Seeking Echoes of Circumstellar Disks in Kepler Light Curves

Context. The class of Be stars are the epitome of rapid rotators in the main sequence. These stars are privileged candidates for studying the incidence of rotation on the stellar internal structure and on non-radial pulsations. Pulsations are considered possible mechanisms to trigger mass-ejection phenomena required to build up the circumstellar disks of Be stars. Aims. Time series analyses of the light curves of 15 faint Be stars observed with the CoRoT satellite were performed to obtain the distribution of non-radial pulsation (NRP) frequencies in their power spectra at epochs with and without light outbursts and to discriminate pulsations from rotation-related photometric variations. Methods. Standard Fourier techniques were employed to analyze the CoRoT light curves. Fundamental parameters corrected for rapid-rotation effects were used to study the power spectrum as a function of the stellar location in the instability domains of the Hertzsprung–Russell (H-R) diagram. Results. Frequencies are concentrated in separate groups as predicted for g-modes in rapid B-type rotators, except for the two stars that are outside the H-R instability domain. In five objects the variations in the power spectrum are correlated with the time-dependent outbursts characteristics. Time-frequency analysis showed that during the outbursts the amplitudes of stable main frequencies within 0.03 c d−1 intervals strongly change, while transients and/or frequencies of low amplitude appear separated or not separated from the stellar frequencies. The frequency patterns and activities depend on evolution phases: (i) the average separations between groups of frequencies are larger in the zero-age main sequence (ZAMS) than in the terminal age main sequence (TAMS) and are the largest in the middle of the MS phase; (ii) a poor frequency spectrum with f ≲ 1 cd−1 of low amplitude characterizes the stars beyond the TAMS; and (iii) outbursts are seen in stars hotter than B4 spectral type and in the second half of the MS. Conclusions. The two main frequency groups are separated by δf = (1.24 ± 0.28) × frot in agreement with models of prograde sectoral g-modes (m = −1, −2) of intermediate-mass rapid rotators. The changes of amplitudes of individual frequencies and the presence of transients correlated with the outburst events deserve further studies of physical conditions in the subatmospheric layers to establish the relationship between pulsations and sporadic mass-ejection events.

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An empirical pipeline for determining the viscosity parameter for Be star disks

Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union ◽

10.1017/s1743921314006541 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 9 (S307) ◽

pp. 133-134

Author(s):

Leandro R. Rímulo ◽

Alex C. Carciofi ◽

Thomas Rivinius ◽

Xavier Haubois

Keyword(s):

Radiative Transfer ◽

Temporal Evolution ◽

Variable Mass ◽

Circumstellar Disks ◽

Light Curves ◽

Viscosity Parameter ◽

Ongoing Effort ◽

Be Star ◽

Mass Ejection

AbstractBe star phenomenology is strongly associated with their viscous circumstellar disks. Recently, models became available for the temporal evolution of these disks when subject to variable mass ejection rates. In this contribution we will discuss how these dynamical disk models, modeled with the radiative transfer code HDUST, can be used for constraining fundamental disk parameters, such as the α viscosity parameter, and we will report on an ongoing effort to model light curves of a large number of stars.

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Supernova explosions interacting with aspherical circumstellar material: implications for light curves, spectral line profiles, and polarization

Astronomy and Astrophysics ◽

10.1051/0004-6361/202039073 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 642 ◽

pp. A214

Author(s):

P. Kurfürst ◽

O. Pejcha ◽

J. Krtička

Keyword(s):

Spectral Line ◽

Binary Stars ◽

Circumstellar Disks ◽

Light Curves ◽

Late Time ◽

Line Profiles ◽

Reflected Waves ◽

Circumstellar Material ◽

Show Evidence ◽

Supernova Explosions

Some supernova (SN) explosions show evidence for an interaction with a pre-existing nonspherically symmetric circumstellar medium (CSM) in their light curves, spectral line profiles, and polarization signatures. The origin of this aspherical CSM is unknown, but binary interactions have often been implicated. To better understand the connection with binary stars and to aid in the interpretation of observations, we performed two-dimensional axisymmetric hydrodynamic simulations where an expanding spherical SN ejecta initialized with realistic density and velocity profiles collide with various aspherical CSM distributions. We consider CSM in the form of a circumstellar disk, colliding wind shells in binary stars with different orientations and distances from the SN progenitor, and bipolar lobes representing a scaled down version of the Homunculus nebula of η Car. We study how our simulations map onto observables, including approximate light curves, indicative spectral line profiles at late times, and estimates of a polarization signature. We find that the SN–CSM collision layer is composed of normal and oblique shocks, reflected waves, and other hydrodynamical phenomena that lead to acceleration and shear instabilities. As a result, the total shock heating power fluctuates in time, although the emerging light curve might be smooth if the shock interaction region is deeply embedded in the SN envelope. SNe with circumstellar disks or bipolar lobes exhibit late-time spectral line profiles that are symmetric with respect to the rest velocity and relatively high polarization. In contrast, SNe with colliding wind shells naturally lead to line profiles with asymmetric and time-evolving blue and red wings and low polarization. Given the high frequency of binaries among massive stars, the interaction of SN ejecta with a pre-existing colliding wind shell must occur and the observed signatures could be used to characterize the binary companion.

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Distance to SN 1987A and the LMC

Symposium - International Astronomical Union ◽

10.1017/s0074180900118959 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 190 ◽

pp. 549-554

Author(s):

Nino Panagia

Keyword(s):

Angular Size ◽

Large Magellanic Cloud ◽

Magellanic Cloud ◽

Light Curves ◽

Distance Modulus ◽

Absolute Size ◽

Sn 1987A

Using the new reductions of the IUE light curves by Sonneborn et al. (1997) and an extensive set of HST images of SN 1987A we have repeated and improved Panagia et al. (1991) analysis to obtain a better determination of the distance to the supernova. In this way we have derived an absolute size of the ringRabs= (6.23 ± 0.08) x 1017cm and an angular sizeR″ = 808 ± 17 mas, which give a distance to the supernovad(SN1987A) = 51.4 ± 1.2 kpc and a distance modulusm–M(SN1987A) = 18.55 ± 0.05. Allowing for a displacement of SN 1987A position relative to the LMC center, the distance to the barycenter of the Large Magellanic Cloud is also estimated to bed(LMC) = 52.0±1.3 kpc, which corresponds to a distance modulus ofm–M(LMC) = 18.58±0.05.

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The Infancy of Solar-Type Stars and its Relevance for the Origin of Life

International Astronomical Union Colloquium ◽

10.1017/s0252921100014780 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 161 ◽

pp. 267-282 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Thierry Montmerle

Keyword(s):

Main Sequence ◽

Solar Nebula ◽

Circumstellar Disks ◽

T Tauri Stars ◽

Necessary Condition ◽

Sequence Evolution ◽

T Tauri ◽

Solar Type ◽

Optical Domain ◽

The Origin Of Life

AbstractFor life to develop, planets are a necessary condition. Likewise, for planets to form, stars must be surrounded by circumstellar disks, at least some time during their pre-main sequence evolution. Much progress has been made recently in the study of young solar-like stars. In the optical domain, these stars are known as «T Tauri stars». A significant number show IR excess, and other phenomena indirectly suggesting the presence of circumstellar disks. The current wisdom is that there is an evolutionary sequence from protostars to T Tauri stars. This sequence is characterized by the initial presence of disks, with lifetimes ~ 1-10 Myr after the intial collapse of a dense envelope having given birth to a star. While they are present, about 30% of the disks have masses larger than the minimum solar nebula. Their disappearance may correspond to the growth of dust grains, followed by planetesimal and planet formation, but this is not yet demonstrated.

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Quasi-Periodic Oscillations in Dwarf Novae

International Astronomical Union Colloquium ◽

10.1017/s0252921100073310 ◽

1979 ◽

Vol 46 ◽

pp. 77-88

Author(s):

Edward L. Robinson

Keyword(s):

Binary Systems ◽

Outer Edge ◽

Light Curves ◽

Close Binary ◽

Bright Spot ◽

Dwarf Novae ◽

Periodic Oscillations ◽

High Frequencies ◽

Short Period ◽

Typical Time

Three distinct kinds of rapid variations have been detected in the light curves of dwarf novae: rapid flickering, short period coherent oscillations, and quasi-periodic oscillations. The rapid flickering is seen in the light curves of most, if not all, dwarf novae, and is especially apparent during minimum light between eruptions. The flickering has a typical time scale of a few minutes or less and a typical amplitude of about .1 mag. The flickering is completely random and unpredictable; the power spectrum of flickering shows only a slow decrease from low to high frequencies. The observations of U Gem by Warner and Nather (1971) showed conclusively that most of the flickering is produced by variations in the luminosity of the bright spot near the outer edge of the accretion disk around the white dwarf in these close binary systems.

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The Eclipsing Binary WX Eridani

International Astronomical Union Colloquium ◽

10.1017/s0252921100073656 ◽

1979 ◽

Vol 46 ◽

pp. 385

Author(s):

M.B.K. Sarma ◽

K.D. Abhankar

Keyword(s):

Light Curve ◽

Spectral Type ◽

Orbital Period ◽

Primary Component ◽

Light Curves ◽

Absorption Feature ◽

Primary Star ◽

Eclipsing Binary ◽

The Times ◽

Phase Angles

AbstractThe Algol-type eclipsing binary WX Eridani was observed on 21 nights on the 48-inch telescope of the Japal-Rangapur Observatory during 1973-75 in B and V colours. An improved period of P = 0.82327038 days was obtained from the analysis of the times of five primary minima. An absorption feature between phase angles 50-80, 100-130, 230-260 and 280-310 was present in the light curves. The analysis of the light curves indicated the eclipses to be grazing with primary to be transit and secondary, an occultation. Elements derived from the solution of the light curve using Russel-Merrill method are given. From comparison of the fractional radii with Roche lobes, it is concluded that none of the components have filled their respective lobes but the primary star seems to be evolving. The spectral type of the primary component was estimated to be F3 and is found to be pulsating with two periods equal to one-fifth and one-sixth of the orbital period.

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Modeling of photosynthesis light curves by linear splines

Hydrosphere Еcology (Экология гидросферы) ◽

10.33624/2587-9367-2019-2(4)-20-29 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 20-29

Author(s):

Alexander S. Lelekov ◽

Rudolf P. Trenkenshu

Keyword(s):

Experimental Data ◽

Chlorophyll A ◽

Skeletonema Costatum ◽

Light Flux ◽

Photosynthesis Rate ◽

Light Curves ◽

External Irradiation ◽

Exchange Reactions ◽

Cell Adaptation ◽

Linear Splines

The paper presents an example of the linear splines use to describe the photosynthesis light curves for microalgae culture. The main mathematical models of the relationship between photosynthesis rate and light are listed. Based on the previously formulated basic principles of modeling microalgae photobiosynthesis, a mathematical model is proposed that describes the dependence of the assimilation number of chlorophyll a on the value of the light flux by linear splines. The advantage of the proposed approach is a clear definition of the point of change of the limiting factor. It is shown that light-limited photosynthesis rate is determined not only by external irradiation, but also by the concentration of chlorophyll a. The light-saturated rate depends on the amount of a key enzyme complex, which limits the rate of energy exchange reactions in the cell. Verification of the proposed model on the example of the diatom microalgae Skeletonema costatum was carried out. It is shown that the higher the degree of cell adaptation to high irradiation, the better the photosynthesis curve is described by linear splines. If S. costatum cells are adapted to low irradiation, deviations of experimental data from the idealized broken line are observed, which are caused by changes in the pigment composition. When the experimental data are normalized, the cell adaptation factor is reduced, all points are described by a single broken line, which indicates the universality of the proposed approach.

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