arXiv subjects

Peter B. Stetson

Publications and source records attributed to Peter B. Stetson.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2017

On a new theoretical framework for RR Lyrae stars II: Mid--Infrared Period--Luminosity--Metallicity Relations

We present new theoretical period-luminosity-metallicity (PLZ) relations for RR Lyrae stars (RRL) at Spitzer and WISE wavelengths. The PLZ relations were derived using nonlinear, time-dependent convective hydrodynamical models for a broad range in metal abundances (Z=0.0001 to 0.0198). In deriving the light curves, we tested two sets of atmospheric models (Brott & Hauschildt 2005, Castelli & Kurucz 2003) and found no significant difference between the resulting mean magnitudes. We also compare our theoretical relations to empirical relations derived from RRL in both the field and in the globular cluster M4. Our theoretical PLZ relations were combined with multi-wavelength observations to simultaneously fit the distance modulus, mu_0, and extinction, Av, of both the individual Galactic RRL and of the cluster M4. The results for the Galactic RRL are consistent with trigonometric parallax measurements from Gaia's first data release. For M4, we find a distance modulus of $μ_0=11.257 \pm 0.035$ mag with $A_V = 1.45 \pm 0.12$ mag, which is consistent with measurements from other distance indicators. This analysis has shown that when considering a sample covering a range of iron abundances, the metallicity spread introduces a dispersion in the PL relation on the order of 0.13 mag. However, if this metallicity component is accounted for in a PLZ relation, the dispersion is reduced to ~0.02 mag at MIR wavelengths.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2016

Stellar photometry with Multi Conjugate Adaptive Optics

We overview the current status of photometric analyses of images collected with Multi Conjugate Adaptive Optics (MCAO) at 8-10m class telescopes that operated, or are operating, on sky. Particular attention will be payed to resolved stellar population studies. Stars in crowded stellar systems, such as globular clusters or in nearby galaxies, are ideal test particles to test AO performance. We will focus the discussion on photometric precision and accuracy reached nowadays. We briefly describe our project on stellar photometry and astrometry of Galactic globular clusters using images taken with GeMS at the Gemini South telescope. We also present the photometry performed with DAOPHOT suite of programs into the crowded regions of these globulars reaching very faint limiting magnitudes Ks ~21.5 mag on moderately large fields of view (~1.5 arcmin squared). We highlight the need for new algorithms to improve the modeling of the complex variation of the Point Spread Function across the field of view. Finally, we outline the role that large samples of stellar standards plays in providing a detailed description of the MCAO performance and in precise and accurate colour{magnitude diagrams.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2016

The DECam Minute Cadence Survey I

We present the first results from a minute cadence survey of a three square degree field obtained with the Dark Energy Camera. We imaged part of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Legacy Survey area over eight half-nights. We use the stacked images to identify 111 high proper motion white dwarf candidates with g $\leq24.5$ mag and search for eclipse-like events and other sources of variability. We find a new g = 20.64 mag pulsating ZZ Ceti star with pulsation periods of 11-13 min. However, we do not find any transiting planetary companions in the habitable zone of our target white dwarfs. Given the probability of eclipses of 1% and our observing window from the ground, the non-detection of such companions in this first field is not surprising. Minute cadence DECam observations of additional fields will provide stringent constraints on the frequency of planets in the white dwarf habitable zone.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2016

The ISLAndS project II: The Lifetime Star Formation Histories of Six Andromeda dSphs

The Initial Star formation and Lifetimes of Andromeda Satellites (ISLAndS) project uses Hubble Space Telescope imaging to study a representative sample of six Andromeda dSph satellite companion galaxies. The main goal of the program is to determine whether the star formation histories (SFHs) of the Andromeda dSph satellites demonstrate significant statistical differences from those of the Milky Way, which may be attributable to the different properties of their local environments. Our observations reach the oldest main sequence turn-offs, allowing a time resolution at the oldest ages of ~ 1 Gyr, which is comparable to the best achievable resolution in the MW satellites. We find that the six dSphs present a variety of SFHs that are not strictly correlated with luminosity or present distance from M31. Specifically, we find a significant range in quenching times (lookback times from 9 to 6 Gyr), but with all quenching times more than ~ 6 Gyr ago. In agreement with observations of Milky Way companions of similar mass, there is no evidence of complete quenching of star formation by the cosmic UV background responsible for reionization, but the possibility of a degree of quenching at reionization cannot be ruled out. We do not find significant differences between the SFHs of the three members of the vast, thin plane of satellites and the three off-plane dSphs. The primary difference between the SFHs of the ISLAndS dSphs and Milky Way dSph companions of similar luminosities and host distances is the absence of very late quenching (< 5 Gyr ago) dSphs in the ISLAndS sample. Thus, models that can reproduce satellite populations with and without late quenching satellites will be of extreme interest.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2015

On the absolute age of the metal-rich globular M71 (NGC 6838): I. optical photometry

We investigated the absolute age of the Galactic globular cluster M71 (NGC 6838) by using optical ground-based images (u',g',r',i',z') collected with the MegaCam camera at the Canada-France-Hawaii-Telescope (CFHT). We performed a robust selection of field and cluster stars by applying a new method based on the 3D (r',u'-g',g'-r') Color-Color-Magnitude-Diagram. The comparison between the Color-Magnitude-Diagram of the candidate cluster stars and a new set of isochrones, at the locus of the Main Sequence Turn Off (MSTO), suggests an absolute age of 12+/-2 Gyr. The absolute age was also estimated using the difference in magnitude between the MSTO and the so-called main sequence knee, a well defined bending occurring in the lower main sequence. This feature was originally detected in the near-infrared (NIR) bands and explained as a consequence of an opacity mechanism (collisionally induced absorption of molecular hydrogen) in the atmosphere of cool low-mass stars (Bono et al. 2010). The same feature was also detected in the r',u'-g' and in the r',g'-r' CMD, thus supporting previous theoretical predictions by Borysow et al. (1997). The key advantage in using the Delta^(Knee)_(TO) as an age diagnostic is that it is independent of uncertainties affecting the distance, the reddening and the photometric zero-point. We found an absolute age of 12+/-1 Gyr that agrees, within the errors, with similar age estimates, but the uncertainty is on average a factor of two smaller. We also found that the Delta^(Knee)_(TO) is more sensitive to the metallicity than the MSTO, but the dependence becomes vanishing using the difference in color between the MSK and the MSTO.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2015

Color-Magnitude Diagram Constraints on the Metallicities, Ages, and Star Formation History of the Stellar Populations in the Carina Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy

Victoria-Regina isochrones for $-0.4 \le$ [alpha/Fe] $\le +0.4$ and a wide range in [Fe/H], along with complementary zero-age horizontal branch (ZAHB) loci, have been applied to the color-magnitude diagram (CMD) of Carina. The color transformations that we have used have been "calibrated" so that isochrones provide excellent fits to the $[(B-V)_0,\,M_V]$-diagrams of M3 and M92, when well supported estimates of the globular cluster (GC) reddenings and metallicities are assumed. The adopted distance moduli, for both the GCs and Carina, are based on our ZAHB models, which are able to reproduce the old HB component (as well as the luminosity of the HB clump) of the dwarf spheroidal galaxy quite well --- even if it spans a range in [Fe/H] of ~ 1.5 dex, provided that [alpha/Fe] varies with [Fe/H] in approximately the way that has been derived spectroscopically. Ages derived here agree reasonably well with those found previously for the old and intermediate-age turnoff stars, as well as for the period of negligible star formation (SF) activity (~ 6-10 Gyr ago). CMD simulations have been carried out for the faintest turnoff and subgiant stars. They indicate a clear preference for SF that lasted several Gyr instead of a short burst, with some indication that ages decrease with increasing [Fe/H]. In general, stellar models that assume spectroscopic metallicities provide satisfactory fits to the observations, including the thin giant branch of Carina, though higher oxygen abundances than those implied by the adopted values of [alpha/Fe] would have favorable consequences.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2014

Weak Galactic halo--dwarf spheroidal connection from RR Lyrae stars

We discuss the role that dwarf galaxies may have played in the formation of the Galactic halo (Halo) using RR Lyrae stars (RRL) as tracers of their ancient stellar component. The comparison is performed using two observables (periods, luminosity amplitudes) that are reddening and distance independent. Fundamental mode RRL in six dwarf spheroidals and eleven ultra faint dwarf galaxies (1,300) show a Gaussian period distribution well peaked around a mean period of =0.610+-0.001 days (sigma=0.03). The Halo RRL (15,000) are characterized by a broader period distribution. The fundamental mode RRL in all the dwarf spheroidals apart from Sagittarius are completely lacking in High Amplitude Short Period (HASP) variables, defined as those having P< 0.48 days and Av> 0.75mag. Such variables are not uncommon in the Halo and among the globular clusters and massive dwarf irregulars. To further interpret this evidence, we considered eighteen globulars covering a broad range in metallicity (-2.3< [Fe/H]< -1.1) and hosting more than 35 RRL each. The metallicity turns out to be the main parameter, since only globulars more metal--rich than [Fe/H] -1.5 host RRL in the HASP region. This finding suggests that dSphs similar to the surviving ones do not appear to be the major building-blocks of the Halo. Leading physical arguments suggest an extreme upper limit of 50% to their contribution. On the other hand, massive dwarfs hosting an old population with a broad metallicity distribution (Large Magellanic Cloud, Sagittarius) may have played a primary role in the formation of the Halo.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2014

Homogeneous Photometry VI: Variable Stars in the Leo I Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy

We have characterized the pulsation properties of 164 candidate RR Lyrae variables (RRLs) and 55 candidate Anomalous and/or short-period Cepheids in Leo I dwarf spheroidal galaxy. On the basis of its RRLs Leo I is confirmed to be an Oosterhoff-intermediate type galaxy, like several other dwarfs. We show that in their pulsation properties, the RRLs representing the oldest stellar population in the galaxy are not significantly different from those of five other nearby, isolated dwarf spheroidal galaxies. A similar result is obtained when comparing them to RR Lyrae stars in recently discovered ultra-faint dwarf galaxies. We are able to compare the period distributions and period-amplitude relations for a statistically significant sample of ab type RR Lyrae stars in dwarf galaxies (~1300stars) with those in the Galactic halo field (~14,000stars) and globular clusters (~1000stars). Field RRLs show a significant change in their period distribution when moving from the inner (dG<14 kpc) to the outer (dG>14kpc) halo regions. This suggests that the halo formed from (at least) two dissimilar progenitors or types of progenitor. Considered together, the RRLs in classical dwarf spheroidal and ultra-faint dwarf galaxies-as observed today-do not appear to follow the well defined pulsation properties shown by those in either the inner or the outer Galactic halo, nor do they have the same properties as RRLs in globular clusters. In particular, the samples of fundamental-mode RRLs in dwarfs seem to lack High Amplitudes and Short Periods ("HASP":AV>1.0mag and P <0.48d) when compared with those observed in the Galactic halo field and globular clusters. The observed properties of RRLs do not support the idea that currently existing classical dwarf spheroidal and ultra-faint dwarf galaxies are surviving representative examples of the original building blocks of the Galactic halo.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2014

Comparing M31 and Milky Way Satellites: The Extended Star Formation Histories of Andromeda II and Andromeda XVI

We present the first comparison between the lifetime star formation histories (SFHs) of M31 and Milky Way (MW) satellites. Using the Advanced Camera for Surveys aboard the Hubble Space Telescope, we obtained deep optical imaging of Andromeda II (M$_{V} = -$12.0; log(M$_{\star}$/M$_{\odot}$) $\sim$ 6.7) and Andromeda XVI (M$_{V} = -$7.5; log(M$_{\star}$/M$_{\odot}$) $\sim$ 4.9) yielding color-magnitude diagrams that extend at least 1 magnitude below the oldest main sequence turnoff, and are similar in quality to those available for the MW companions. And II and And XVI show strikingly similar SFHs: both formed 50-70% of their total stellar mass between 12.5 and 5 Gyr ago (z$\sim$5-0.5) and both were abruptly quenched $\sim$ 5 Gyr ago (z$\sim$0.5). The predominance of intermediate age populations in And XVI makes it qualitatively different from faint companions of the MW and clearly not a pre-reionization fossil. Neither And II nor And XVI appears to have a clear analog among MW companions, and the degree of similarity in the SFHs of And II and And XVI is not seen among comparably faint-luminous pairs of MW satellites. These findings provide hints that satellite galaxy evolution may vary substantially among hosts of similar stellar mass. Although comparably deep observations of more M31 satellites are needed to further explore this hypothesis, our results underline the need for caution when interpreting satellite galaxies of an individual system in a broader cosmological context.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2014

The ACS LCID project. X. The Star Formation History of IC 1613: Revisiting the Over-Cooling Problem

We present an analysis of the star formation history (SFH) of a field near the half light radius in the Local Group dwarf irregular galaxy IC 1613 based on deep Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys imaging. Our observations reach the oldest main sequence turn-off, allowing a time resolution at the oldest ages of ~1 Gyr. Our analysis shows that the SFH of the observed field in IC 1613 is consistent with being constant over the entire lifetime of the galaxy. These observations rule out an early dominant episode of star formation in IC 1613. We compare the SFH of IC 1613 with expectations from cosmological models. Since most of the mass is in place at early times for low mass halos, a naive expectation is that most of the star formation should have taken place at early times. Models in which star formation follows mass accretion result in too many stars formed early and gas mass fractions which are too low today (the "over-cooling problem"). The depth of the present photometry of IC 1613 shows that, at a resolution of ~1 Gyr, the star formation rate is consistent with being constant, at even the earliest times, which is difficult to achieve in models where star formation follows mass assembly.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2013

Neutrino and axion bounds from the globular cluster M5 (NGC 5904)

The red-giant branch (RGB) in globular clusters is extended to larger brightness if the degenerate helium core loses too much energy in "dark channels." Based on a large set of archival observations, we provide high-precision photometry for the Galactic globular cluster M5 (NGC 5904), allowing for a detailed comparison between the observed tip of the RGB with predictions based on contemporary stellar evolution theory. In particular, we derive 95% confidence limits of $g_{ae}<4.3\times10^{-13}$ on the axion-electron coupling and $μ_ν<4.5\times10^{-12}\,μ_{\rm B}$ (Bohr magneton $μ_{\rm B}=e/2m_e$) on a neutrino dipole moment, based on a detailed analysis of statistical and systematic uncertainties. The cluster distance is the single largest source of uncertainty and can be improved in the future.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2013

Particle-physics constraints from the globular cluster M5: Neutrino Dipole Moments

Stellar evolution is modified if energy is lost in a "dark channel" similar to neutrino emission. Comparing modified stellar evolution sequences with observations provides some of the most restrictive limits on axions and other hypothetical low-mass particles and on non-standard neutrino properties. In particular, a putative neutrino magnetic dipole moment mu_nu enhances the plasmon decay process, postpones helium ignition in low-mass stars, and therefore extends the red-giant branch (RGB) in globular clusters (GCs). The brightness of the tip of the RGB (TRGB) remains the most sensitive probe for mu_nu and we revisit this argument from a modern perspective. Based on a large set of archival observations, we provide high-precision photometry for the Galactic GC M5 (NGC5904) and carefully determine its TRGB position. On the theoretical side, we add the extra plasmon decay rate brought about by mu_nu to the Princeton-Goddard-PUC stellar evolution code. Different sources of uncertainty are critically examined. The main source of systematic uncertainty is the bolometric correction and the main statistical uncertainty derives from the distance modulus based on main-sequence fitting. (Other measures of distance, e.g., the brightness of RR Lyrae stars, are influenced by the energy loss that we wish to constrain.) The statistical uncertainty of the TRGB position relative to the brightest RGB star is less important because the RGB is well populated. We infer an absolute I-band brightness of M_I=-4.17+/-0.13 mag for the TRGB compared with the theoretical prediction of -3.99+/-0.07 mag, in reasonable agreement with each other. A significant brightness increase caused by neutrino dipole moments is constrained such that mu_nu<2.6x10^-12mu_B(68% CL), where mu_B is the Bohr magneton, and mu_nu<4.5x10^-12 mu_B(95% CL). In these results, statistical and systematic errors have been combined in quadrature.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2013

The RR Lyrae variables and Horizontal Branch of NGC6656 (M22)

The first calibrated broadband UBVI time-series photometry is presented for the RR Lyrae variable stars in NGC6656 (M22), with observations spanning a range of twenty-two years. We have also redetermined the variability types and periods for the RR Lyrae stars identified previously by photographic observations, revising the number of fundamental-mode RR Lyrae variables (RR0) to 10 and the number of first-overtone variables (RR1) to 16. The mean periods of the RR0 and RR1 variables are _{RR0}=0.66 \pm 0.02 d and _{RR1}=0.33 \pm 0.01 d, respectively, supporting an Oosterhoff II classification for the cluster. The number ratio of RR1- to all RR-type variables is N_1/N_{RR}=0.61, also consistent with an Oosterhoff II designation. Both the RR Lyrae stars' minimum light colors and the blue edge of the RR Lyrae instability strip suggest E(B-V)=0.36 \pm 0.02 mag toward M22. Regarding the HB morphology of M22, we find (B-R)/(B+V+R)=+0.97 \pm 0.1 and at least one "gap" located in an unusual part of the blue HB, in the middle of the so-called hot HB stars.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2013

The ACS LCID Project. VIII. The short-period Cepheids of Leo A

We present the results of a new search for variable stars in the Local Group dwarf galaxy Leo A, based on deep photometry from the Advanced Camera for Surveys onboard the Hubble Space Telescope. We detected 166 bona fide variables in our field, of which about 60 percent are new discoveries, and 33 candidate variables. Of the confirmed variables, we found 156 Cepheids, but only 10 RR Lyrae stars despite nearly 100 percent completeness at the magnitude of the horizontal branch. The RR Lyrae stars include 7 fundamental and 3 first-overtone pulsators, with mean periods of 0.636 and 0.366 day, respectively. From their position on the period-luminosity (PL) diagram and light-curve morphology, we classify 91, 58, and 4 Cepheids as fundamental, first-overtone, and second-overtone mode Classical Cepheids (CC), respectively, and two as population II Cepheids. However, due to the low metallicity of Leo A, about 90 percent of the detected Cepheids have periods shorter than 1.5 days. Comparison with theoretical models indicate that some of the fainter stars classified as CC could be Anomalous Cepheids. We estimate the distance to Leo A using the tip of the RGB (TRGB) and various methods based on the photometric and pulsational properties of the Cepheids and RR Lyrae stars. The distances obtained with the TRGB and RR Lyrae stars agree well with each other while that from the Cepheid PL relations is somewhat larger, which may indicate a mild metallicity effect on the luminosity of the short-period Cepheids. Due to its very low metallicity, Leo A thus serves as a valuable calibrator of the metallicity dependencies of the variable star luminosities.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2013

Theoretical Modeling of the RR Lyrae Variables in NGC 1851

The RR Lyrae instability strip (IS) in NGC 1851 is investigated, and a model is presented which reproduces the pulsational properties of the RR Lyrae population. In our model, a stellar component within the IS that displays minor helium variations (Y~0.248-0.270) is able to reproduce the observed periods and amplitudes of the RR Lyrae variables, as well as the frequency of fundamental and first-overtone RR Lyrae variables. The RR Lyrae variables therefore may belong to an He-enriched second generation of stars. The RR Lyrae variables with a slightly enhanced helium (Y~0.270-0.280) have longer periods at a given amplitude, as is seen with Oosterhoff II (OoII) RR Lyrae variables, whereas the RR Lyrae variables with Y~0.248-0.270 have shorter periods, exhibiting properties of Oosterhoff I (OoI) variables.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2012

Variable stars in the Globular Cluster NGC 2808

The first calibrated broadband BVI time-series photometry is presented for the variable stars in NGC 2808, with observations spanning a range of twenty-eight years. We have also redetermined the variability types and periods for the variable stars identified previously by Corwin et al, revising the number of probable fundamental-mode RR Lyrae variables (RR0) to 11 and the number of first-overtone variables (RR1) to five. Our observations were insufficient to discern the nature of the previously identified RR1 star, V24, and the tentatively identified RR1 star, V13. These two variables are \sim0.8 mag brighter than the RR Lyrae variables, appear to have somewhat erratic period and/or luminosity changes, and lie inside the RR Lyrae instability strip. Curiously, all but one of the RR Lyrae stars studied in this relatively metal-rich cluster exhibit the Blazhko phenomenon, an effect thought to occur with higher frequency in metal-poor environments. The mean periods of the RR0 and RR1 variables are _RR0=0.56 pm 0.01 d and _RR1=0.30 pm 0.02 d, respectively, supporting an Oosterhoff I classification of the cluster. On the other hand, the number ratio of RR1- to RR0-type variables is high, though not unprecedented, for an Oosterhoff I cluster. The RR Lyrae variables have no period shifts at a given amplitude as compared to the M3 variables, making it unlikely that these variables are He-enhanced. Using the recent recalibration of the RR Lyrae luminosity scale by Catelan & Cortes, a mean distance modulus of (m-M)_V= 15.57 pm 0.13 mag for NGC 2808 is obtained, in good agreement with that determined here from its type II Cepheid and SX Phoenicis population. Our data have also allowed the discovery of two new candidate SX Phoenicis stars and an eclipsing binary in the blue straggler region of the NGC 2808 color-magnitude diagram.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2012

The Horizontal Branch of NGC 1851: Constraints from its RR Lyrae Variables

We use the pulsational properties of the RR Lyrae variables in the globular cluster NGC 1851 to obtain detailed constraints of the various sub-stellar populations present along its horizontal branch. On the basis of detailed synthetic horizontal branch modeling, we find that minor helium variations (Y~0.248-0.280) are able to reproduce the observed periods and amplitudes of the RR Lyrae variables, as well as the frequency of fundamental and first-overtone RR Lyrae stars. Comparison of number ratios amongst the blue and red horizontal branch components and the two observed subgiant branches also suggest that the RR Lyrae variables originated from the progeny of the bright subgiant branch. The RR Lyrae variables with a slightly enhanced helium (Y~0.270-0.280) have longer periods at a given amplitude, as is seen with Oosterhoff II (OoII) RR Lyrae variables, whereas the RR Lyrae variables with Y~0.248-0.270 have shorter periods, exhibiting properties of Oosterhoff I (OoI) variables. This correlation does suggest that the pulsational properties of RR Lyrae stars can be very useful for tracing the various sub-populations and can provide suitable constraints on the multiple population phenomenon. It appears of great interest to explore whether this conclusion can be generalized to other globular clusters hosting multiple populations.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2012

The central Blue Straggler population in four outer-halo globular clusters

Using HST/WFPC2 data, we have performed a comparative study of the Blue Straggler Star (BSS) populations in the central regions of the globular clusters AM 1, Eridanus, Palomar 3, and Palomar 4. Located at distances RGC > 50 kpc from the Galactic Centre, these are (together with Palomar 14 and NGC 2419) the most distant clusters in the Halo. We determine their colour-magnitude diagrams and centres of gravity. The four clusters turn out to have similar ages (10.5-11 Gyr), significantly smaller than those of the inner-Halo globulars, and similar metallicities. By exploiting wide field ground based data, we build the most extended radial density profiles from resolved star counts ever published for these systems. These are well reproduced by isotropic King models of relatively low concentration. BSSs appear to be significantly more centrally segregated than red giants in all globular clusters, in agreement with the estimated core and half-mass relaxation times which are smaller than the cluster ages. Assuming that this is a signature of mass segregation, we conclude that AM 1 and Eridanus are slightly dynamically more evolved than Pal 3 and Pal 4.

astro-ph.SR↗