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Catalogue of UBVRI photometry of T Tauri stars and analysis of the causes of their variability

A computer-based catalogue of UBVRI photoelectric photometry of T Tauri stars and their earlier type analogs has been compiled. It presently includes over 10 000 entries on 80 stars and will be updated on a regular basis; it is available on Internet. The catalogue is used to analyze the sometimes bizarre light variations of pre-main-sequence stars on time scales of days to months in an attempt to illuminate the nature and causes of the phenomenon. It is useful in discussing their light variations to divide the stars into three groups according to their spectra. These are: weak T Tauri stars (WTTS; spectral class later than K0 and W(sub H-alpha less than 10 A), classical T Tauri stars (CTTS; spectral class later than K0 and W(sub H-alpha) greater than 10 A), and early type T Tauri stars (ETTS; spectral class of K0 or earlier). Three distinct types of variability are displayed by stars in the catalogue. Type I variations are periodic in VRI and undoubtedly caused by rotational modulation of a star with an asymmetric distribution of cool spots on its surface. Irregular flare activity is sometimes seen on such stars in U and B. Type I variations are easiest to see on WTTS but are clearly present on CTTS and ETTS as well. Type II variations are caused by hot 'spots' or zones and, it is argued, result from changes in the excess or 'veiling' continuum commonly attributed to an accretion boundary layer or impact zone of a magnetically channeled accretion flow. This type of variation is seen predominantly or solely in CTTS. A subcategory, designated Type IIp, consists of stars which display periodic variations caused by hot spots. Whereas cool spots may last for hundreds or thousands of rotations, hot spots appear to come and go on a much shorter time scale. This suggests that both unsteady accretion and rotation of the star contribute to Type II variations. It is shown that a third type of variation exists among ETTS, including stars as early as A type. UX Ori is a typical example and we call these Type III variables or UXors. Their distinguishing characteristic is that they can display very large amplitudes (exceeding 2.8 mag in V) while showing little or no evidence for a veiling continuum or any substantial change in their photospheric spectra. If Type III variations are caused by changes in accretion luminosity, then boundary layers or impact zones in ETTS must be much different from CTTS which, of course, is possible since mass accretion rates are probably much higher. However, the leading hypothesis for explaining Type III variations is variable obscuration by circumstellar dust. It is argued that the putative dust clumps causing such variations cannot be confined to a disk; otherwise UXors would be rare. Perhaps magnetic effects are involved in levitating accreting dust out of the plane, as has been suggested for CTTS, or perhaps we are witnessing continuing infall of clumps from placental clouds. A third possibility is that dust may be condensing in an outflow.

Herbst, William↗

Narrow-band Imagery with the Goddard Fabry-Perot: Probing the Epoch of Active Accretion for PMS Stars

The STIS coronagraphic imaging sample of I'MS stars was surveyed with the Goddard Fabry-Perot (GFP) interferometer to determine what fraction of the stars drive jets, whether there is any difference in behavior for a group of intermediate-mass stars as compared with T Tauri stars, and to search for evolutionary effects. Compared to broad band imaging, the FGP achieves an emission-line nebulosity-to-star contrast gain of between 500 and 3000. To date, we have detected jets associated with classical T Tauri stars spanning a factor of 280 in mass accretion rate in approximately 50% of the STIS coronagraphic imaging sample. We also detected jets or Herbig-HARO knots associated with 5 Herbig Ae stars, all younger than 8 Myr, for a detection fraction which is smaller than the T Tauri survey.

Woodgate, Bruce E.↗

X-ray sources in regions of star formation. II - The pre-main-sequence G star HDE 283572

This paper reports the detection of HDE 283572, a ninth-magnitude G star 8 arcmin south of RY Tau, as a bright X-ray source. The observations reveal this object to be a fairly massive (about 2 solar masses) pre-main-sequence star associated with the Taurus-Auriga star formation complex. It exhibits few of the characteristics of the classical T Tauri stars and is a good example of a 'naked' T Tauri star. The star is a mid-G subgiant, of about three solar radii and rotates with a period of 1.5 d. The coronal and chromospheric surface fluxes are similar to those of the most active late type stars (excluding T Tauri stars). The X-ray and UV lines most likely arise in different atmospheric structures. Radiative losses are some 1000 times the quiet solar value and compare favorably with those of T Tauri stars.

Walter, F. M.↗

The multiplicity of T Tauri stars in the star forming regions Taurus-Auriga and Ophiuchus-Scorpius: A 2.2 micron speckle imaging survey

We present the results of a magnitude limited (K less than = 8.5 mag) speckle imaging survey of 69 T Tauri stars in the star forming regions Taurus-Auriga and Ophiuchus-Scorpius. Thirty-three companion stars were found with separations ranging from 0.07 sec to 2.5 sec, nine are new detections. This survey reveals a distinction between the classical T Tauri stars (CTTS) and the weak-lined T Tauri stars (WTTS) based on the binary star frequency as a function of separation: the WTTS binary star distribution is enhanced at the closer separations (less than 50 AU) relative to the CTTS binary star distribution. We suggest that the nearby companion stars shorten the accretion time scale in multiple star systems, thereby accounting for the presence of WTTS that are coeval with many CTTS. The binary star frequency in the projected linear separation range 16 to 252 AU for T Tauri stars (60 (+/- 17)%) is a factor of 4 greater than that of the solar-type main-sequence stars (16(+/- 3)%). Given the limited separation range of this survey, the rate at which binaries are detected suggests that most, if not all, T Tauri stars have companions. We propose that the observed overabundance of companions of T Tauri stars is an evolutionary effect, in which triple and higher order T Tauri stars are disrupted by close encounters with another star or system of stars.

Ghez, A. M.↗

New T Tauri stars in Chamaeleon I and Chamaeleon II

A new objective prism survey of the entire Chamaeleon I dark cloud and 2/3 of the Chamaeleon II cloud has uncovered 26 new H-alpha emission line objects that were missed by previous H-alpha plate surveys. The new H-alpha emission line objects have similar IR colors and spatial distributions to the known T Tauri stars in these dark clouds, and could represent the very low mass end of the stellar population in these clouds or an older, less active component to the usual classical T Tauri star population. The new H-alpha survey identified 70 percent of the total known Young Stellar Objects (YSOs) in Cha I, compared with 35 percent for IRAS, and 25 percent from the Einstein X-ray survey. Ten of the new objects are weak-lined stars, with H-alpha equivalent widths less than 10 A. Weak-lined T Tauri stars make up about half of the total population of young stars in the Chamaeleon I cloud, a proportion similar to the Taurus-Auriga cloud. Presented are coordinates, finding charts, and optical and IR photometry of the new emission-line objects.

Hartigan, Patrick↗

A search for evidence of cold dust around naked T Tauri stars

Results of millimeter/ submillimeter photometry of 16 naked T Tauri stars, 11 of which lie in the nearby Taurus-Auriga star-forming region, are presented. Evidence of cold circumstellar dust, which could exist around these objects in the form of remnant disks if NTTS evolved from classical T Tauri stars, is explored. The only star detected at the primary observing wavelength of 1100 microns was V836 Tau, which was also detected at 800 microns with an upper limit obtained at 450 microns. Its spectral energy distribution longward of 10 microns is consistent with that expected for a flat axisymmetric moderately active disk with a solar mass of 0.04. Upper limits on the disk masses of undetected stars in Taurus-Auriga are typically 0.02 solar mass, for an assumed temperature of not less than 6 K at the outer disk radius. It is argued that the high levels of magnetic activity found in NTTS may produce detectable gyrosynchroton emission at millimeter wavelengths.

Skinner, Stephen L.↗

The HST T tauri star SNAPshot survey

In the nearest star-forming regions, protoplanetary disks have angular sizes of only 3-4". Millimeter interferometry has generally been limited to a resolution of 1". Groundbased coronagraphic imaging of YSOs has been restricted to radii exterior to an occulting mask (r >2"), and detect nebulosity only in the most extreme dusty systems. The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is the only observatory which can provide a spatial resolution of approx. 10 AU in combination with a stable point-spread function for high dynamic range imaging at visual wavelengths. Since the December 1993 servicing mission, only 12 nearby young stars have been observed by HST with the sensitivity needed to detect circumstellar reflection nebulosity. All six of the classical T Tauri stars observed so far have shown nebulosity; three objects are compact bipolar nebulae without an optically visible star; and the three weak-line T Tauri stars observed show no evidence for circumstellar nebulosity. Disks have been directly observed in 3 of the 12 systems studied so far: HH 30, GM Aurigae, and Haro 6-5B. A larger survey offers the prospect of many more detections, and thereby can address such fundamental questions as: What is the frequency for direct detection of disks around premain sequence stars? What is the range of disk masses and sizes? How are disks different in binary systems? Our proposal for an HST T Tauri Star SNAPshot survey was approved for 75 targets in Cycle 7. A SNAPshot survey consists of short-duration (25 minutes or less) sequences of observations which can be used to fill gaps in the HST observing schedule. This is well-matched to the needs of disk imaging, where typical T Tauri stars (11 < V < 14) saturate the WFPC2 detectors in a minute or less. Only wide-band R and I images will be taken.

Stapelfeldt, Karl↗

Observational studies of the clearing phase in proto-planetary disk systems

A summary of the work completed during the first year of a 5 year program to observationally study the clearing phase of proto-planetary disks is presented. Analysis of archival and current IUE data, together with supporting optical observations has resulted in the identification of 6 new proto-planetary disk systems associated with Herbig Ae/Be stars, the evolutionary precursors of the beta Pictoris system. These systems exhibit large amplitude light and optical color variations which enable us to identify additional systems which are viewed through their circumstellar disks including a number of classical T Tauri stars. On-going IUE observations of Herbig Ae/Be and T Tauri stars with this orientation have enabled us to detect bipolar emission plausibly associated with disk winds. Preliminary circumstellar extinction studies were completed for one star, UX Ori. Intercomparison of the available sample of edge-on systems, with stars ranging from 1-6 solar masses, suggests that the signatures of accreting gas, disk winds, and bipolar flows and the prominence of a dust-scattered light contribution to the integrated light of the system decreases with decreasing IR excess.

Grady, Carol A.↗

Multiwavelength study of the magnetically active T Tauri star HD 283447

We observed the luminous T Tauri star HD 283447 = V773 Tauri simultaneously at X-ray, ultraviolet, optical photometric and spectroscopic, and radio wavelengths for several hours on UT 1992 September 11. ROSAT, IUE, Very Large Array (VLA) and an intercontinental Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) network, and three optical observatories participated in the campaign. The star is known for its unusually high and variable nonthermal radio continuum emission. High levels of soft X-ray and Mg II line emission are discovered, with luminosity L(sub x) = 5.5 x 10(exp 30) ergs/s (0.2 - 2 keV) and L(sub Mg II) = 1 x 10(exp 29) ergs/s, respectively. Optically, the spectrum exhibits rather weak characteristics of `classical' T Tauri stars. A faint, broad emission line component, probably due to a collimated wind or infall, is present. During the campaign, the radio luminosity decreased by a factor of 4, while optical/UV lines and X-ray emission remained strong but constant. The large gyrosynchrotron-emitting regions are therefore decoupled from the chromospheric and coronal emission. Five models for the magnetic geometry around the star are discussed; solar-type activity, dipole magnetosphere, star-disk magnetic coupling, disk magnetic fields, and close binary interaction. The data suggest that two magnetic geometries are simultaneously present: complex multipolar fields like those on the Sun, and a large-scale field possibly associated with the circumstellar disk.

Feigelson, Eric D.↗

Observations of accretion and angular momentum regulation in young circumstellar disks and the implications for planetary formation

Accretion disks around young stars produce excess infrared continuum associated with the disk and excess optical and ultraviolet continua associated with the boundary layer or 'hot spot' as material falls from the disk onto the stellar photosphere. When we subtract the excess continuum and photospheric contributions to the total spectrum, we can obtain high-quality emission line profiles of the Balmer lines as well as permitted lines from other elements. These emission lines often exhibit redshifted absorption, indicative of infalling material. Remarkably, objects with large accretion rates tend to rotate slower than their counterparts that lack accretion disks. Hence, there must be some process, probably involving magnetic fields, that allows the star to accrete large amounts of material from the disk without increasing its rotational velocity. Young stars typically do not have optically thick inner disks that do not accrete. Hence, either planets form within accretion disks, or the timescale for planetary formation is considerably shorter than approx. 3 x 10(exp 6) yr, the duration of the classical T Tauri star phase of young stellar evolution.

Hartigan, P.↗

Pre- and main-sequence evolution of solar activity

The magnetic activity on single solarlike stars declines with stellar age. This has important consequences for the influence of the sun on the early solar system. What is meant by stellar activity, and how it is measured, is reviewed. Stellar activity on the premain-sequence phase of evolution is discussed; the classical T Tauri stars do not exhibit solarlike activity, while the naked T Tauri stars do. The emission surface fluxes of the naked T Tauri stars are similar to those of the youngest main-sequence G stars. The best representation for solarlike stars is a decay proportional to exp(A x t exp 0.5), where A is a function of line excitation temperature. From these decay laws, one can determine the interdependences of the activity, age, and rotation periods. The fluxes of ionizing photons at the earth early in its history are discussed; there was sufficient fluence to account for the observed isotopic ratios of the noble gases.

Walter, Frederick M.↗

An XMM-Newton Observation of the Lagoon Nebula and the Very Young Open Cluster NGC 6530

We report the results of an XMM-Newton observation of the Lagoon Nebula (M 8). Our EPIC images of this region reveal a cluster of point sources, most of which have optical counterparts inside the very young open cluster NGC 6530. The bulk of these X-ray sources are probably associated with low and intermediate mass pre-main sequence stars. One of the sources experiences a flare-like increase of its X-ray flux making it the second brightest source in M 8 after the O4 star 9 Sgr. The X-ray spectra of most of the brightest sources can be fitted with thermal plasma models with temperatures of kT approximately a few keV. Only a few of the X-ray selected PMS candidates are known to display H(alpha) emission and were previously classified as classical T Tauri stars. This suggests that most of the X-ray emitting PMS stars in NGC 6530 are weak line T Tauri stars. In addition to 9 Sgr, our EPIC field of view contains also a few early-type stars. The X-ray emission from HD 164816 is found to be typical for an O9.5III-IV star. At least one of the known Herbig Be stars in NGC 6530 (LkH(alpha) 115) exhibits a relatively strong X-ray emission, while most of the main sequence stars of spectral type B1 and later are not detected. We also detect (probably) diffuse X-ray emission from the Hourglass Region that might reveal a hot bubble blown by the stellar wind of Herschel 36, the ionizing star of the Hourglass Region.

Rauw, G.↗

The Search for Young Planetary Systems And the Evolution of Young Stars

The Space Interferometer Mission (SIM) will provide a census of planetary systems by con- ducting a broad survey of 2,000 stars that will be sensitive to the presence of planets with masses as small as approx. 15 Earth masses (1 Uranus mass) and a deep survey of approx. 250 of the nearest, stars with a mass limit of approx.3 Earth masses. The broad survey will include stars spanning a wide range of ages, spectral types, metallicity, and other important parameters. Within this larger context, the Young Stars and Planets Key Project will study approx. 200 stars with ages from 1 Myr to 100 Myr to understand the formation and dynamical evolution of gas giant planets. The SIM Young Stars and Planets Project will investigate both the frequency of giant planet formation and the early dynamical history of planetary systems. We will gain insight into how common the basic architecture of our solar system is compared with recently discovered systems with close-in giant planets by examining 200 of the nearest (less than 150 pc) and youngest (1-100 Myr) solar-type stars for planets. The sensitivity of the survey for stars located 140 pc away is shown in the planet mass-separation plane. We expect to find anywhere from 10 (assuming that only the presently known fraction of stars. 5-7%, has planets) to 200 (all young stars have planets) planetary systems. W-e have set our sensitivity threshold to ensure the detection of Jupiter-mass planets in the critical orbital range of 1 to 5 AU. These observations, when combined with the results of planetary searches of mature stars, will allow us to test theories of planetary formation and early solar system evolution. By searching for planets around pre-main sequence stars carefully selected to span an age range from 1 to 100 Myr, we will learn a t what epoch and with what frequency giant planets are found at the water-ice snowline where they are expected to form. This will provide insight into the physical mechanisms by which planets form and migrate from their place of birth, and about their survival rate. With these data in hand, we will provide data, for the first time, on such important questions as: What processes affect the formation and dynamical evolution of planets? When and where do planets form? What is initial mass distribution of planetary systems around young stars? How might planets be destroyed? What is the origin of the eccentricity of planetary orbits? What is the origin of the apparent dearth of companion objects between planets and brown dwarfs seen in mature stars? The observational strategy is a compromise between the desire to extend the planetary mass function as low as possible and the essential need to build up sufficient statistics on planetary occurrence. About half of the sample will be used to address the "where" and "when" of planet formation. We will study classical T Tauri stars (cTTs) which have massive accretion disks and post- accretion, weak-lined T Tauri stars (wTTs). Preliminary estimates suggest the sample will consist of approx. 30% cTTs and approx. 70% wTTs, driven in part by the difficulty of making accurate astrometric measurements toward objects with strong variability or prominent disks.

Beichman, Charles A.↗

The optical counterpart of the X-ray source H0253+193 - A distant, high-luminosity RS Canum Venaticorum system

Optical and near-infrared photometry in the VRIJHK and CO (2.35 microns) bands and optical spectroscopy and polarimetry reveal that the optical counterpart of the X-ray source H0253+193 is most likely a RS CVn binary system. The results show a visual extinction of 11.3 mag to the star, with an IR excess possibly due a cooler binary companion or circumstellar material. It is suggested that the I-band polarization of 8.1 + or - 1.8 may be induced in the starlight by passage through the molecular cloud. The lack of strong H-alpha emission in the optical spectrum argues against the possibility of a classical T Tauri star, and the IR excess argues against a naked T Tauri star. The wide energy spectrum found in the dereddened optical and near-infrared photometry supports the binary star model.

Clemens, Dan P.↗

Coronal Structures in Cool Stars

We have extended our study of the structure of coronas in cool stars to very young stars still accreting from their surrounding disks. In addition we are pursing the connection between coronal X-rays and a powerful diagnostic line in the infrared, the He I 10830Angstrom transition of helium. Highlights of these are summarized below including publications during this reporting period and presentations. Spectroscopy of the infrared He I (lambda10830) line with KECK/NIRSPEC and IRTF/CSHELL and of the ultraviolet C III (lambda977) and O VI (lambda1032) emission with FUSE reveals that the classical T Tauri star TW Hydrae exhibits P Cygni profiles, line asymmetries, and absorption indicative of a continuous, fast (approximately 400 kilometers per second), hot (approximately 300,000 K) accelerating outflow with a mass loss rate approximately 10(exp -11)-10(exp -12) solar mass yr(sup -1) or larger. Spectra of T Tauri N appear consistent with such a wind. The source of the emission and outflow seems restricted to the stars themselves. Although the mass accretion rate is an order of magnitude less for TW Hya than for T Tau, the outflow reaches higher velocities at chromospheric temperatures in TW Hya. Winds from young stellar objects may be substantially hotter and faster than previously thought. The ultraviolet emission lines, when corrected for absorption are broad. Emission associated with the accretion flow and shock is likely to show turbulent broadening. We note that the UV line widths are significantly larger than the X-ray line widths. If the X-rays from TW Hya are generated at the accretion shock, the UV lines may not be directly associated with the shock. On the other hand, studies of X-ray emission in young star clusters, suggest that the strength of the X-ray emission is correlated with stellar rotation, thus casting doubt on an accretion origin for the X-rays. We are beginning to access the infrared spectral region where the He I 108308Angstroms transition occurs. This line is particularly useful as a diagnostic of coronal radiation since it is formed by recombination following photoionization of neutral helium by coronal X-rays. Because the lower level of the transition is metastable, infrared radiation from the stellar photosphere is absorbed which provides a diagnostic of atmospheric dynamics. This transition is useful both in young stars in the T Tauri phase and in active cool star binaries. We will investigate the influence of coronal x-rays on the strength of this transition.

Oliversen, Ronald↗

X-ray sources in regions of star formation. 5: The low mass stars of the Upper Scorpius association

We report followup investigations of Einstein x-ray observations of the Upper Scorpius OB association. We identify 28 low mass pre-main sequence stars as counterparts of x-ray sources in the approximately = 7 square degrees of the OB association observed. Based on kinematics and lithium abundances, these stars are low mass members of the OB association. We use optical spectra and optical and near-IR photometry to determine the stellar luminosities, effective temperatures, masses, and ages. We show that the bolometric corrections and effective temperatures of the G and K stars are consistent with those of subgiants. The low mass stars have isochronal ages of 1-2 Myr, depending on the choice of evolutionary models, with very small dispersion (sigma approximately = 1 Myr). This age is significantly younger than the 5-6 Myr found for the more massive B stars. The small dispersion in stellar ages, less than 10% the sound-crossing time of the association, suggests that star formation was triggered. We present two scenarios for star formation in this association. In the two-episode scenario, formation of the low mass stars was triggered by a supernova explosion, and the low mass stars form quickly, with high efficiency. Alternatively, high and low mass star formation was all initiated at the same time, some 5-6 Myr ago, and the apparent systematic age difference is an artifact of how the isochrones are dated. The effect of the supernova is to terminate mass accretion and yield an apparently coeval population. We show that the incompleteness in the x-ray sampling is about 65%, and is strongly dependent on stellar mass. After correction for incompleteness, we estimate there are about 2000 low mass members (stellar mass less than 2 solar mass) of this association. The mass function in this association is indistinguishable from that of the field. The ratio of naked to classical T Tauri stars is much larger than in Tau-Aur, and may be attributable to the local environment. We also present observations of eight ROX sources associated with the rho Oph cloud, and observations of non-pre-main sequence (PMS) stars in our fields.

Walter, Frederick M.↗

A Differential Measurement of Circumstellar Extinction for AA Tau’s 2011 Dimming Event

AA Tau is a classical T Tauri star with a highly inclined, warped circumstellar disk. For decades, AA Tau exhibited photometric and spectroscopic variabilities that were successfully modeled as occultations of the primary star by circumstellar material. In 2011, AA Tau entered an extended faint state, presumably due to enhanced levels of circumstellar dust. We use two sets of contemporaneous optical–near-IR (NIR) spectra of AA Tau, obtained in 2008 and 2014 December, to directly measure the wavelength-dependent extinction associated with the dust enhancement driving AA Tau’s 2011 optical fade. Taken alone, AA Tau’s apparent optical–NIR increased extinction curve cannot be fit well with standard extinction laws. At optical wavelengths, AA Tau’s dimming event is consistent with predictions of common extinction models for an increase of A {sub V} = 2, but no such model reproduces AA Tau’s color–color excess at NIR wavelengths. We show that veiling emission accounts for the apparent anomalous NIR extinction: after including this veiling flux, AA Tau’s dimming event is consistent with a standard A {sub V} = 2 extinction law across the full optical–NIR range. We also report an increase in AA Tau’s mid-IR flux since its 2011 fade and suggest that an increase in the height of AA Tau’s inner disk is the most likely explanation for both the IR brightening and the additional extinction along the line of sight. In addition to informing our understanding of AA Tau, this analysis demonstrates that caution should be exercised when inferring extinction (and stellar parameters) from the NIR color–color excess of young stars with measurable NIR veiling fluxes.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

MBM12: A Close, Younger Version of the TW Hydrae Association

MBM 12 is a dark cloud located about 65 pc from the sun. During the late 1980's and early 1990's, five Classical T Tauri stars were discovered associated with the cloud. The co-existence of the cloud and several stars with disks implies a very young association, very close to the earth. Such an association would be in a league with TWA and Eta Cham. However, at an estimated age of about 1 Myrs. Brown dwarfs/Jupiters would be brighter and disk should be more numerous. Deep ROSAT images and follow up spectroscopic observations raised the cluster membership to 8. We have expanded on this study with deep groundbased imaging, followup spectroscopy and infrared data. We discuss our current data base of U through I observations (complete to V=20) J through K observations (complete to K=14) and spectra of most stars above V magnitude 15. We will present a mass function for the about 40 stars now identified with the association and discuss disk, binary and brown dwarf candidates.

Wolk, S. J.↗