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Laher, R.

Publications and source records attributed to Laher, R..

Multiperiodicity in the Light Variations of the Beta Cephei Star Beta Crucis

High-resolution spectroscopic observations have led recently to the discovery that the beta Cephei star beta Crucis (Mimosa) is multiperiodic with at least three non-radial pulsation modes. Data obtained by the star tracker of the WIRE satellite have now allowed us to confirm this multiperiodicity in the light variations. A total of 5 million observations covering 17 days was analyzed and the three main periods we find in this work are in perfect agreement with the results derived from the line profile variations. The photometric amplitudes are small (3, 2.7 and 0.6 millimag for the dominant modes), but this is not surprising in view of the mode identifications derived earlier from the line profiles. Additional periods of low-amplitude modes (between 0.2-0.3 mmag) are also derived, including one suggested earlier by the radial velocity data.

Cuypers, J.

Asteroseismology from Space: The Delta Scuti Star Theta(sup 2) Tauri Monitored by the WIRE Satellite

The bright variable star theta(sup 2) Tau was monitored with the star camera on the Wide-Field Infrared Explorer satellite. Twelve independent frequencies were detected down to the 0.5 mmag amplitude level. Their reality was investigated by searching for them using two different algorithms and by some internal checks: both procedures strengthened our confidence in the results. All the frequencies are in the range 10.8-14.6 cd(exp -1). The histogram of the frequency spacings shows that 81% are below 1.8 d; rotation may thus play a role in the mode excitation. The fundamental radial mode is not observed, although it is expected to occur in a region where the noise level is very low (55 mu mag). The rms residual is about two times lower than that usually obtained from successful groundbased multisite campaigns. The comparison of the results of previous campaigns with the new ones establishes the amplitude variability of some modes.

Poretti, E.

Multiperiodicity in the Light Variations of the Beta Cephei Star Beta Crucis

High-resolution spectroscopic observations have led recently to the discovery that the P Cephei star Beta Crucis (Mimosa) is multiperiodic with at least three non-radial pulsation modes. Data obtained by the star tracker of the WIRE satellite have now allowed us to confirm this multiperiodicity in the light variations. A total of five million observations covering 17 days was analyzed and the three main periods we find in this work are in perfect agreement with the results derived from the line profile variations. The photometric amplitudes are small (3, 2.7 and 0.6 millimag for the dominant modes), but this is not surprising in view of the mode identifications derived earlier from the line profiles. Additional periods of low-amplitude modes (between 0.2-0.3 mmag) are also derived, including one suggested earlier by the radial velocity data.

Cuypers, J.

Asteroseismology from Space: The Delta Scuti Star Theta(sup 2) Tauri Monitored by the WIRE Satellite

The bright variable star (theta)(sup 2) Tau was monitored with the star camera on the Wide-Field Infrared Explorer satellite. Twelve independent frequencies were detected down to the 0.5 mmag amplitude level. Their reality was investigated by searching for them using two different algorithms and by some internal checks: both procedures strengthened our confidence in the results. All the frequencies are in the range 10.8 - 14.6 cd(exp -1). The histogram of the frequency spacings shows that 81% are below 1.8 d; rotation may thus play a role in the mode excitation. The fundamental radial mode is not observed, although it is expected to occur in a region where the noise level is very low (55 (micro)mag). The rms (root mean square) residual is about two times lower than that usually obtained from successful groundbased multisite campaigns. The comparison of the results of previous campaigns with the new ones establishes the amplitude variability of some modes.

Poretti, E.