arXiv subjects

S. J. O'Toole

Publications and source records attributed to S. J. O'Toole.

72 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2005

US 708 - An unbound hyper-velocity subluminous O star

We report the discovery of an unbound hyper-velocity star, US 708, in the Milky Way halo, with a heliocentric radial velocity of +708+-15km/s. A quantitative NLTE model atmosphere analysis of optical spectra obtained with LRIS at the Keck I telescope shows that US 708 is an extremely helium-rich (N(He)/N(H)=10) subluminous O type star with Teff=44500K, log g=5.23 at a distance of 19kpc. Its Galactic rest frame velocity is at least 751km/s, much higher than the local Galactic escape velocity indicating that the star is unbound to the Galaxy. It has been suggested that such hyper-velocity stars can be formed by the tidal disruption of a binary through interaction with the super-massive black hole (SMBH) at the Galactic centre (GC). Numerical kinematical experiments are carried out to reconstruct the path from the GC.U S 708 needs about 32Myrs to travel from the GC to its present position, less than its evolutionary lifetime. Its predicted proper motion mue(alpha) cos(delta)=-2.3mas/y and mue(delta)=-2.4mas/y should be measurable by future space missions. We conjecture that US 708 is formed by the merger of two helium white dwarfs in a close binary induced by the interaction with the SMBH in the GC and then escaped.

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arXiv2005

Exciting new features in the frequency spectrum of the EC14026 star HS0702+6043 - Simultaneous g-modes and p-modes in a sdB pulsator

The discovery of a long-period g-mode oscillation in the previously known short-period p-mode sdB pulsator HS0702+6043 makes this star an extraordinary object, unique as a member of the family of sdB pulsators, and one of the very few known pulsating stars overall exhibiting excited modes along both the acoustic and gravity branches of the nonradial pulsation spectrum. Because p-modes and g-modes probe different regions of a pulsating star, HS0702+6043 holds a tremendous potential for asteroseismological investigations. We present preliminary results from the first extended campaign on this object.

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arXiv2005

HS0702+6043: A star showing both short-period p-mode and long-period g-mode oscillations

[Context.] The hot subdwarf B star HS0702+6043 is known as a large-amplitude, short-period p-mode pulsator of the EC14026 type. Its atmospheric parameters place it at the common boundary between the empirical instability regions of the EC14026 variables and the typically cooler long-period g-mode pulsators of the PG1716 kind. [Aims.] We analyse and interpret the photometric variability of HS0702+6043 in order to explore its asteroseismological potential. [Methods.] We report on rapid wide band CCD photometric observations to follow up on and confirm the serendipitous discovery of multiperiodic long-period luminosity variations with typical time scales of ~1h in HS0702+6043, in addition to the two previously known pulsations at 363s and 383s. In particular, we isolate a relatively low-amplitude (~4 mmag), long-period (3538+-130s) light variation. [Results.] We argue that the most likely origin for this luminosity variation is the presence of an excited g-mode pulsation. If confirmed, HS0702+6043 would constitute a rare addition to the very select class of pulsating stars showing simultaneously parts of their pressure and gravity mode pulsation spectra. The asteroseismological potential of such stars is immense, and HS0702+6043 thus becomes a target of choice for future investigations. While our discovery appears consistent with the location of HS0702+6043 at the common boundary between the two families of pulsating sdB stars, it does challenge theory's current description of stability and driving mechanisms in pulsating B subdwarfs.

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arXiv2005

The MultiSite Spectroscopic Telescope campaign: 2m spectroscopy of the V361 Hya variable PG1605+072

We present results and analysis for the 2m spectroscopic part of the MultiSite Spectroscopic Telescope (MSST) campaign undertaken in May/June 2002. The goal of the project was to observe the pulsating subdwarf B star PG1605+072 simultaneously in velocity and photometry and to resolve as many of the >50 known modes as possible, which will allow a detailed asteroseismological analysis. We have obtained over 150 hours of spectroscopy, leading to an unprecedented noise level of only 207m/s. We report here the detection of 20 frequencies in velocity, with two more likely just below our detection threshold. In particular, we detect 6 linear combinations, making PG1605+072 only the second star known to show such frequencies in velocity. We investigate the phases of these combinations and their parent modes and find relationships between them that cannot be easily understood based on current theory. These observations, when combined with our simultaneous photometry, should allow asteroseismology of this most complicated of sdB pulsators.

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arXiv2005

Discovery of magnetic fields in hot subdwarfs

We present polarisation measurements of sdB and sdO stars using FORS1 on the VLT. The observations were made as part of a project to determine whether magnetic fields in two super-metal-rich stars can explain their extreme abundance peculiarities. Field strengths of up to ~1.5 kG have been measured at varying levels of significance in each of our six targets, however no clear evidence was found between apparently normal subdwarfs and the metal-rich objects. The origin of the magnetic fields is unknown. We also discuss the implications of our measurements for magnetic flux conservation in late stages of stellar evolution.

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arXiv2004

Discovery of a Long-Period Photometric Variation in the V361 Hya Star HS 0702+6043

We report the discovery of a long-period g-mode oscillation in the previously known short-period p-mode sdB pulsator HS 0702+6043. This makes this star an extraordinary object, unique as a member of the family of sdB pulsators, and one of the very few known pulsating stars overall exhibiting excited modes along both the acoustic and gravity branches of the nonradial pulsation spectrum. Because p-modes and g-modes probe different regions of a pulsating star, HS 0702+6043 holds a tremendous potential for future detailed asteroseismological investigations.

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arXiv2004

Discovery of magnetic fields in CPNs

For the first time we have directly detected magnetic fields in central stars of planetary nebulae by means of spectro-polarimetry with FORS1 at the VLT. In all four objects of our sample we found kilogauss magnetic fields, in NGC 1360 and LSS1362 with very high significance, while in Abell36 and EGB5 the existence of a magnetic field is probable but with less certainty. This discovery supports the hypothesis that the non-spherical symmetry of most planetary nebulae is caused by magnetic fields in AGB stars. Our high discovery rate demands mechanisms to prevent full conservation of magnetic flux during the transition to white dwarfs.

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arXiv2004

Discovery of magnetic fields in hot subdwarfs

We present initial results of a project to measure mean longitudinal magnetic fields in a group of sdB/OB/O stars. The project was inspired by the discovery of three super-metal-rich sdOB stars, each having metals (e.g. Ti, V) enhanced by factors of 10^3 to 10^5. Similar behaviour is observed in chemically peculiar A stars, where strong magnetic fields are responsible for the enrichment. With this in mind, we obtained circularly polarised spectra of two of the super-metal-rich sdOBs, two "normal" sdBs and two sdOs using FORS1 on the ESO/VLT. By examining circular polarisation in the hydrogen Balmer lines and in helium lines, we have detected magnetic fields with strengths of 1-2 kG in most of our targets. This suggests that such fields are relatively common in hot subdwarfs.

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arXiv2004

Beyond the iron group: heavy metals in hot subdwarfs

We report the discovery of strong photospheric resonance lines of Ga III, Ge IV, Sn IV and Pb IV in the UV spectra of more than two dozen sdB and sdOB stars at temperatures ranging from 22000 K to 40000 K. Lines of other heavy elements are also detected, however in these cases more atomic data are needed. Based on these discoveries, we present a hypothesis to explain the apparent lack of silicon in sdB stars hotter than ~32000 K. The existence of triply ionised Ge, Sn, and Pb suggests that rather than silicon sinking deep into the photosphere, it is removed from the star in a fractionated stellar wind. This hypothesis provides a challenge to diffusion models of sdB stars.

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arXiv2004

Detection of a companion to the pulsating sdB Feige 48

We present the discovery of a binary companion to the pulsating sdB Feige 48. Using HST/STIS and archival FUSE spectra, we measure a period of 0.376+/-0.003 d and a velocity semi-amplitude of 28.0+/-0.2 km/s. This implies that the companion star must either be of very low mass, or the orbit is at high inclination. Combining 2MASS fluxes, the lack of a reflection effect, results from asteroseismology and a measurement of the rotation velocity of Feige 48, we show that the orbital inclination must be <= 11.4 degrees and that the unseen companion is a white dwarf with mass >= 0.46 Msun. The implications of this discovery, and of binarity amongst sdB pulsators, is then discussed in the context of recent theoretical work on sdB formation. In particular we suggest that radial velocity studies focus on sdB pulsators with no known companion, and that asteroseismological studies of sdBs investigate a larger mass range than previously considered in order to test formation models.

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arXiv2003

HST/STIS observations of sdBV stars: testing diffusion and pulsation theory

We present the initial results of an abundance analysis of echelle UV spectra of 5 hot subdwarf B (sdB) stars. These stars have been identified as core helium burning objects on the extreme Horizontal Branch. Around 5% of sdBs show short-period acoustic mode oscillations. Models predict that these oscillations are due to an opacity bump caused by the ionisation of iron group elements. The necessary metal abundance has to be maintained by diffusive equilibrium between gravitational settling and radiative levitation. However, analyses of high resolution optical spectra has revealed that we cannot discriminate between pulsating and non-pulsating sdBs on the basis of the surface iron abundance. We have therefore obtained HST/STIS observations of 3 pulsators and 2 non-pulsators in the near and far UV to measure the surface abundance of elements that are unobservable from the ground. The overall aim of our study is to test diffusion and pulsation calculations by searching for significant differences between these surface abundances.

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arXiv2003

Colour ratios of pulsation amplitudes in red giants

We have analysed the three-colour photometry of 34 pulsating red giants that was published by Percy, Wilson and Henry (2001). As is common with semiregulars, many of these stars have long secondary periods (LSPs) of several years, in addition to the usual shorter-period pulsations. We measured pulsation amplitudes in VRI and found that both the V/R and V/I amplitude ratios in most stars are systematically lower for the LSPs that for the shorter periods. These results must be taken into account by any theory that attempts to explain LSPs.

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arXiv2002

Time-series Spectroscopy of Pulsating sdB stars III: Line Indices of PG1605+072

We present the detection and analysis of line index variations in the pulsating sdB star PG 1605+072. We have found a strong dependence of line index amplitude on Balmer line order, with high-order Balmer line amplitudes up to 10 times larger than H-beta. Using a simple model, we have found that the line index may not only be dependent on temperature, as is usually assumed for oscillating stars, but also on surface gravity. This information will provide another set of observables that can be used for mode identification of sdBs.

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arXiv2002

Time-resolved spectroscopy and spectrophotometry of the pulsating sdB star PG 1605+072

We present the latest results from our analysis of time resolved spectroscopy of PG 1605+072, a high amplitude pulsating sdB star. The star is believed to have evolved off the extreme horizontal branch, and it is uncertain whether it pulsates in p- or g-modes. Previous studies of PG 1605+072 have found amplitude variation and/or very closely spaced frequencies. We compare our velocity measurements with new simultaneous spectrophotometric measurements and analyse phase differences for the 8 frequencies found in velocity. Phase differences between velocity, spectrophotometry and equivalent width are discussed.

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arXiv2002

Oscillations in alpha Cen A observed with UCLES at the AAT

We report Doppler measurements of alpha Cen A from time-series spectroscopy made with UCLES at the 3.9-m AAT. Wavelength calibration using an iodine absorption cell produced high-precision velocity measurements, whose power spectrum shows the clear signature of solar-like oscillations, confirming the detection reported by Bouchy and Carrier (2001).

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arXiv2002

Time-series Spectroscopy of Pulsating sdB Stars II: Velocity Analysis of PG1605+072

We present the analysis of time-resolved spectroscopy of the pulsating sdB star PG1605+072. From our main observing run of 16 nights we have detected velocity variations at 5 frequencies that correspond to those found in photometry. Based on these data, there appears to be change in amplitude of the dominant modes over about a year. However, when we include extra observations to improve the frequency resolution, we find that some of the frequencies are split into two or three. Simulations suggest that the apparent amplitude variation can be at least partially explained by a series of very closely spaced frequencies around the two strongest modes. By combining observations taken over ~300 days we conclude that some of the closely spaced modes are caused by one mode whose amplitude is varying, however this frequency is still within ~1 microHz of an apparently stable frequency. Because of this kind of complexity and uncertainty we advise caution when trying to identify oscillation modes in this star.

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arXiv2002

Solar-Like Oscillations in beta Hydri: Evidence for Short-Lived High-Amplitude Oscillations

Velocity measurements of the G2 subgiant beta Hyi with both UCLES and CORALIE show a clear excess of power centred at 1.0 mHz. In the UCLES data we find evidence for a short-lived, high-amplitude oscillation event. If confirmed as a feature of subgiants, such `starquakes' would make it harder to measure accurate mode frequencies and perform asteroseismology.

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arXiv2000

Time-series Spectroscopy of Pulsating sdB Stars: PG1605+072

We report the detection of velocity variations in the pulsating sdB star, PG 1605+072. Oscillations are detected at the same frequencies found from photometry and have amplitudes of up to 14 km/s for H$β$. The strongest oscillation found in previous photometric observations is not evident in our spectroscopy or photometry, and may be absent due to beating of closely spaced modes. Phase differences between spectroscopy and B magnitude photometry imply that maximum brightness occurs not long after maximum radius. We have also found evidence of variation in the observed amplitudes of five Balmer lines, with a decrease in amplitude of the strongest mode blueward from H$β$. This effect is not expected and a longer time-series will be needed to clarify it.

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