignored. When compared to Praesepe members, the Pleiades K dwarfs again are subluminous (or blue) in a color-magnitude diagram using B-V as the color index. However, using V-I as the color index, stars in the two clusters are coincident to M_V ~ 10; using V-K as the color index, Pleiades late K and M stars fall above the main sequence locus defined by Praesepe members. We believe that the anomalous spectral energy distributions for the Pleiades K dwarfs, as compared to older clusters, are a consequence of rapid stellar rotation and may be primarily due to spottedness. If so, the required areal filling factor for the cool component has to be very large (=> 50%). Weak-lined T Tauri stars have similar color anomalies, and we suspect this is a common feature of all very young K dwarfs (sp. type > K3). The peculiar spectral energy distribution needs to be considered in deriving accurate pre-main sequence isochrone-fitting ages for clusters like the Pleiades since the age derived will depend on the temperature index used.

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arXiv2000

Sinks of Light Elements in Stars - Part II

The fragile light elements lithium, beryllium, and boron are easily destroyed in stellar interiors, and are thus superb probes of physical processes occuring in the outer stellar layers. The light elements are also excellent tracers of the chemical evolution of the Galaxy, and can test big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN). These inter-related topics are reviewed with an emphasis on stellar physics. In Part I (presented by CPD), an overview is given of the physical processes which can modify the surface abundances of the light elements, with emphasis on Population I dwarfs - convection; gravitational settling, thermal diffusion, and radiative levitation; slow mixing induced by gravity waves or rotation. We will discuss the increasingly large body of data which begin to enable us to discern the relative importance of these mechanisms in Population I main sequence stars. In Part II (presented by MHP), discussion is extended to the issue of whether or not the halo Li plateau is depleted, and includes the following topics: Li dispersion in field and globular cluster stars, Li production vs. destruction in Li-rich halo stars, and constraints from 6Li. Also discussed are trends with metal abundance and Teff and implications for chemical evolution and BBN. In Part III (presented by CC), evidence is reviewed that suggests that in situ mixing occurs in evolved low mass Population I and Population II stars. Theoretical mechanisms that can create such mixing are discussed, as well as their implications in stellar yields.

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arXiv2000

Sinks of Light Elements in Stars - Part III

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