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Smith, M. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Smith, M. A..

22 records · Page 2

Nonradial m-mode changes in the 53 Persei variable 22 Orionis

The paper considers nonradial m-mode changes in the 53 Persei variable 22 Orionis. The Orionis observations reveal periodic profile variations easily modeled in terms of traveling-wave nonradial pulsations; like other members of the 53 Persei class 22 Ori exhibit unstable mode amplitudes. During the 1976-1977 seasons retrograde wave oscillations of period 4.5 and 9.0 hours were observed, but during 1978-1979 larger amplitude, prograde oscillations of period 14.1 and 22.9 hours were observed. It is suggested that this retrograde to prograde change is explained by the nonlinear coupling of two sectorial modes to a third, standing wave mode.

Smith, M. A.↗

Deep photospheric flows in Tau Scorpii

From analysis of weak, unblended, ultraviolet lines observed in Tau Scorpii by Copernicus, the same line widths and the same slightly blue-depressed wings as found in the upper photospheric lines of the visual region are found. In addition, a radial-velocity discrepancy of about 6 km/s between weak and strong lines in the 1000-1300-A region is found. These results are in quantitative agreement with one another and with the results of the visual region. They imply that a flow of material is present even in the deep photosphere of this star. However, one cannot yet specify the geometry of the flow (outward-radial versus temperature-weighted convection columns). At the least, this flow alters the expected radiation-driven flow solution close to the photosphere. At the most, it could provide the heating of a chromosphere or a corona just outside the photosphere, as required by the imperfect flow model.

Smith, M. A.↗

An empirical line-blanketing study of Am stars

Metallic line-blanketing coefficients have been measured over the wavelength range from 3800 to 4700 A in a sample of 20 Am and normal A stars. An expression for the logarithmic iron abundance has been calibrated in terms of effective temperature and a mean line-blocking coefficient. This makes it possible to determine the atmospheric iron abundance in sharp-lined Am and A stars with an accuracy of better than plus or minus 0.1 dex, using only line-blocking measurements and a photometric effective temperature.

Rydgren, A. E.↗