scholarly journals Stellar Archaeology: Using Metal-Poor Stars to Test Theories of the Early Universe

2008 ◽  
Vol 4 (S255) ◽  
pp. 336-340
Author(s):  
Anna Frebel ◽  
Jarrett L. Johnson ◽  
Volker Bromm
Keyword(s):  
Fine Structure ◽  
Low Mass Stars ◽  
First Stars ◽  
Abundance Patterns ◽  
Cosmological Context ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Structure Line ◽  
History Of ◽  
Low Mass

AbstractConstraints on the chemical yields of the first stars and supernova can be derived by examining the abundance patterns of different types of metal-poor stars. We show how metal-poor stars are employed to derive constraints of the formation of the first low-mass stars by testing a fine-structure line cooling theory. The concept of stellar archaeology, that stellar abundances truly reflect the chemical composition of the earliest times, is then addressed. The accretion history of a sample of metal-poor stars is examined in detail in a cosmological context, and found to have no impact on the observed abundances. Predictions are made for the lowest possible Fe and Mg abundances observable in the Galaxy, [Fe/H]min = −7.5 and [Mg/H]min = −5.5. The absence of stars below these values is so far consistent with a top-heavy IMF. These predictions are directly relevant for future surveys and the next generation of telescopes.

scholarly journals Planetary Nebulae and the Chemical Evolution of Galaxies

1983 ◽  
Vol 103 ◽  
pp. 463-472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfonso Serrano
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Chemical Evolution ◽  
Planetary Nebulae ◽  
Low Mass Stars ◽  
Chemical Enrichment ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
History Of ◽  
Low Mass

Tinsley (1978) has done an excellent review that illustrates the methods and concepts that can be developed to assess the effects of planetary nebulae (PN) on the long-term history of the galaxy. Tinsley concluded that research in PN could put constraints on the past rate of star formation and provide information on chemical enrichment by low mass stars.

scholarly journals The Evolution of 3He, 4He and D in the Galaxy

2000 ◽  
Vol 198 ◽  
pp. 540-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Chiappini ◽  
Francesca Matteucci
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Evolution ◽  
Present Model ◽  
Galactic Disk ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Mixing Process ◽  
Low Mass Stars ◽  
A Value ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
Standing Problem

In this work we present the predictions of a modified version of the ‘two-infall model’ (Chiappini et al. 1997 - CMG) for the evolution of 3He, 4He and D in the solar vicinity, as well as their distributions along the Galactic disk. In particular, we show that when allowing for extra-mixing process in low mass stars (M < 2.5 M⊙), as predicted by Charbonnel and do Nascimento (1998), a long standing problem in chemical evolution is solved, namely: the overproduction of 3He by the chemical evolution models as compared to the observed values in the sun and in the interstellar medium. Moreover, we show that chemical evolution models can constrain the primordial value of the deuterium abundance and that a value of (D/H)p < 3 × 10—5 is suggested by the present model. Finally, adopting the primordial 4He abundance suggested by Viegas et al. (1999), we obtain a value for ΔY/ΔZ ≃ 2 and a better agreement with the solar 4He abundance.

scholarly journals Magnetic activity in the HARPS M dwarf sample

2017 ◽  
Vol 600 ◽  
pp. A13 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Astudillo-Defru ◽  
X. Delfosse ◽  
X. Bonfils ◽  
T. Forveille ◽  
C. Lovis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Rotation Period ◽  
Magnetic Activity ◽  
Spectral Lines ◽  
M Dwarfs ◽  
Low Mass Stars ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
M Dwarf ◽  
The Relationship

Context. Atmospheric magnetic fields in stars with convective envelopes heat stellar chromospheres, and thus increase the observed flux in the Ca ii H and K doublet. Starting with the historical Mount Wilson monitoring program, these two spectral lines have been widely used to trace stellar magnetic activity, and as a proxy for rotation period (Prot) and consequently for stellar age. Monitoring stellar activity has also become essential in filtering out false-positives due to magnetic activity in extra-solar planet surveys. The Ca ii emission is traditionally quantified through the R'HK-index, which compares the chromospheric flux in the doublet to the overall bolometric flux of the star. Much work has been done to characterize this index for FGK-dwarfs, but M dwarfs – the most numerous stars of the Galaxy – were left out of these analyses and no calibration of their Ca ii H and K emission to an R'HK exists to date. Aims. We set out to characterize the magnetic activity of the low- and very-low-mass stars by providing a calibration of the R'HK-index that extends to the realm of M dwarfs, and by evaluating the relationship between R'HK and the rotation period. Methods. We calibrated the bolometric and photospheric factors for M dwarfs to properly transform the S-index (which compares the flux in the Ca ii H and K lines to a close spectral continuum) into the R'HK. We monitored magnetic activity through the Ca ii H and K emission lines in the HARPS M dwarf sample. Results. The R'HK index, like the fractional X-ray luminosity LX/Lbol, shows a saturated correlation with rotation, with saturation setting in around a ten days rotation period. Above that period, slower rotators show weaker Ca ii activity, as expected. Under that period, the R'HK index saturates to approximately 10-4. Stellar mass modulates the Ca ii activity, with R'HK showing a constant basal activity above 0.6 M⊙ and then decreasing with mass between 0.6 M⊙ and the fully-convective limit of 0.35 M⊙. Short-term variability of the activity correlates with its mean level and stars with higher R'HK indexes show larger R'HK variability, as previously observed for earlier spectral types.

scholarly journals Isochrones for late-type stars

2008 ◽  
Vol 4 (S258) ◽  
pp. 383-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Demarque
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Radiation Hydrodynamics ◽  
Late Type ◽  
Chemical Abundances ◽  
Low Mass Stars ◽  
Structure And Dynamics ◽  
History Of ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Stellar Interiors

AbstractA brief summary of the history of stellar evolution theory and the use of isochrones is given. The present state of the subject is summarized. The major uncertainties in isochrone construction are considered: chemical abundances and color calibrations, and the treatment of turbulent convection in stellar interior and atmosphere models. The treatment of convection affects the modeling of stellar interiors principally in two ways: convective core overshoot which increases evolutionary lifetimes, and the depth of convection zones which determines theoretical radii. Turbulence also modifies atmospheric structure and dynamics, and the derivation of stellar abundances. The symbiosis of seismic techniques with increasingly more realistic three-dimensional radiation hydrodynamics simulations is transforming the study of late-type stars. The important case of very low mass stars, which are fully convective, is briefly visited.

Sources of Enrichment

1991 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 234-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Dopita
Keyword(s):  
Time Scale ◽  
Mass Range ◽  
Mass Function ◽  
Initial Mass Function ◽  
Main Element ◽  
Type I ◽  
Low Mass Stars ◽  
History Of ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
Stellar Sources

AbstractThe relative importance of the stellar sources contributing to the production matrix of the heavy elements up to iron is reviewed. Three main element groups may be distinguished: (a) oxygen and the alpha-process elements; (b) the iron-peak group; (c) helium, carbon and nitrogen. Each of these is produced in stars of a different mass range and in different ways, and it is shown that an examination of metallicity-metallicity relationships can be used to constrain models of the history of star formation, stellar evolution, and the initial mass function in galaxies.We can conclude that in the case of our local solar neighbourhood the initial Fe/O ratio was set by Type II supernovae, but that Type I½ supernovae were never important. Iron is produced by the Type I deflagration supernovae on a time-scale comparable to the infall time-scale of the gas. Carbon is produced by dredge-up in low-mass stars, but nitrogen is shown to be produced both in the stellar winds of massive stars, and in higher mass stars which give rise to the Type I planetary nebulae.

Implications of stellar activity for exoplanetary atmospheres

2010 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 239-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Odert ◽  
M. Leitzinger ◽  
A. Hanslmeier ◽  
H. Lammer ◽  
M.L. Khodachenko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
Planetary Atmospheres ◽  
Young Star ◽  
Young Stars ◽  
M Dwarfs ◽  
Low Mass Stars ◽  
X Ray ◽  
History Of ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
Exoplanetary Atmospheres

AbstractStellar X-ray and extreme ultraviolet (XUV) radiation is an important driver of the escape of planetary atmospheres. Young stars emit high XUV fluxes that decrease as they age. Since the XUV emission of a young star can be orders of magnitude higher compared to an older one, this evolution has to be taken into account when studying the mass-loss history of a planet. The temporal decrease of activity is closely related to the operating magnetic dynamo, which depends on rotation and convection in Sun-like stars. Using a sample of nearby M dwarfs, we study the relations between age, rotation and activity and discuss the influence on planets orbiting these low-mass stars.

scholarly journals The star formation timescale of elliptical galaxies

2019 ◽  
Vol 632 ◽  
pp. A110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiqiang Yan ◽  
Tereza Jerabkova ◽  
Pavel Kroupa
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Stellar Population ◽  
Mass Function ◽  
Elliptical Galaxies ◽  
Initial Mass Function ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Stellar Initial Mass Function ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
Natural Solution

The alpha element to iron peak element ratio, for example [Mg/Fe], is a commonly applied indicator of the galaxy star formation timescale (SFT) since the two groups of elements are mainly produced by different types of supernovae that explode over different timescales. However, it is insufficient to consider only [Mg/Fe] when estimating the SFT. The [Mg/Fe] yield of a stellar population depends on its metallicity. Therefore, it is possible for galaxies with different SFTs and at the same time different total metallicity to have the same [Mg/Fe]. This effect has not been properly taken into consideration in previous studies. In this study, we assume the galaxy-wide stellar initial mass function (gwIMF) to be canonical and invariant. We demonstrate that our computation code reproduces the SFT estimations of previous studies, where only the [Mg/Fe] observational constraint is applied. We then demonstrate that once both metallicity and [Mg/Fe] observations are considered, a more severe “downsizing relation” is required. This means that either low-mass ellipticals have longer SFTs (> 4 Gyr for galaxies with mass below 1010 M⊙) or massive ellipticals have shorter SFTs (≈200 Myr for galaxies more massive than 1011 M⊙) than previously thought. This modification increases the difficulty in reconciling such SFTs with other observational constraints. We show that applying different stellar yield modifications does not relieve this formation timescale problem. The quite unrealistically short SFT required by [Mg/Fe] and total metallicity would be prolonged if a variable stellar gwIMF were assumed. Since a systematically varying gwIMF has been suggested by various observations this could present a natural solution to this problem.

scholarly journals The first galactic stars and chemical enrichment in the halo

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (S265) ◽  
pp. 81-89
Author(s):  
Piercarlo Bonifacio
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
High Mass ◽  
Mass Star ◽  
Low Mass Stars ◽  
Chemical Enrichment ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Low Metallicity ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
Indirect Information ◽  
The Universe

AbstractThe cosmic microwave background and the cosmic expansion can be interpreted as evidence that the Universe underwent an extremely hot and dense phase about 14 Gyr ago. The nucleosynthesis computations tell us that the Universe emerged from this state with a very simple chemical composition: H, 2H, 3He, 4He, and traces of 7Li. All other nuclei where synthesised at later times. Our stellar evolution models tell us that, if a low-mass star with this composition had been created (a “zero-metal” star) at that time, it would still be shining on the Main Sequence today. Over the last 40 years there have been many efforts to detect such primordial stars but none has so-far been found. The lowest metallicity stars known have a metal content, Z, which is of the order of 10−4Z⊙. These are also the lowest metallicity objects known in the Universe. This seems to support the theories of star formation which predict that only high mass stars could form with a primordial composition and require a minimum metallicity to allow the formation of low-mass stars. Yet, since absence of evidence is not evidence of absence, we cannot exclude the existence of such low-mass zero-metal stars, at present. If we have not found the first Galactic stars, as a by product of our searches we have found their direct descendants, stars of extremely low metallicity (Z ≤ 10−3Z⊙). The chemical composition of such stars contains indirect information on the nature of the stars responsible for the nucleosynthesis of the metals. Such a fossil record allows us a glimpse of the Galaxy at a look-back time equivalent to redshift z = 10, or larger. The last ten years have been full of exciting discoveries in this field, which I will try to review in this contribution.

scholarly journals Abundances and Chemical Evolution of the Galactic Center

1977 ◽  
Vol 45 ◽  
pp. 79-101
Author(s):  
Jean Audouze
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Evolution ◽  
Gamma Rays ◽  
Molecular Clouds ◽  
Galactic Center ◽  
Solar Neighbourhood ◽  
Interstellar Matter ◽  
Low Mass Stars ◽  
Element Abundances ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Low Mass

AbstractFrom observations of the galactic center using various techniques radioastronomy, millimeter waves (molecules) – infrared and gamma rays, the interstellar matter of this region* appears to have been strongly processed into stars : the gas density is much lower than in the solar neighbourhood. From CO measurements one knows that there are many molecular clouds such as SgrB2 where stars are forming now. From IR measurements, there are some indication that low mass stars are relatively more numerous in such regions than in the external regions of the galaxy. Finally the heavy element abundances show three important features (i) the possibility of strong enhancements in elements such as N and in a less extent 0 and Ne (the so called abundance gradients), (ii) Some specific enhancements of isotopes such43C,44N and also47O relative to42C,45N and43O (iii) Deuterium seems to have a lower abundance than in other parts of the galaxy such as the solar neighbourhood. Simple models of chemical evolution have been designed to account for such features and are rewiewed here.

scholarly journals Nucleosynthesis in Massive Population II Stars

1978 ◽  
Vol 80 ◽  
pp. 375-378
Author(s):  
David S. P. Dearborn ◽  
Virginia Trimble
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Element ◽  
Main Sequence ◽  
Massive Stars ◽  
Galactic Chemical Evolution ◽  
Initial Composition ◽  
Lower Mass ◽  
First Stars ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
History Of ◽  
Metal Abundances

According to the conventional wisdom, the first stars formed in our Galaxy, including the massive ones responsible for most heavy element synthesis, must have had metal abundances much lower than solar. They may also have had somewhat lower helium abundances, corresponding to an enrichment ΔY/ΔZ = 2.7 ± 1.0 over the history of the Galaxy, a larger ratio than is readily accounted for by standard (Arnett-type) supernovae (Hacyan et al. 1977) or by mass shed from lower mass stars (Gingold 1977). But early nucleosynthesis must have occurred in stars with Pop II compositions. Several authors (Ezer and Cameron 1969; Cary 1974; Chiosi and Nasi 1974; Trimbleet al. 1973) have modelled and evolved such stars, but none of the studies followed the stars far enough from the main sequence to be able to say anything very quantitative about their contribution to galactic chemical evolution. We address here the question of the effects of initial composition upon helium and heavy element production in massive stars.

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