Asteroseismology of a High-amplitude δ Scuti Star GSC 4552-1498: Mode Identification and Model Fitting

In this paper, the pulsation behavior of high-amplitude δ Scuti star GSC 4552-1498 was analyzed. Using the high-precision photometric data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, two new independent frequencies F1 = 22.6424(1) day−1 and F2 = 28.6803(5) day−1 were identified for this source, along with the fundamental one F = 17.9176(7) day−1, which was previously known. In addition, the classical O − C analysis was conducted to give a new ephemeris formula of BJDmax = T 0 + P × E = 2453321.534716(4) + 0.055811(0) × E. The O − C diagram reveals a continuous period increase, but the rate of (1/P)(dP/dt) = 1.11(3) × 10−7 yr−1 seems much larger (about hundreds) than predicted by evolution theories, which is long been noticed but not well understood, possibly related to nonlinear mode interaction. Based on frequency parameters (i.e., F, F1, and F2), a series of theoretical models were conducted by employing the stellar evolution code. It turns out that F1 should be a non-radial mode and F2 is the second overtone radial mode. Due to the mass–metallicity degeneracy, the stellar parameter of the star can however not be determined conclusively. We suggest high-resolution spectral observation is highly desired in the future to further constrain models. We note GSC 4552-1498 is located on the main sequence in the H-R diagram.

A STUDY OF THE SECULAR VARIATION OF THE HIGH-AMPLITUDE DELTA SCUTI STAR AD CMI

We determine the nature of the Delta Scuti star AD CMi and its physical parameters from newly determined times of maximum light and other times from the literature, as well as from uvby −β photoelectric photometry.

A rapidly evolving high-amplitude δ Scuti star crossing the Hertzsprung Gap

People cannot witness the stellar evolution process of a single star obviously in most cases because of its extremely secular time-scale, except for some special time nodes in it (such as the supernova explosion [1]). But in some specific evolutionary phases, we have the chances to witness such process gradually on human times-scales. When a star evolved leaving from the main sequence, the hydrogen nuclei fusion in its core is gradually transferring into the shell. In the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram, its evolutionary phase falls into the Hertzsprung gap, which is one of the most rapidly evolving phases in the life of a star [2]. Here we report a discovery of a rapidly evolving high-amplitude δ Scuti star KIC6382916 (J19480292+4146558) which is crossing the Hertzsprung gap. According to the analysis of the archival data, we find three independent pulsation modes of it, whose amplitudes and frequencies are variating distinctly in 4 years. The period variation rates of the three pulsation modes are one or two orders larger than the best seismic model constructed by the standard evolution theory, which indicates the current theory cannot precisely describe the evolution process in this rapidly evolving phase and needs further upgrades. Moreover, the frequency and amplitude interactions between the three independent pulsation modes and their harmonics/combinations open a new window to the future asteroseismology.

The complex fossil magnetic field of the δ Scuti star HD 41641

ABSTRACT Only three magnetic δ Scuti stars are known as of today. HD 41641 is a δ Scuti star showing chemical peculiarities and rotational modulation of its light curve, making it a good magnetic candidate. We acquired spectropolarimetric observations of this star with NARVAL at Télescope Bernard Lyot (TBL) to search for the presence of a magnetic field and characterize it. We indeed clearly detect a magnetic field in HD 41641, making it the fourth known magnetic δ Scuti star. Our analysis shows that the field is of fossil origin, like magnetic OBA stars, but with a complex field structure rather than the much more usual dipolar structure.

β Cas: The first δ Scuti star with a dynamo magnetic field

Context. F-type stars are characterised by several physical processes such as different pulsation mechanisms, rotation, convection, diffusion, and magnetic fields. The rapidly rotating δ Scuti star β Cas can be considered as a benchmark star to study the interaction of several of these effects. Aims. We investigate the pulsational and magnetic field properties of β Cas. We also determine the star’s apparent fundamental parameters and chemical abundances. Methods. Based on photometric time series obtained from three different space missions (BRITE-Constellation, SMEI, and TESS), we conduct a frequency analysis and investigate the stability of the pulsation amplitudes over four years of observations. We investigate the presence of a magnetic field and its properties using spectropolarimetric observations taken with the Narval instrument by applying the least-squares deconvolution and Zeeman-Doppler imaging techniques. Results. The star β Cas shows only three independent p-mode frequencies down to the few ppm-level; its highest amplitude frequency is suggested to be an n = 3, ℓ = 2, m = 0 mode. Its magnetic field structure is quite complex and almost certainly of a dynamo origin. The atmosphere of β Cas is slightly deficient in iron peak elements and slightly overabundant in C, O, and heavier elements. Conclusions. Atypically for δ Scuti stars, we can only detect three pulsation modes down to exceptionally low noise levels for β Cas. The star is also one of very few δ Scuti pulsators known to date to show a measurable magnetic field and the first δ Scuti star with a dynamo magnetic field. These characteristics make β Cas an interesting target for future studies of dynamo processes in the thin convective envelopes of F-type stars, the transition region between fossil and dynamo fields, and the interaction between pulsations and magnetic field.

Asteroseismic Analysis of δ Scuti Components of Binary Systems: The Case of KIC 8504570

The present work concerns the Asteroseismology of the Kepler-detached eclipsing binary KIC 8504570. Particularly, it focuses on the pulsational behaviour of the oscillating component of this system and the estimation of its physical parameters in order to enrich the so far poor sample of systems of this kind. Using spectroscopic observations, the spectral type of the primary component was determined and used to create accurate light curve models and estimate its absolute parameters. The light curve residuals were subsequently analysed using Fourier transformation techniques to obtain the pulsation models. Theoretical models of δ Scuti stars were employed to identify the oscillation modes of the six detected independent frequencies of the pulsator. In addition, more than 385 combination frequencies were also detected. The absolute and the pulsational properties of the δ Scuti star of this system are discussed and compared with all the currently known similar cases. Moreover, using a recent(empirical) luminosity–pulsation period relationship for δ Scuti stars, the distance of the system was estimated.