arXiv subjects

R. A. Garcia

Publications and source records attributed to R. A. Garcia.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

arXiv2010

A multi-site campaign to measure solar-like oscillations in Procyon. II. Mode frequencies

We have analyzed data from a multi-site campaign to observe oscillations in the F5 star Procyon. The data consist of high-precision velocities that we obtained over more than three weeks with eleven telescopes. A new method for adjusting the data weights allows us to suppress the sidelobes in the power spectrum. Stacking the power spectrum in a so-called echelle diagram reveals two clear ridges that we identify with even and odd values of the angular degree (l=0 and 2, and l=1 and 3, respectively). We interpret a strong, narrow peak at 446 muHz that lies close to the l=1 ridge as a mode with mixed character. We show that the frequencies of the ridge centroids and their separations are useful diagnostics for asteroseismology. In particular, variations in the large separation appear to indicate a glitch in the sound-speed profile at an acoustic depth of about 1000 s. We list frequencies for 55 modes extracted from the data spanning 20 radial orders, a range comparable to the best solar data, which will provide valuable constraints for theoretical models. A preliminary comparison with published models shows that the offset between observed and calculated frequencies for the radial modes is very different for Procyon than for the Sun and other cool stars. We find the mean lifetime of the modes in Procyon to be 1.29 +0.55/-0.49 days, which is significantly shorter than the 2-4 days seen in the Sun.

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arXiv2010

Sensitivity of the g-mode frequencies to pulsation codes and their parameters

From the recent work of the Evolution and Seismic Tools Activity (ESTA, Lebreton et al. 2006; Monteiro et al. 2008), whose Task 2 is devoted to compare pulsational frequencies computed using most of the pulsational codes available in the asteroseismic community, the dependence of the theoretical frequencies with non-physical choices is now quite well fixed. To ensure that the accuracy of the computed frequencies is of the same order of magnitude or better than the observational errors, some requirements in the equilibrium models and the numerical resolutions of the pulsational equations must be followed. In particular, we have verified the numerical accuracy obtained with the Saclay seismic model, which is used to study the solar g-mode region (60 to 140$μ$Hz). We have compared the results coming from the Aarhus adiabatic pulsation code (ADIPLS), with the frequencies computed with the Granada Code (GraCo) taking into account several possible choices. We have concluded that the present equilibrium models and the use of the Richardson extrapolation ensure an accuracy of the order of $0.01 μHz$ in the determination of the frequencies, which is quite enough for our purposes.

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arXiv2010

On the flare induced high-frequency global waves in the Sun

Recently, Karoff and Kjeldsen (2008) presented evidence of strong correlation between the energy in the high-frequency part (5.3<ν<8.3 mHz) of the acoustic spectrum of the Sun and the solar X-ray flux. They have used disk-integrated intensity observations of the Sun obtained from the VIRGO (Variability of solar IRradiance and Gravity Oscillations) instrument on board SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory) spacecraft. Similar signature of flares in velocity observations has not been confirmed till now. The study of low-degree high-frequency waves in the Sun is important for our understanding of the dynamics of the deeper solar layers. In this paper, we present the analysis of the velocity observations of the Sun obtained from the MDI (Michelson and Doppler Imager) and the GOLF (Global Oscillations at Low Frequencies) instruments on board SOHO for some major flare events of the solar cycle 23. Application of wavelet techniques to the time series of disk-integrated velocity signals from the solar surface using the full-disk Dopplergrams obtained from the MDI clearly indicates that there is enhancement of high-frequency global waves in the Sun during the flares. This signature of flares is also visible in the Fourier Power Spectrum of these velocity oscillations. On the other hand, the analysis of disk-integrated velocity observations obtained from the GOLF shows only marginal evidence of effects of flares on high-frequency oscillations.

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arXiv2010

Solar-like oscillations in low-luminosity red giants: first results from Kepler

We have measured solar-like oscillations in red giants using time-series photometry from the first 34 days of science operations of the Kepler Mission. The light curves, obtained with 30-minute sampling, reveal clear oscillations in a large sample of G and K giants, extending in luminosity from the red clump down to the bottom of the giant branch. We confirm a strong correlation between the large separation of the oscillations (Delta nu) and the frequency of maximum power (nu_max). We focus on a sample of 50 low-luminosity stars (nu_max > 100 muHz, L <~ 30 L_sun) having high signal-to-noise ratios and showing the unambiguous signature of solar-like oscillations. These are H-shell-burning stars, whose oscillations should be valuable for testing models of stellar evolution and for constraining the star-formation rate in the local disk. We use a new technique to compare stars on a single echelle diagram by scaling their frequencies and find well-defined ridges corresponding to radial and non-radial oscillations, including clear evidence for modes with angular degree l=3. Measuring the small separation between l=0 and l=2 allows us to plot the so-called C-D diagram of delta nu_02 versus Delta nu. The small separation delta nu_01 of l=1 from the midpoint of adjacent l=0 modes is negative, contrary to the Sun and solar-type stars. The ridge for l=1 is notably broadened, which we attribute to mixed modes, confirming theoretical predictions for low-luminosity giants. Overall, the results demonstrate the tremendous potential of Kepler data for asteroseismology of red giants.

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arXiv2010

The asteroseismic potential of Kepler: first results for solar-type stars

We present preliminary asteroseismic results from Kepler on three G-type stars. The observations, made at one-minute cadence during the first 33.5d of science operations, reveal high signal-to-noise solar-like oscillation spectra in all three stars: About 20 modes of oscillation may be clearly distinguished in each star. We discuss the appearance of the oscillation spectra, use the frequencies and frequency separations to provide first results on the radii, masses and ages of the stars, and comment in the light of these results on prospects for inference on other solar-type stars that Kepler will observe.

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arXiv2010

Hybrid gamma Doradus - delta Scuti pulsators: New insights into the physics of the oscillations from Kepler observations

Observations of the pulsations of stars can be used to infer their interior structure and test theoretical models. The main sequence $γ$ Doradus (Dor) and $δ$ Scuti (Sct) stars with masses 1.2-2.5 $M_{\sun}$ are particularly useful for these studies. The $γ$ Dor stars pulsate in high-order $g$ modes with periods of order 1 day, driven by convective blocking at the base of their envelope convection zone. The $δ$ Sct stars pulsate in low-order $g$ and $p$ modes with periods of order 2 hours, driven by the $κ$ mechanism operating in the Heii ionization zone. Theory predicts an overlap region in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram between instability regions, where 'hybrid' stars pulsating in both types of modes should exist. The two types of modes with properties governed by different portions of the stellar interior provide complementary model constraints. Among the known $γ$ Dor and $δ$ Sct stars, only four have been confirmed as hybrids. Now, analysis of combined Quarter 0 and Quarter 1 Kepler data for hundreds of variable stars shows that the frequency spectra are so rich that there are practically no pure $δ$ Sct or $γ$ Dor pulsators, i.e. essentially all of the stars show frequencies in both the $δ$ Sct and $γ$ Dor frequency range. A new observational classification scheme is proposed that takes into account the amplitude as well as the frequency, and is applied to categorize 234 stars as $δ$ Sct, $γ$ Dor, $δ$ Sct/$γ$ Dor or $γ$ Dor/$δ$ Sct hybrids.

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arXiv2009

Invariance principles for switched systems with restrictions

In this paper we consider switched nonlinear systems under average dwell time switching signals, with an otherwise arbitrary compact index set and with additional constraints in the switchings. We present invariance principles for these systems and derive by using observability-like notions some convergence and asymptotic stability criteria. These results enable us to analyze the stability of solutions of switched systems with both state-dependent constrained switching and switching whose logic has memory, i.e., the active subsystem only can switch to a prescribed subset of subsystems.

math.OC↗

arXiv2009

Detecting individual gravity modes in the Sun

Many questions are still open regarding the structure and the dynamics of the solar core. By constraining more this region in the solar evolution models, we can reduce the incertitudes on some physical processes and on momentum transport mechanisms. A first big step was made with the detection of the signature of the dipole-gravity modes in the Sun, giving a hint of a faster rotation rate inside the core. A deeper analysis of the GOLF/SoHO data unveils the presence of a pattern of peaks that could be interpreted as dipole gravity modes. In that case, those modes can be characterized, thus bringing better constraints on the rotation of the core as well as some structural parameters such as the density at these very deep layers of the Sun interior.

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arXiv2009

The CoRoT target HD175726: an active star with weak solar-like oscillations

Context. The CoRoT short runs give us the opportunity to observe a large variety of late-type stars through their solar-like oscillations. We report observations of the star HD175726 that lasted for 27 days during the first short run of the mission. The time series reveals a high-activity signal and the power spectrum presents an excess due to solar-like oscillations with a low signal-to-noise ratio. Aims. Our aim is to identify the most efficient tools to extract as much information as possible from the power density spectrum. Methods. The most productive method appears to be the autocorrelation of the time series, calculated as the spectrum of the filtered spectrum. This method is efficient, very rapid computationally, and will be useful for the analysis of other targets, observed with CoRoT or with forthcoming missions such as Kepler and Plato. Results. The mean large separation has been measured to be 97.2+-0.5 microHz, slightly below the expected value determined from solar scaling laws.We also show strong evidence for variation of the large separation with frequency. The bolometric mode amplitude is only 1.7+-0.25 ppm for radial modes, which is 1.7 times less than expected. Due to the low signal-to-noise ratio, mode identification is not possible for the available data set of HD175726. Conclusions. This study shows the possibility of extracting a seismic signal despite a signal-to-noise ratio of only 0.37. The observation of such a target shows the efficiency of the CoRoT data, and the potential benefit of longer observing runs.

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arXiv2009

On the solar origin of the signal at 220.7microHz: A possible component of a g mode?

Gravity modes in the Sun have been the object of a long and difficult search in recent decades. Thanks to the data accumulated with the last generation of instruments (BiSON, GONG and three helioseismic instruments aboard SoHO), scientists have been able to find signatures of their presence. However, the individual detection of such modes remains evasive. In this article, we study the signal at 220.7 microHz which is a peak that is present in most of the helioseismic data of the last 10 years. This signal has already been identified as being one component of a g-mode candidate detected in the GOLF Doppler velocity signal. The nature of this peak is studied in particular using the VIRGO/SPM instrument aboard SoHO. First we analyse all the available instrumental data of VIRGO and SoHO (housekeeping) to reject any possible instrumental origin. No relation was found, implying that the signal has a solar origin. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we find, with more than 99% confidence level, that the signal found in VIRGO/SPM is very unlikely to be due to pure noise.

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arXiv2009

The Sun as a Star: 13 years of SoHO

The best known Solar oscillation-like star is the Sun. During the last 14 years, the ESA/NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SoHO) has been continuously observing this star from the Lagrange point L1 with an enormous success. Among the 11 instruments placed onboard, 3 of them are dedicated to helioseismology: GOLF, VIRGO and MDI. The first two observe the Sun as a star by integrating the velocity or intensity signal of the visible solar disk into a single point. They are thus similar to any other observation done in asteroseismology. During this review I will present the most important results obtained during the mission concerning the Sun seen as a star and how this results have evolved our thoughts of the inside of our star.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2009

Evidence of increasing acoustic emissivity at high frequency with solar cycle 23 in Sun-as-a-star observations

We used long high-quality unresolved (Sun-as-a-star observations) data collected by GOLF and VIRGO instruments on board the ESA/NASA SOHO satellite to investigate the amplitude variation with solar cycle 23 in the high-frequency band (5.7 < nu< 6.3 mHz). We found an enhancement of acoustic emissivity over the ascending phase of about 18+-3 in velocity observations and a slight enhancement of 3+-2 in intensity. Mode conversion from fast acoustic to fast magneto-acoustic waves could explain the enhancement in velocity observations. These findings open up the possibility to apply the same technique to stellar intensity data, in order to investigate stellar-magnetic activity.

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arXiv2009

The asteroseismic ground-based observational counterpart of CoRoT

We present different aspects of the ground-based observational counterpart of the CoRoT satellite mission. We give an overview of the selected asteroseismic targets, the numerous instruments and observatories involved, and the first scientific results.

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arXiv2009

Analysing solar-like oscillations with an automatic pipeline

Kepler mission will provide a huge amount of asteroseismic data during the next few years, among which hundreds of solar-like stars will be targeted. The amount of stars and their observation length represent a step forward in the comprehension of the stellar evolution that has already been initiated by CoRoT and MOST missions. Up to now, the slow cadence of observed targets allowed an individual and personalized analysis of each star. During the survey phase of Kepler, this will be impossible. This is the reason why, within the AsteroFLAG team, we have been developing automatic pipelines for the Kepler solar-like oscillation stars. Our code starts by finding the frequency-range where p-mode power is present and, after fitting the background, it looks for the mode amplitudes as well as the central frequency of the p-mode hump. A good estimation of the large separation can thus be inferred in this region. If the signal to noise is high enough, the code obtains the characteristics of the p modes by doing a global fitting on the power spectrum. Here, we will first describe a few features of this pipeline and its application to AsteroFLAG synthetic data to check the validity of the code.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2009

Solar-like oscillations with low amplitude in the CoRoT target HD 181906

Context: The F8 star HD 181906 (effective temperature ~6300K) was observed for 156 days by the CoRoT satellite during the first long run in the centre direction. Analysis of the data reveals a spectrum of solar-like acoustic oscillations. However, the faintness of the target (m_v=7.65) means the signal-to-noise (S/N) in the acoustic modes is quite low, and this low S/N leads to complications in the analysis. Aims: To extract global variables of the star as well as key parameters of the p modes observed in the power spectrum of the lightcurve. Methods: The power spectrum of the lightcurve, a wavelet transform and spot fitting have been used to obtain the average rotation rate of the star and its inclination angle. Then, the autocorrelation of the power spectrum and the power spectrum of the power spectrum were used to properly determine the large separation. Finally, estimations of the mode parameters have been done by maximizing the likelihood of a global fit, where several modes were fit simultaneously. Results: We have been able to infer the mean surface rotation rate of the star (~4 microHz) with indications of the presence of surface differential rotation, the large separation of the p modes (~87 microHz), and therefore also the ridges corresponding to overtones of the acoustic modes.

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arXiv2009

Low-Degree High-Frequency p and g Modes in the Solar Core

Solar gravity (g) modes propagate within the radiative part of the solar interior and are highly sensitive to the physical conditions of the solar core. They would represent the best tool to infer the structure and dynamics of the radiative interior, in particular the core, if they were properly detected and characterized. Although individual rotational splittings for g modes have not yet been calculated, we have to understand the effect of these modes, and also low-degree high-frequency p modes, on the inversion of the solar rotation rate between 0.1 and 0.2 Rs. In this work, we follow the methodology developed in Mathur et al. (2008) and Garcia et al. (2008), adding g modes and low-degree high-frequency p modes to artificial inversion data sets, in order to study how they convey information on the solar core rotation.

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arXiv2008

First performances of the GOLF-NG instrumental prototype observing the Sun in Tenerife

The primary challenge of GOLF-NG (Global Oscillations at Low Frequency New Generation) is the detection of the low-frequency solar gravity and acoustic modes, as well as the possibility to measure the high-frequency chromospheric modes. On June 8th 2008, the first sunlight observations with the multichannel resonant GOLF-NG prototype spectrometer were obtained at the Observatorio del Teide (Tenerife). The instrument performs integrated (Sun-as-a-star), Doppler velocity measurements, simultaneously at eight different heights in the D1 sodium line profile, corresponding to photospheric and chromospheric layers of the solar atmosphere. In order to study its performances, to validate the conceived strategy, and to estimate the necessary improvements, this prototype has been running on a daily basis over the whole summer of 2008 at the Observatorio del Teide. We present here the results of the first GOLF-NG observations, clearly showing the characteristics of the 5-minute oscillatory signal at different heights in the solar atmosphere. We compare these signals with simultaneous observations from GOLF/SOHO and from the Mark-I instrument -- a node of the BiSON network, operating at the same site.

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arXiv2008

Low-frequency solar p modes as seen by GOLF and GONG instruments

In the case of spatially-revolved helioseismic data (such as MDI, GONG, HMI), the usual mode-fitting analysis consists of fitting the 2l+1 individual m-spectra of a given multiplet (n, l) either individually or simultaneously. Such fitting methods fail to obtain reliable estimates of the mode parameters (frequency, splitting, ...) when the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is low, which makes those methods not suitable when one wants to look at the low-amplitude, long-lived solar p modes in the low-frequency range. Instead, Salabert et al. (2007) developed a new method to extract the mode parameters by adjusting the rotation- and structure-induced frequency shift for each m-spectrum to minimize the mode width in the m-averaged spectrum (a "collapsogram"). The m-averaged spectrum technique, applied to the spatially-resolved GONG and MDI data, appeared to be a powerful tool for low SNR modes in the low-frequency range. Another possibility to increase the SNR is to combine data from different instruments (Garcia et al. 2004a). We present here an adaptation of both techniques: the "collapsograms" applied to a combination of observations from a Sun-as-a-star instrument, GOLF, and a disk-imaged one, GONG.

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