arXiv subjects

Roberta M. Humphreys

Publications and source records attributed to Roberta M. Humphreys.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2018

Searching for Cool Dust: II. Infrared Imaging of the OH/IR Supergiants, NML Cyg, VX Sgr, S Per and the Normal Red Supergiants RS Per and T Per

New MMT/MIRAC (9-11 μm), SOFIA/FORCAST (11-37 μm), and Herschel/PACS (70 and 160 μm) infrared (IR) imaging and photometry is presented for three famous OH/IR red supergiants (NML Cyg, VX Sgr, and S Per) and two normal red supergiants (RS Per and T Per). We model the observed spectral energy distributions (SEDs) using radiative transfer code DUSTY. Azimuthal average profiles from the SOFIA/FORCAST imaging, in addition to dust mass distribution profiles from DUSTY, constrain the mass-loss histories of these supergiants. For all of our observed supergiants, the DUSTY models suggest that constant mass-loss rates do not produce enough dust to explain the observed infrared emission in the stars' SEDs. Combining our results with Shenoy et al. (2016) (Paper I) we find mixed results with some red supergiants showing evidence for variable and high mass-loss events while others have constant mass loss over the past few thousand years.

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arXiv2017

A Tale of Two Impostors: SN2002kg and SN1954J in NGC 2403

We describe new results on two supernova impostors in NGC 2403, SN 1954J(V12) and SN 2002kg(V37). For the famous object SN 1954J we combine four critical observations: its current SED, its Halpha emission line profile, the Ca II triplet in absorption in its red spectrum, and the brightness compared to its pre-event state. Together these strongly suggest that the survivor is now a hot supergiant with T ~ 20000 K, a dense wind, substantial circumstellar extinction, and a G-type supergiant companion. The hot star progenitor of V12's giant eruption was likely in the post-red supergiant stage and had already shed a lot of mass. V37 is a classical LBV/S Dor variable. Our photometry and spectra observed during and after its eruption show that its outburst was an apparent transit on the HR Diagram due to enhanced mass loss and the formation of a cooler, dense wind. V37 is an evolved hot supergiant at ~10^6 Lsun with a probable initial mass of 60 -80 Msun.

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arXiv2017

Luminous and Variable Stars in M31 and M33 V. The Upper HR Diagram

We present HR Diagrams for the massive star populations in M31 and M33 including several different types of emission-line stars: the confirmed Luminous Blue Variables (LBVs), candidate LBVs, B[e] supergiants and the warm hypergiants. We estimate their apparent temperatures and luminosities for comparison with their respective massive star populations and to evaluate the possible relationships of these different classes of evolved, massive stars, and their evolutionary state. Several of the LBV candidates lie near the LBV/S Dor instability strip which supports their classification. Most of the B[e] supergiants, however, are less luminous than the LBVs. Many are very dusty with the infrared flux contributing one-third or more to their total flux. They are also relatively isolated from other luminous OB stars. Overall, their spatial distribution suggests a more evolved state. Some may be post-RSGs like the warm hypergiants, and there may be more than one path to becoming a B[e] star. There are sufficient differences in the spectra, luminosities, spatial distribution, and the presence or lack of dust between the LBVs and B[e] supergiants to conclude that one group does not evolve into the other.

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arXiv2017

Multi-Epoch BVRI Photometry of Luminous Stars in M31 and M33

We present the first four years of BVRI photometry from an on-going survey to annually monitor the photometric behavior of evolved luminous stars in M31 and M33. Photometry was measured for 199 stars at multiple epochs, including 9 classic Luminous Blue Variables (LBVs), 22 LBV candidates, 10 post-RGB A/F type hypergiants, and 18 B[e] supergiants. At all epochs the brightness is measured in V and at least one other band to a precision of 0.04 -- 0.10 magnitudes down to a limiting magnitude of 19.0 -- 19.5. Thirty three (33) stars in our survey exhibit significant variability, including at least two classic LBVs caught in S Doradus type outbursts. A hyper-linked version of the photometry catalog is at: http://go.uis.edu/m31m33photcat/.

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arXiv2016

LBVs and Statistical Inference

Smith and Tombleson (2015) asserted that statistical tests disprove the standard view of LBVs, and proposed a far more complex scenario to replace it. But Humphreys et al. (2016) showed that Smith and Tombleson's Magellanic "LBV" sample was a mixture of physically different classes of stars, and genuine LBVs are in fact statistically consistent with the standard view. Smith (2016) recently objected at great length to this result. Here we note that he misrepresented some of the arguments, altered the test criteria, ignored some long-recognized observational facts, and employed inadequate statistical procedures. This case illustrates the dangers of uncareful statistical sampling, as well as the need to be wary of unstated assumptions.

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arXiv2016

Luminous and Variable Stars in M31 and M33. IV. Luminous Blue Variables, Candidate LBVs, and the B[e] Supergiants; How to Tell Them Apart

In this series of papers we have presented the results of a spectroscopic survey of luminous and variable stars in the nearby spirals M31 and M33. In this paper, we present spectroscopy of 132 additional luminous stars, variables, and emission line objects. Most of the stars have emission line spectra, including LBVs and candidate LBVs, Fe II emission line stars and the B[e] supergiants, and the warm hypergiants. Many of these objects are spectroscopically similar and are often confused with each other. With this large spectroscopic data set including various types of emission line stars, we examine their similarities and differences and propose the following criteria that can be used to help distinguish these stars in future work: 1. The B[e] supergiants have emission lines of [O I] and [Fe II] in their spectra. Most of the spectroscopically confirmed sgB[e] stars also have warm circumstellar dust in their SEDs. 2. Confirmed LBVs do not have the [O I] emission lines in their spectra. Some LBVs have [Fe II] emission lines, but not all. Their SEDS shows free-free emission in the near-infrared but no evidence for warm dust. Their most important and defining characteristic is the S Dor-type variability. 3. The warm hypergiants spectroscopically resemble both the LBVs in their eruption or dense wind state and the B[e] supergiants. However, they are very dusty. Some have [Fe II] and [O I] emission in their spectra like the sgB[e] stars, but can be distinguished by their absorption line spectra characteristic of A and F-type supergiants. In contrast, the B[e] supergiant spectra have strong continua and few if any apparent absorption lines.

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arXiv2016

Multiple Outflows in the Giant Eruption of a Massive Star

The supernova impostor PSN J09132750+7627410 in NGC 2748 reached a maximum luminosity of approximately -14 mag. It was quickly realized that its was not a true supernova, but another example of a non-terminal giant eruption. PSN J09132750+7627410 is distinguished by multiple P Cygni absorption minima in the Balmer emission lines that correspond to outflow velocities of -400, -1100, and -1600 km/s. Multiple outflows have been observed in only a few other objects. In this paper we describe the evolution of the spectrum and the P Cygni profiles for three months past maximum, the post-maximum formation of a cool, dense wind, and the identification of a possible progenitor. One of the possible progenitors is an infrared source. Its pre-eruption spectral energy distribution suggests a bolometric luminosity of -8.3 mag and a dust temperature of 780 degrees K. If it is the progenitor it is above the AGB limit unlike the intermediate luminosity red transients. The three P Cygni profiles could be due to ejecta from the current eruption, the wind of the progenitor, or previous mass loss events. We suggest that they were all formed as part of the same high mass loss event and are due to material ejected at different velocities or energies. We also suggest that multiple outflows during giant eruptions may be more common than reported.

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arXiv2016

On the Social Traits of Luminous Blue Variables

In a recent paper, Smith and Tombleson (2015) state that the Luminous Blue Variables (LBVs) in the Milky Way and the Magellanic Clouds are isolated; that they are not spatially associated with young O-type stars. They propose a novel explanation that would overturn the standard view of LBVs. In this paper we test their hypothesis for the LBVs in M31 and M33 as well as the LMC and SMC. In M31 and M33, the LBVs are associated with luminous young stars and supergiants appropriate to their luminosities and positions on the HR Diagram. Moreover, in the Smith and Tombleson scenario most of the LBVs should be runaway stars, but the stars' velocities are consistent with their positions in the respective galaxies. In the Magellanic Clouds, those authors' sample was a mixed population. We reassess their analysis, removing seven stars that have no clear relation to LBVs. When we separate the more massive classical and the less luminous LBVs, the classical LBVs have a distribution similar to the late O-type stars, while the less luminous LBVs have a distribution like the red supergiants. None of the confirmed LBVs have high velocities or are candidate runaway stars. These results support the accepted description of LBVs as evolved massive stars that have shed a lot of mass, and are now close to their Eddington limit.

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arXiv2016

Luminous and Variable Stars in M31 and M33. III. The Yellow and Red Supergiants and Post-Red Supergiant Evolution

Recent supernova and transient surveys have revealed an increasing number of non-terminal stellar eruptions. Though the progenitor class of these eruptions includes the most luminous stars, little is known of the pre-supernova mechanics of massive stars in their most evolved state, thus motivating a census of possible progenitors. From surveys of evolved and unstable luminous star populations in nearby galaxies, we select a sample of yellow and red supergiant candidates in M31 and M33 for review of their spectral characteristics and spectral energy distributions. Since the position of intermediate and late-type supergiants on the color-magnitude diagram can be heavily contaminated by foreground dwarfs, we employ spectral classification and multi-band photometry from optical and near-infrared surveys to confirm membership. Based on spectroscopic evidence for mass loss and the presence of circumstellar dust in their SEDs, we find that $30-40\%$ of the yellow supergiants are likely in a post-red supergiant state. Comparison with evolutionary tracks shows that these mass-losing, post-RSGs have initial masses between $20-40\,M_{\odot}$. More than half of the observed red supergiants in M31 and M33 are producing dusty circumstellar ejecta. We also identify two new warm hypergiants in M31, J004621.05+421308.06 and J004051.59+403303.00, both of which are likely in a post-RSG state.

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arXiv2015

Recovery from Giant Eruptions in Very Massive Stars

We use a hydro-and-radiative-transfer code to explore the behavior of a very massive star (VMS) after a giant eruption -- i.e., following a supernova impostor event. Beginning with reasonable models for evolved VMSs with masses of $80~M_\odot$ and $120~M_\odot$, we simulate the change of state caused by a giant eruption via two methods that explicitly conserve total energy: 1. Synthetically removing outer layers of mass of a few $M_\odot$ while reducing the energy of the inner layers. 2. Synthetically transferring energy from the core to the outer layers, an operation that automatically causes mass ejection. Our focus is on the aftermath, not the poorly-understood eruption itself. Then, using a radiation-hydrodynamic code in 1D with realistic opacities and convection, the interior disequilibrium state is followed for about 200 years. Typically the star develops a $\sim 400 ~\rm{km}~\rm{s}^{-1}$ wind with a mass loss rate that begins around $0.1 ~M_\odot~\rm{yr^{-1}}$ and gradually decreases. This outflow is driven by $κ$-mechanism radial pulsations. The 1D models have regular pulsations but 3D models will probably be more chaotic. In some cases a plateau in the mass-loss rate may persist about 200 years, while other cases are more like $η$ Car which lost $>10~M_\odot$ and then had an abnormal mass loss rate for more than a century after its eruption. In our model, the post-eruption outflow carried more mass than the initial eruption. These simulations constitute a useful preliminary reconnaissance for 3D models which will be far more difficult.

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arXiv2015

Searching for Cool Dust in the Mid-to-Far Infrared: the Mass Loss Histories of The Hypergiants $μ$ Cep, VY CMa, IRC+10420, and $ρ$ Cas

We present mid- and far- IR imaging of four famous hypergiant stars: the red supergiants $μ$ Cep and VY CMa, and the warm hypergiants IRC +10420 and $ρ$ Cas. Our 11 to 37 $μ$m SOFIA/FORCAST imaging probes cool dust not detected in visual and near-IR imaging studies. Adaptive optics (AO) 8 - 12 $μ$m imaging of $μ$ Cep and IRC +10420 with MMT/MIRAC reveals extended envelopes that are the likely sources of these stars' strong silicate emission features. We find $μ$ Cep's mass-loss rate to have declined by about a factor of 5 over a 13,000 history, ranging from 5 $\times$ 10$^{-6}$ down to $\sim$1 $\times$ 10$^{-6}$ $M_{\odot}$ yr$^{-1}$. The morphology of VY CMa indicates a cooler dust component coincident with the highly asymmetric reflection nebulae seen in the visual and near-IR. The lack of cold dust at greater distances around VY CMa indicates its mass-loss history is limited to the last $\sim$1200 years, with an average rate of 6 $\times$ 10$^{-4}$ $M_{\odot}$ yr$^{-1}$. We find two distinct periods in the mass-loss history of IRC +10420 with a high rate of 2 $\times$ 10$^{-3}$ $M_{\odot}$ yr$^{-1}$ until approximately 2000 yr ago, followed by an order of magnitude decrease in the recent past. We interpret this change as evidence of its evolution beyond the RSG stage. Our new infrared photometry of $ρ$ Cas is consistent with emission from the expanding dust shell ejected in its 1946 eruption, with no evidence of newer dust formation from its more recent events.

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arXiv2015

A New Luminous Blue Variable in M31

We report the fifth confirmed Luminous Blue Variable/S Doradus variable in M31. In 2006, J004526.62+415006.3 had the spectrum of hot Fe II emission line star with strong P Cygni profiles in the Balmer lines. In 2010, its absorption line spectrum resembled an early A-type supergiant with H and Fe II emission lines with strong P Cygni profiles, and in 2013 the spectrum had fully transitioned to an F-type supergiant due to the formation of the optically thick, cool wind which characterizes LBVs at maximum light. The photometric record supports the LBV/S Dor nature of the variability. Its bolometric luminosity ~ -9.65 mag places it on the HR Diagram near the known LBVs, AE And, Var C in M33 and S Dor.

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arXiv2015

The Massive Star Population in M101. III. Spectra and Photometry of the Luminous and Variable Stars

We discuss moderate resolution spectra, multicolor photometry, and light curves of thirty-one of the most luminous stars and variables in the giant spiral M101. The majority are intermediate A to F-type supergiants. We present new photometry and light curves for three known "irregular blue variables" V2, V4 and V9) and identify a new candidate. Their spectra and variability confirm that they are LBV candidates and V9 may be in an LBV-like maximum light state or eruption.

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arXiv2014

Luminous and Variable Stars in M31 and M33. II. Luminous Blue Variables, Candidate LBVs, Fe II Emission Line Stars, and Other Supergiants

An increasing number of non-terminal eruptions are being found in the numerous surveys for optical transients. Very little is known about these giant eruptions, their progenitors and their evolutionary state. A greatly improved census of the likely progenitor class, including the most luminous evolved stars, the Luminous Blue Varaibles (LBVs), and the warm and cool hypergiants is now needed for a complete picture of the final pre-SN stages of very massive stars. We have begun a survey of the evolved and un stable luminous star populations in several nearby resolved galaxies. In this second paper on M31 and M33, we review the spectral characteristics, spectral energy distributions, circumstellar ejecta, and evidence for mass loss for 82 luminous and variable stars.We show that many of these stars have warm circumstellar dust including several of the Fe II emission line stars, but conclude that the confirmed LBVs in M31 and M33 do not. The confirmed LBVs have relatively low wind speeds even in their hot, quiescent or visual minimum state compared to the B-type supergiants and Of/WN stars which they spectroscopically resemble. The nature of the Fe II emis sion line stars and their relation to the LBV state remains uncertain, but some have properties in common with the warm hypergiants and the sgB[e] stars. Several individual stars are discussed in detail. We identify three possible candidate LBVs and three additional post-red supergiant candidates. We suggest that M33-013406.63 (UIT301,B416) is not an LBV/S Dor variable, but is a very luminous late O-type supergiant and one of the most luminous stars or pair of stars in M33.

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arXiv2014

The Massive Star Population in M101. II. Spatial Variations in the Recent Star Formation History

We investigate the star formation history (SFH) as a function of radius in M101 using archival HST/ACS photometry. We derive the SFH from the resolved stellar populations in five 2' wide annuli. Binning the SFH into time frames corresponding to stellar populations traced by H$α$, far ultraviolet (FUV), and near ultraviolet (NUV) emission, we find that the fraction of stellar populations young enough to contribute in H$α$ is 15%-35% in the inner regions, compared to less than 5% in the outer regions. This provides a sufficient explanation for the lack of H$α$ emission at large radii. We also model the blue to red supergiant ratio in our five annuli, examine the effects that a metallicity gradient and variable SFH have on the predicted ratios, and compare to the observed values. We find that the radial behavior of our modeled blue to red supergiant ratios is highly sensitive to both spatial variations in the SFH and metallicity. Incorporating the derived SFH into modeled ratios, we find that we are able to reproduce the observed values at large radii (low metallicity), but at small radii (high metallicity) the modeled and observed ratios are discrepant.

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arXiv2014

The Wind of Variable C in M33

We discuss the spectrum of Var C in M33 obtained just before the onset of its current brightening and recent spectra during its present "eruption" or optically thick wind stage. These spectra illustrate the typical LBV transition in apparent spectral type or temperature that characterizes the classical LBV or S Dor-type variability. LBVs are known to have slow, dense winds during their maximum phase. Interestingly, Var C had a slow wind even during its hot, quiescent stage in comparison with the normal hot supergiants with similar temperatures. Its outflow or wind speeds also show very little change between these two states.

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arXiv2013

Adaptive Optics Imaging of VY Canis Majoris at 2 - 5 micron with LBT/LMIRCam

We present adaptive optics images of the extreme red supergiant VY Canis Majoris in the Ks, L' and M bands (2.15 to 4.8 micron) made with LMIRCam on the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT). The peculiar "Southwest Clump" previously imaged from 1 to 2.2 micron appears prominently in all three filters. We find its brightness is due almost entirely to scattering, with the contribution of thermal emission limited to at most 25%. We model its brightness as optically thick scattering from silicate dust grains using typical size distributions. We find a lower limit mass for this single feature of 5E-03 Msun to 2.5E-02 Msun depending on the assumed gas-to-dust ratio. The presence of the Clump as a distinct feature with no apparent counterpart on the other side of the star is suggestive of an ejection event from a localized region of the star and is consistent with VY CMa's history of asymmetric high mass loss events.

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arXiv2013

The Massive Star Population in M101. I. The Identification and Spatial Distribution of the Visually Luminous Stars

An increasing number of non-terminal giant eruptions are being observed by modern supernova and transient surveys. But very little is known about the origin of these giant eruptions and their progenitors, many of which are presumably very massive, evolved stars. Motivated by the small number of progenitors positively associated with these giant eruptions, we have begun a survey of the evolved massive star populations in nearby galaxies. The nearby, nearly face on, giant spiral M101 is an excellent laboratory for studying a large population of very massive stars. In this paper, we present BVI photometry obtained from archival HST/ACS WFC images of M101. We have produced a catalog of luminous stars with photometric errors <10% for V < 24.5 and 50% completeness down to V ~ 26.5 even in regions of high stellar crowding. Using color and luminosity criteria we have identified candidate luminous OB type stars and blue supergiants, yellow supergiants, and red supergiants for future observation. We examine their spatial distributions across the face of M101 and find that the ratio of blue to red supergiants decreases by two orders of magnitude over the radial extent of M101 corresponding to 0.5 dex in metallicity. We discuss the resolved stellar content in the giant star forming complexes NGC 5458, 5453, 5461, 5451, 5462, and 5449 and discuss their color-magnitude diagrams in conjunction with the spatial distribution of the stars to determine their spatio-temporal formation histories.

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