scholarly journals Forward modelling of Kepler-band variability due to faculae and spots

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke J Johnson ◽  
Charlotte M Norris ◽  
Yvonne C Unruh ◽  
Sami K Solanki ◽  
Natalie Krivova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stellar Atmosphere ◽  
Magnetic Activity ◽  
Stellar Atmospheres ◽  
Area Coverage ◽  
Magnetic Flux Density ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Spot Area ◽  
Solar Type ◽  
Limb Darkening ◽  
Spot Temperature

Abstract Variability observed in photometric lightcurves of late-type stars (on timescales longer than a day) is a dominant noise source in exoplanet surveys and results predominantly from surface manifestations of stellar magnetic activity, namely faculae and spots. The implementation of faculae in lightcurve models is an open problem, with scaling typically based on spectra equivalent to hot stellar atmospheres or assuming a solar-derived facular contrast. We modelled rotational (single period) lightcurves of active G2, K0, M0 and M2 stars, with Sun-like surface distributions and realistic limb-dependent contrasts for faculae and spots. The sensitivity of lightcurve variability to changes in model parameters such as stellar inclination, feature area coverage, spot temperature, facular region magnetic flux density and active band latitudes is explored. For our lightcurve modelling approach we used actress, a geometrically accurate model for stellar variability. actress generates 2-sphere maps representing stellar surfaces and populates them with user-prescribed spot and facular region distributions. From this, lightcurves can be calculated at any inclination. Quiet star limb darkening and limb-dependent facular contrasts were derived from MURaM 3D magnetoconvection simulations using ATLAS9. 1D stellar atmosphere models were used for the spot contrasts. We applied actress in Monte Carlo simulations, calculating lightcurve variability amplitudes in the Kepler band. We found that, for a given spectral type and stellar inclination, spot temperature and spot area coverage have the largest effect on variability of all simulation parameters. For a spot coverage of $1{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, the typical variability of a solar-type star is around 2 parts-per-thousand. The presence of faculae clearly affects the mean brightness and lightcurve shape, but has relatively little influence on the variability.

scholarly journals Stellar activity and rotation of the planet host Kepler-17 from long-term space-borne photometry

2019 ◽  
Vol 626 ◽  
pp. A38 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. F. Lanza ◽  
Y. Netto ◽  
A. S. Bonomo ◽  
H. Parviainen ◽  
A. Valio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Maximum Entropy ◽  
Differential Rotation ◽  
Activity Cycle ◽  
Magnetic Activity ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Level Of Activity ◽  
Spot Model ◽  
Rotational Evolution ◽  
Solar Type

Context. The study of young Sun-like stars is fundamental to understanding the magnetic activity and rotational evolution of the Sun. Space-borne photometry by the Kepler telescope provides unprecedented datasets to investigate these phenomena in Sun-like stars. Aims. We present a new analysis of the entire Kepler photometric time series of the moderately young Sun-like star Kepler-17 accompanied by a transiting hot Jupiter. Methods. We applied a maximum-entropy spot model to the long-cadence out-of-transit photometry of the target to derive maps of the starspot filling factor versus the longitude and the time. These maps are compared to the spots occulted during transits to validate our reconstruction and derive information on the latitudes of the starspots. Results. We find two main active longitudes on the photosphere of Kepler-17, one of which has a lifetime of at least ∼1400 days although with a varying level of activity. The latitudinal differential rotation is of solar type, that is, with the equator rotating faster than the poles. We estimate a minimum relative amplitude ΔΩ/Ω between ∼0.08 ± 0.05 and 0.14 ± 0.05, our determination being affected by the finite lifetime of individual starspots and depending on the adopted spot model parameters. We find marginal evidence of a short-term intermittent activity cycle of ∼48 days and an indication of a longer cycle of 400−600 days characterized by an equatorward migration of the mean latitude of the spots as in the Sun. The rotation of Kepler-17 is likely to be significantly affected by the tides raised by its massive close-by planet. Conclusion. We confirm the reliability of maximum-entropy spot models to map starspots in young active stars and characterize the activity and differential rotation of this young Sun-like planetary host.

scholarly journals Interferometric Fringe Visibility Null as a Function of Spatial Frequency: A Probe of Stellar Atmospheres

2019 ◽  
Vol 08 (04) ◽  
pp. 1950012
Author(s):  
J. T. Armstrong ◽  
A. M. Jorgensen ◽  
D. Mozurkewich ◽  
H. R. Neilson ◽  
E. K. Baines ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
Angular Size ◽  
Brightness Distribution ◽  
Stellar Atmosphere ◽  
Stellar Atmospheres ◽  
Stellar Disk ◽  
Baseline Length ◽  
Fringe Visibility ◽  
Multiple Wavelengths ◽  
Limb Darkening

We introduce an observational tool based on visibility nulls in optical spectro-interferometry fringe data to probe the structure of stellar atmospheres. In a preliminary demonstration, we use both Navy Precision Optical Interferometer (NPOI) data and stellar atmosphere models to show that this tool can be used, for example, to investigate limb darkening. Using bootstrapping with either multiple linked baselines or multiple wavelengths in optical and infrared spectro-interferometric observations of stars makes it possible to measure the spatial frequency [Formula: see text] at which the real part of the fringe visibility [Formula: see text] vanishes. That spatial frequency is determined by [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the projected baseline length, and [Formula: see text] is the wavelength at which the null is observed. Since [Formula: see text] changes with the Earth’s rotation, [Formula: see text] also changes. If [Formula: see text] is constant with wavelength, [Formula: see text] varies in direct proportion to [Formula: see text]. Any departure from that proportionality indicates that the brightness distribution across the stellar disk varies with wavelength via variations in limb darkening, in the angular size of the disk, or both. In this paper, we introduce the use of variations of [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] as a means of probing the structure of stellar atmospheres. Using the equivalent uniform disk diameter [Formula: see text], given by [Formula: see text], as a convenient and intuitive parameterization of [Formula: see text], we demonstrate this concept by using model atmospheres to calculate the brightness distribution for [Formula: see text] Ophiuchi and to predict [Formula: see text], and then comparing the predictions to coherently averaged data from observations taken with the NPOI.

scholarly journals A new method to compute limb-darkening coefficients for stellar atmosphere models with spherical symmetry: the space missions TESS, Kepler, CoRoT, and MOST

2018 ◽  
Vol 618 ◽  
pp. A20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Claret
Keyword(s):  
Spherical Symmetry ◽  
Least Squares Method ◽  
Stellar Atmosphere ◽  
Space Missions ◽  
Stellar Atmospheres ◽  
Eclipsing Binaries ◽  
New Method ◽  
Test Models ◽  
Local Gravity ◽  
Limb Darkening

Aims. One of the biggest problems we can encounter while dealing with the limb-darkening coefficients for stellar atmospheric models with spherical symmetry is the difficulty of adjusting both the limb and the central parts simultaneously. In particular, the regions near the drop-offs are not well reproduced for most models, depending on Teff, log g, or wavelength. Even if the law with four terms is used, these disagreements still persist. Here we introduce a new method that considerably improves the description of both the limb and the central parts and that will allow users to test models of stellar atmospheres with spherical symmetry more accurately in environments such as exoplanetary transits, eclipsing binaries, etc. Methods. The method introduced here is simple. Instead of considering all the μ points in the adjustment, as is traditional, we consider only the points until the drop-off (μcri) of each model. From this point, we impose a condition I(μ)/I(1) = 0. All calculations were performed by adopting the least-squares method. Results. The resulting coefficients using this new method reproduce the intensity distribution of the PHOENIX spherical models (COND and DRIFT) quite well for the photometric systems of the space missions TESS, Kepler, CoRoT, and MOST. The calculations cover the following ranges of local gravity and effective temperatures: 2.5 ≤ log g ≤ 6.0 and 1500 K ≤ Teff ≤ 12 000 K. The new spherical coefficients can easily be adapted to the most commonly used light curve synthesis codes.

scholarly journals 2. Manifestations of the Interaction between Convection and Rotation in Stellar Atmospheres (Lee Hartmann)

1985 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 507-510
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Internal Structure ◽  
Recent Progress ◽  
Magnetic Activity ◽  
Stellar Atmospheres ◽  
Stellar Rotation ◽  
Surface Rotation ◽  
Solar Type ◽  
Global Parameters

According to dynamo theories, the interaction between convection and rotation is responsible for the generation of magnetic fields in solar-type stars. Stellar observations can explore the ways the global parameters, like the surface rotation and internal structure, affect the production of magnetic fields. In this very brief review I wish to concentrate on recent progress in understanding the evolution of stellar rotation, and the dependence of stellar cycles and magnetic activity on rotation, internal structure, and age.

scholarly journals Comparison of the power-2 limb-darkening law from the STAGGER-grid to Kepler light curves of transiting exoplanets

2018 ◽  
Vol 616 ◽  
pp. A39 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. F. L. Maxted
Keyword(s):  
Light Curve ◽  
Probability Distributions ◽  
Binary Star ◽  
Magnetic Activity ◽  
Light Curves ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Light Curve Analysis ◽  
Stagger Grid ◽  
Least Squares Fit ◽  
Limb Darkening

Context. Inaccurate limb-darkening models can be a significant source of error in the analysis of the light curves for transiting exoplanet and eclipsing binary star systems, particularly for high-precision light curves at optical wavelengths. The power-2 limb-darkening law, Iλ(µ) = 1 − c(1−µα), has recently been proposed as a good compromise between complexity and precision in the treatment of limb-darkening. Aims. My aim is to develop a practical implementation of the power-2 limb-darkening law and to quantify the accuracy of this implementation. Methods. I have used synthetic spectra based on the 3D stellar atmosphere models from the STAGGER-grid to compute the limb-darkening for several passbands (UBVRI, CHEOPS, TESS, Kepler, etc.). The parameters of the power-2 limb-darkening laws are optimized using a least-squares fit to a simulated light curve computed directly from the tabulated Iλ(μ) values. I use the transformed parameters h1 = 1 − c(1 − 2−α) and h2 = c2−α to directly compare these optimized limb-darkening parameters to the limb darkening measured from Kepler light curves of 16 transiting exoplanet systems. Results. The posterior probability distributions (PPDs) of the transformed parameters h1 and h2 resulting from the light curve analysis are found to be much less strongly correlated than the PPDs for c and α. The agreement between the computed and observed values of (h1, h2) is generally very good but there are significant differences between the observed and computed values for Kepler-17, the only star in the sample that shows significant variability between the eclipses due to magnetic activity (star spots). Conclusions. The tabulation of h1 and h2 provided here can be used to accurately model the light curves of transiting exoplanets. I also provide estimates of the priors that should be applied to transformed parameters h1 and h2 based on my analysis of the Kepler light curves of 16 stars with transiting exoplanets.

Theoretical predictions of mass, semimajor axis and eccentricity distributions of super-Earths

2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (S276) ◽  
pp. 64-71
Author(s):  
Shigeru Ida
Keyword(s):  
Semimajor Axis ◽  
Mass Range ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Type I ◽  
Orbital Eccentricity ◽  
Resonant Orbits ◽  
Theoretical Predictions ◽  
Giant Impacts ◽  
Solar Type ◽  
Host Stars

AbstractWe discuss the effects of close scattering and merging between planets on distributions of mass, semimajor axis and orbital eccentricity, using population synthesis model of planet formation, focusing on the distributions of close-in super-Earths, which are being observed recently. We found that a group of compact embryos emerge interior to the ice line, grow, migrate, and congregate into closely-packed convoys which stall in the proximity of their host stars. After the disk-gas depletion, they undergo orbit crossing, close scattering, and giant impacts to form multiple rocky Earths or super-Earths in non-resonant orbits around ~ 0.1AU with moderate eccentricities of ~ 0.01–0.1. The formation of these planets does not depend on model parameters such as type I migration speed. The fraction of solar-type stars with these super-Earths is anti-correlated with the fraction of stars with gas giants. The newly predicted family of close-in super-Earths makes less clear “planet desert” at intermediate mass range than our previous prediction.

scholarly journals Dynamo Action in Evolved Stars

1991 ◽  
Vol 130 ◽  
pp. 336-341
Author(s):  
David F. Gray
Keyword(s):  
Angular Momentum ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Rotation Rate ◽  
Magnetic Activity ◽  
Dynamo Action ◽  
Rotation Rates ◽  
Evolved Stars ◽  
Solar Type ◽  
Limiting Value

AbstractEvolved stars tell us a great deal about dynamos. The granulation boundary shows us where solar-type convection begins. Since activity indicators also start at this boundary, it is a good bet that solar-type convection is an integral part of dynamo activity for all stars. The rotation boundary tells us where the magnetic fields of dynamos become effective in dissipating angular momentum, and rotation beyond the boundary tells us the limiting value needed for a dynamo to function. The observed uniqueness of rotation rates after the rotation boundary is crossed can be understood through the rotostat hypothesis. Quite apart from the reason for the unique rotation rate, its existence can be used to show that magnetic activity of giants is concentrated to the equatorial latitudes, as it is in the solar case. The coronal boundary in the H-R diagram is probably nothing more than a map of where rotation becomes too low to sustain dynamo activity.

scholarly journals Seismic signatures of magnetic activity in solar-type stars observed by Kepler

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (S340) ◽  
pp. 225-228
Author(s):  
A. R. G. Santos ◽  
T. L. Campante ◽  
W. J. Chaplin ◽  
M. S. Cunha ◽  
M. N. Lund ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Magnetic Activity ◽  
Acoustic Properties ◽  
Acoustic Modes ◽  
Solar Type ◽  
Magnetic Cycles

AbstractThe properties of the acoustic modes are sensitive to magnetic activity. The unprecedented long-term Kepler photometry, thus, allows stellar magnetic cycles to be studied through asteroseismology. We search for signatures of magnetic cycles in the seismic data of Kepler solar-type stars. We find evidence for periodic variations in the acoustic properties of about half of the 87 analysed stars. In these proceedings, we highlight the results obtained for two such stars, namely KIC 8006161 and KIC 5184732.

scholarly journals Magnetic Activity of Two Similar Subgiants in Binaries with Very Different Mass Ratios: EI Eri and V711 Tau

2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (S282) ◽  
pp. 478-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katalin Oláh ◽  
Zsolt Kővári ◽  
Krisztián Vida ◽  
Klaus G. Strassmeier
Keyword(s):  
Differential Rotation ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Magnetic Activity ◽  
Light Curves ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Remarkable Difference ◽  
High Latitudes ◽  
Solar Type ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
Fast Rotating

AbstractWe use more than three decades-long photometry to study the activity patterns on the two fast-rotating subgiant components in EI Eri (G5IV) and V711 Tau (K1IV). From yearly mean rotational periods from the light curves, we find that EI Eri, with well-measured solar-type differential rotation, always has spots from the equator to high latitudes. The measured differential rotation of V711 Tau is controversial, and in any case is very small. The spots on the K1IV star in V711 Tau seem to be tidally locked. The physical parameters of the two systems are similar, with one remarkable difference: EI Eri has a low mass M4-5 dwarf companion, whereas V711 Tau has a G5V star in the system, thus their mass centers are in very different positions. This may modify the whole internal structure of the active stars, causing marked differences in their surface features.

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