arXiv subjects

Sandro Villanova

Publications and source records attributed to Sandro Villanova.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2020

The enigmatic globular cluster UKS~1 obscured by the bulge: \textit{H}-band discovery of nitrogen-enhanced stars

The presence of nitrogen-enriched stars in globular clusters provides key evidence for multiple stellar populations (MPs), as has been demonstrated with globular cluster spectroscopic data towards the bulge, disk, and halo. In this work, we employ the VVV Infrared Astrometric Catalogue (VIRAC) and the DR16 SDSS-IV release of the APOGEE survey to provide the first detailed spectroscopic study of the bulge globular cluster UKS~1. Based on these data, a sample of six selected cluster members was studied. We find the mean metallicity of UKS~1 to be [Fe/H]$=-0.98\pm0.11$, considerably more metal-poor than previously reported, and a negligible metallicity scatter, typical of that observed by APOGEE in other Galactic globular clusters. In addition, we find a mean radial velocity of $66.1\pm12.9$ km s$^{-1}$, which is in good agreement with literature values, within 1$σ$. By selecting stars in the VIRAC catalogue towards UKS~1, we also measure a mean proper motion of ($μ_α\cos(δ)$, $μ_δ$) $=$ ($-2.77\pm0.23$,$-2.43\pm0.16$) mas yr$^{-1}$. We find strong evidence for the presence of MPs in UKS~1, since four out of the six giants analysed in this work have strong enrichment in nitrogen ([N/Fe]$\gtrsim+0.95$) accompanied by lower carbon abundances ([C/Fe]$\lesssim-0.2$). Overall, the light- (C, N), $α$- (O, Mg, Si, Ca, Ti), Fe-peak (Fe, Ni), Odd-Z (Al, K), and the \textit{s}-process (Ce, Nd, Yb) elemental abundances of our member candidates are consistent with those observed in globular clusters at similar metallicity. Furthermore, the overall star-to-star abundance scatter of elements exhibiting the multiple-population phenomenon in UKS~1 is typical of that found in other global clusters (GCs), and larger than the typical errors of some [X/Fe] abundances. Results from statistical isochrone fits in the VVV colour-magnitude diagrams indicate an age ...

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2020

Discovery of a large population of Nitrogen-Enhanced stars in the Magellanic Clouds

We report the APOGEE-2S$+$ discovery of a unique collection of nitrogen-enhanced mildly metal-poor giant stars, peaking at [Fe/H]$\sim -0.89$ with no carbon enrichment, toward the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds (MCs), with abundances of light- (C, N), odd-Z (Al, K) and $α-$elements (O, Mg, Si) that are typically found in Galactic globular clusters (GCs). Here we present 44 stars in the MCs that exhibit significantly enhanced [N/Fe] abundance ratios, well above ([N/Fe]$>+0.6$) typical Galactic levels at similar metallicity, and a star that is very nitrogen-enhanced ([N/Fe]$> +2.45$). Our sample consists of luminous evolved stars on the asymptotic giant branch (AGB), eight of which are classified as bonafide semi-regular (SR) variables, as well as low-luminosity stars similar to that of stars on the tip of the red giant branch of stellar clusters in the MCs. It seems likely that whatever nucleosynthetic process is responsible for these anomalous MC stars it is similar to that which caused the common stellar populations in GCs. We interpret these distinctive C-N patterns as the observational evidence of the result of tidally shredded GCs in the MCs. These findings might explain some previous conflicting results over bulge N-rich stars, and broadly help to understand GC formation and evolution. Furthermore, the discovery of such a large population of N-rich AGB stars in the MCs suggests that multiple stellar populations might not only be exotic events from the past but can also form at lower redshift.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2020

Exploring the nature and synchronicity of early cluster formation in the Large Magellanic Cloud V: Multiple Populations in ancient Globular Clusters

We examine four ancient Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) globular clusters (GCs) for evidence of multiple stellar populations using the Advanced Camera for Surveys and Wide Field Camera 3 on the Hubble Space Telescope Programme GO-14164. NGC 1466, NGC 1841, and NGC 2257 all show evidence for a redder, secondary population along the main-sequence. Reticulum does not show evidence for the presence of a redder population, but this GC has the least number of stars and Monte Carlo simulations indicate that the sample of main sequence stars is too small to robustly infer whether a redder population exists in this cluster. The second, redder, population of the other three clusters constitutes $\sim30-40\%$ of the total population along the main-sequence. This brings the total number of ancient LMC GCs with known split or broadened main-sequences to five. However, unlike for Hodge 11 and NGC 2210 (see arXiv:1904.01434), none of the clusters show evidence for multiple populations in the horizontal branch. We also do not find evidence of a second population along the Red Giant Branch (RGB).

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2019

Discovery of a new stellar sub-population residing in the (inner) stellar halo of the Milky Way

We report the discovery of a unique collection of metal-poor giant-stars, that exhibit anomalously high levels of $^{28}$Si, clearly above typical Galactic levels. Our sample spans a narrow range of metallicities, peaking at $-1.07\pm 0.06$, and exhibit abundance ratios of [Si,Al/Fe] that are as extreme as those observed in Galactic globular clusters (GCs), and Mg is slightly less overabundant. In almost all the sources we used, the elemental abundances were re-determined from high-resolution spectra, which were re-analyzed assuming LTE. Thus, we compiled the main element families, namely the light elements (C, N), $α-$elements (O, Mg, Si), iron-peak element (Fe), $\textit{s}-$process elements (Ce, Nd), and the light odd-Z element (Al). We also provide dynamical evidence that most of these stars lie on tight (inner)halo-like and retrograde orbits passing through the bulge. Such kinds of objects have been found in present-day halo GCs, providing the clearest chemical signature of past accretion events in the (inner) stellar halo of the Galaxy, formed possibly as the result of dissolved halo GCs. Their chemical composition is, in general, similar to that of typical GCs population, although several differences exist.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2019

Detailed chemical composition and orbit of the new globular cluster FSR1758: Implications for the accretion of the Sequoia dwarf galaxy onto the Milky Way

We present detailed chemical abundances, radial velocities and orbital parameters for FSR 1758, a recently discovered star cluster in the direction of the Galactic Bulge. High resolution (R~42,000) spectra were obtained using the Magellan/Clay telescope instrumented with MIKE echelle spectrogragh, wavelength range 4900-8700 Å. Cluster membership was determined using Gaia DR2 proper motions and confirmed with our radial velocity measurements. We find metallicity consistent with previous photometric estimates for this cluster, [Fe/H] = -1.58+-0.03 dex, with a small, 0.08 dex, spread. While other studies have suggested this massive object may be the result of a previous accretion event, our results are consistent with Milky Way Halo globular clusters with characteristic Na-O anti-correlations found for the metal-poor cluster members. The mean radial velocity of the cluster, +226.8+-1.6 km/s with a small velocity dispersion, 4.9+-1.2 km/s, is typical for globular clusters. We also confirm a retrograde Galactic orbit that appears to be highly eccentric.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2019

Exploring the nature and synchronicity of early cluster formation in the Large Magellanic Cloud IV: Evidence for Multiple Populations in Hodge 11 and NGC 2210

We present a multiple population search in two old Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) Globular Clusters, Hodge 11 and NGC 2210. This work uses data from the Advanced Camera for Surveys and Wide Field Camera 3 on the Hubble Space Telescope from programme GO-14164 in Cycle 23. Both of these clusters exhibit a broadened main sequence with the second population representing ($20 \pm \! \sim \! 5$)% for NGC 2210 and ($30 \pm \! \sim \! 5$)% for Hodge 11. In both clusters, the smaller population is redder than the primary population, suggesting CNO variations. Hodge 11 also displays a bluer second population in the horizontal branch, which is evidence for helium enhancement. However, even though NGC 2210 shows similarities to Hodge 11 in the main sequence, there does not appear to be a second population on NGC 2210's horizontal branch. This is the first photometric evidence that ancient LMC Globular Clusters exhibit multiple stellar populations.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2018

NGC 6791: a probable bulge cluster without multiple populations

NGC 6791 is a unique stellar cluster, key to our understanding of both the multiple stellar population phenomenon and the evolution and assembly of the Galaxy. However, despite many investigations, its nature is still very controversial. Geisler et al. (2012) found evidence suggesting it was the first open cluster to possess multiple populations but several subsequent studies did not corroborate this. It has also been considered a member of the thin or thick disk or even the bulge, and both as an open or globular cluster or even the remnant of a dwarf galaxy. Here, we present and discuss detailed abundances derived from high resolution spectra obtained with UVES at VLT and HIRES at Keck of 17 evolved stars of this cluster. We obtained a mean [Fe/H]=+0.313+-0.005, in good agreement with recent estimates, and with no indication of star-to-star metallicity variation, as expected. We also did not find any variation in Na, in spite of having selected the very same stars as in Geisler et al. (2012), where a Na variation was claimed. This points to the presence of probable systematics in the lower resolution spectra of this very high metallicity cluster analysed in that work. In fact, we find no evidence for an intrinsic spread in any element, corroborating recent independent APOGEE data. The derived abundances indicate that NGC 6791 very likely formed in the Galactic Bulge and that the proposed association with the Thick Disk is unlikely, despite its present Galactic location. We confirm the most recent hypothesis suggesting that the cluster could have formed in the Bulge and radially migrated to its current location, which appears the best explanation for this intriguing object.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2018

The late type eclipsing binaries in the Large Magellanic Cloud: catalogue of fundamental physical parameters

We present a determination of precise fundamental physical parameters of twenty detached, double- lined, eclipsing binary stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) containing G- or early K-type giant stars. Eleven are new systems, the remaining nine are systems already analyzed by our team for which we present updated parameters. The catalogue results from our long-term survey of eclipsing binaries in the Magellanic Clouds suitable for high-precision determination of distances (the Araucaria project). The V-band brightnesses of the systems range from 15.4 mag to 17.7 mag and their orbital periods range from 49 days to 773 days. Six systems have favorable geometry showing total eclipses. The absolute dimensions of all eclipsing binary components are calculated with a precision of better than 3% and all systems are suitable for a precise distance determination. The measured stellar masses are in the range 1.4 to 4.6 M_sun and comparison with the MESA isochrones gives ages between 0.1 and 2.1 Gyr. The systems show some weak age-metallicity relation. Two systems have components with very different masses: OGLE LMC-ECL-05430 and OGLE LMC-ECL-18365. Neither system can be fitted by single stellar evolution isochrone, explained by a past mass transfer scenario in the case of ECL-18365 and a gravitational capture or a hierarchical binary merger scenario in the case of ECL-05430. The longest period system OGLE LMC SC9 230659 shows a surprising apsidal motion which shifts the apparent position of the eclipses. In one spectrum of OGLE LMC-ECL-12669 we noted a peculiar dimming of one of the components by 65% well outside of the eclipses. We interpret this observation as arising from an extremely rare occultation event as a foreground Galactic object covers only one component of an extragalactic eclipsing binary.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2018

Chemical Abundances of Main-Sequence, Turn-off, Subgiant and red giant Stars from APOGEE spectra I: Signatures of Diffusion in the Open Cluster M67

Detailed chemical abundance distributions for fourteen elements are derived for eight high-probability stellar members of the solar metallicity old open cluster M67 with an age of $\sim$4 Gyr. The eight stars consist of four pairs, with each pair occupying a distinct phase of stellar evolution: two G-dwarfs, two turnoff stars, two G-subgiants, and two red clump K-giants. The abundance analysis uses near-IR high-resolution spectra ($λ$1.5 -- 1.7$μ$m) from the APOGEE survey and derives abundances for C, N, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, and Fe. Our derived stellar parameters and metallicity for 2M08510076+113115 suggest that this star is a solar-twin, exhibiting abundance differences relative to the Sun of $\leq$ 0.04 dex for all elements. Chemical homogeneity is found within each class of stars ($\sim$0.02 dex), while significant abundance variations ($\sim$0.05 -- 0.20 dex) are found across the different evolutionary phases; the turnoff stars typically have the lowest abundances, while the red clump tend to have the largest. Non-LTE corrections to the LTE-derived abundances are unlikely to explain the differences. A detailed comparison of the derived Fe, Mg, Si, and Ca abundances with recently published surface abundances from stellar models that include chemical diffusion, provides a good match between the observed and predicted abundances as a function of stellar mass. Such agreement would indicate the detection of chemical diffusion processes in the stellar members of M67.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2018

The Metal-poor non-Sagittarius (?) Globular Cluster NGC 5053: Orbit and Mg, Al and Si Abundances

Metal-poor globular clusters (GCs) exhibit intriguing Al-Mg anti-correlations and possible Si-Al correlations, which are important clues to decipher the multiple-population phenomenon. NGC 5053 is one of the most metal-poor GCs in the nearby Universe, and has been suggested to be associated with the Sagittarius (Sgr) dwarf galaxy, due to its similarity in location and radial velocity with one of the Sgr arms. In this work, we simulate the orbit of NGC 5053, and argue against a physical connection between Sgr and NGC 5053. On the other hand, the Mg, Al, and Si spectral lines, which are difficult to detect in the optical spectra of NGC 5053 stars, have been detected in the near-infrared APOGEE spectra. We use three different sets of stellar parameters and codes to derive the Mg, Al, and Si abundances. Regardless of which method is adopted, we see a large Al variation, and a substantial Si spread. Along with NGC 5053, metal-poor GCs exhibit different Mg, Al, and Si variations. Moreover, NGC 5053 has the lowest cluster mass among the GCs that have been identified to exhibit an observable Si spread until now.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2017

12C/13C isotopic ratios in red-giant stars of the open cluster NGC 6791

Carbon isotope ratios, along with carbon and nitrogen abundances, are derived in a sample of 11 red-giant members of one of the most metal-rich clusters in the Milky Way, NGC 6791. The selected red-giants have a mean metallicity and standard deviation of [Fe/H]=+0.39+-0.06 (Cunha et al. 2015). We used high resolution H-band spectra obtained by the SDSS-IV Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE). The advantage of using high-resolution spectra in the H-band is that lines of CO are well represented and their line profiles are sensitive to the variation of 12C/13C. Values of the 12C/13C ratio were obtained from a spectrum synthesis analysis. The derived 12C/13C ratios varied between 6.3 and 10.6 in NGC 6791, in agreement with the final isotopic ratios from thermohaline-induced mixing models. The ratios derived here are combined with those obtained for more metal poor red-giants from the literature to examine the correlation between 12C/13C, mass, metallicity and evolutionary status.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2017

Disentangling the Galactic Halo with APOGEE: II. Chemical and Star Formation Histories for the Two Distinct Populations

The formation processes that led to the current Galactic stellar halo are still under debate. Previous studies have provided evidence for different stellar populations in terms of elemental abundances and kinematics, pointing to different chemical and star-formation histories. In the present work we explore, over a broader range in metallicity (-2.2 < [Fe/H] < -0.5), the two stellar populations detected in the first paper of this series from metal-poor stars in DR13 of the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE). We aim to infer signatures of the initial mass function (IMF) and the most APOGEE-reliable alpha-elements (O, Mg, Si and Ca). Using simple chemical-evolution models, for each population. Compared with the low-alpha population, we obtain a more intense and longer-lived SFH, and a top-heavier IMF for the high-alpha population.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2017

Ages and heavy element abundances from very metal-poor stars in the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy

Sagittarius (Sgr) is a massive disrupted dwarf spheroidal galaxy in the Milky Way halo that has undergone several stripping events. Previous chemical studies were restricted mainly to a few, metal- rich ([Fe/H]~ -1) stars that suggested a top-light initial mass function (IMF). Here we present the first high-resolution, very metal-poor ([Fe/H]=-1 to -3) sample of 13 giant stars in the main body of Sgr. We derive abundances of 13 elements namely C, Ca, Co, Fe, Sr, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Eu, Dy, Pb, and Th which challenge the interpretation based on previous studies. Our abundances from Sgr mimic those of the metal-poor halo and our most metal-poor star ([Fe/H]~ -3) indicates a pure r-process pollution. Abundances of Sr, Pb, and Th are presented for the first time in Sgr, allowing for age determination using nuclear cosmochronology. We calculate ages of 9$\pm$2.5 Gyr. Most of the sample stars have been enriched by a range of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars with masses between 1.3 and 5 M$_{\odot}$. Sgr J190651.47-320147.23 shows a large overabundance of Pb (2.05dex) and a peculiar abundance pattern best fit by a 3 M$_{\odot}$ AGB star. Based on star-to-star scatter and observed abundance patterns a mixture of low- and high-mass AGB stars and supernovae (15-25 M$_{\odot}$) are necessary to explain these patterns. The high level (0.29$\pm$0.05 dex) of Ca indicates that massive supernovae must have existed and polluted the early ISM of Sgr before it lost its gas. This result is in contrast with a top-light IMF with no massive stars polluting Sgr.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2017

Uncovering Multiple Populations in NGC 7099 (M 30) using Washington Photometry

Over the last decade, the classical definition of Globular Clusters (GCs) as simple stellar populations was revolutionized due to the discovery of "Multiple Populations" (MPs). However, our knowledge of this phenomenon and its characteristics is still lacking greatly observationally, and there is currently no scenario that adequately explains its origin. It is therefore important to study as many GCs as possible to characterize whether or not they have MPs, and determine their detailed behavior to enlighten formation scenarios, using a wide range of techniques. The Washington photometric system has proved to be useful to find MPs thanks mainly to the UV-sensitivity and high efficiency of the C filter. We search for MPs in the Galactic GC NGC 7099 (M30), the second GC being searched for MPs using this system. We obtained photometric data using the Swope 1m telescope at Las Campanas Observatory, as well as the 4m SOAR facility. Our reduction procedure included addstar experiments to properly assess photometric errors. We find a clear signal of MPs based on an intrinsically wide color spread on the RGB, in particular due to a relatively small fraction of stars significantly bluer than the main RGB locus. These stars should correspond to so-called first generation stars, which we estimate to be roughly 15\% of the total. However, we find these first-generation stars to be more spatially concentrated than their second generation counterparts, which is the opposite to the general trend found in other clusters. We briefly discuss possible explanations for this phenomenon.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2017

APOGEE Chemical Abundances of the Sagittarius Dwarf Galaxy

The Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE) provides the opportunity to measure elemental abundances for C, N, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni in vast numbers of stars. We analyze the chemical abundance patterns of these elements for 158 red giant stars belonging to the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy (Sgr). This is the largest sample of Sgr stars with detailed chemical abundances and the first time C, N, P, K, V, Cr, Co, and Ni have been studied at high-resolution in this galaxy. We find that the Sgr stars with [Fe/H] $\gtrsim$ -0.8 are deficient in all elemental abundance ratios (expressed as [X/Fe]) relative to the Milky Way, suggesting that Sgr stars observed today were formed from gas that was less enriched by Type II SNe than stars formed in the Milky Way. By examining the relative deficiencies of the hydrostatic (O, Na, Mg, and Al) and explosive (Si, P, K, and Mn) elements, our analysis supports the argument that previous generations of Sgr stars were formed with a top-light IMF, one lacking the most massive stars that would normally pollute the ISM with the hydrostatic elements. We use a simple chemical evolution model, flexCE to further backup our claim and conclude that recent stellar generations of Fornax and the LMC could also have formed according to a top-light IMF.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2017

Timing the Evolution of the Galactic Disk with NGC 6791: An Open Cluster with Peculiar High-$α$ Chemistry as seen by APOGEE

We utilize elemental-abundance information for Galactic red giant stars in five open clusters (NGC 7789, NGC 6819, M67, NGC 188, and NGC 6791) from the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE) DR13 dataset to age-date the chemical evolution of the high- and low-$α$ element sequences of the Milky Way. Key to this time-stamping is the cluster NGC 6791, whose stellar members have mean abundances that place it in the high-$α$, high-[Fe/H] region of the [$α$/Fe]-[Fe/H] plane. Based on the cluster's age ($\sim 8$ Gyr), Galactocentric radius, and height above the Galactic plane, as well as comparable chemistry reported for APOGEE stars in Baade's Window, we suggest that the two most likely origins for NGC 6791 are as an original part of the thick-disk, or as a former member of the Galactic bulge. Moreover, because NGC 6791 lies at the \textit{high metallicity end} ([Fe/H] $\sim 0.4$) of the high-$α$ sequence, the age of NGC 6791 places a limit on the \textit{youngest age} of stars in the high-metallicity, high-$α$ sequence for the cluster's parent population (i.e., either the bulge or the disk). In a similar way, we can also use the age and chemistry of NGC 188 to set a limit of $\sim 7$ Gyr on the \textit{oldest age} of the low-$α$ sequence of the Milky Way. Therefore, NGC 6791 and NGC 188 are potentially a pair of star clusters that bracket both the timing and the duration of an important transition point in the chemical history of the Milky Way.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2017

Multiple Populations in NGC 1851: Abundance Variations and UV Photometric Synthesis in the Washington and HST/WFC3 Systems

The analysis of multiple populations (MPs) in globular clusters, both spectroscopically and photometrically, is key in understanding their formation and evolution. The relatively narrow Johnson U, F336W, and Stromgren and Sloan u filters have been crucial in exhibiting these MPs photometrically, but in Paper I we showed that the broader Washington C filter can more efficiently detect MPs in the test case globular cluster NGC 1851. In Paper I we also detected a double MS that has not been detected in previous observations of NGC 1851. We now match this photometry to NGC 1851's published RGB abundances and find the two RGB branches observed in C generally exhibit different abundance characteristics in a variety of elements (e.g., Ba, Na, and O) and in CN band strengths, but no single element can define the two RGB branches. However, simultaneously considering [Ba/Fe] or CN strengths with either [Na/Fe], [O/Fe], or CN strengths can separate the two photometric RGB branches into two distinct abundance groups. Matches of NGC 1851's published SGB and HB abundances to the Washington photometry shows consistent characterizations of the MPs, which can be defined as an O-rich/N-normal population and an O-poor/N-rich population. Photometric synthesis for both the Washington C filter and the F336W filter finds that these abundance characteristics, with appropriate variations in He, can reproduce for both filters the photometric observations in both the RGB and the MS. This photometric synthesis also confirms the throughput advantages that the C filter has in detecting MPs.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2016

APOGEE Chemical Abundances of Globular Cluster Giants in the Inner Galaxy

We report chemical abundances obtained by SDSS-III/APOGEE for giant stars in five globular clusters located within 2.2 kpc of the Galactic centre. We detect the presence of multiple stellar populations in four of those clusters (NGC 6553, NGC 6528, Terzan 5, and Palomar 6) and find strong evidence for their presence in NGC 6522. All clusters present a significant spread in the abundances of N, C, Na, and Al, with the usual correlations and anti-correlations between various abundances seen in other globular clusters. Our results provide important quantitative constraints on theoretical models for self-enrichment of globular clusters, by testing their predictions for the dependence of yields of elements such as Na, N, C, and Al on metallicity. They also confirm that, under the assumption that field N-rich stars originate from globular cluster destruction, they can be used as tracers of their parental systems in the high- metallicity regime.

astro-ph.GA↗