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NASA NTRS2014

The Virtual Observatory Service TheoSSA: Establishing a Database of Synthetic Stellar Flux Standards II. NLTE Spectral Analysis of the OB-Type Subdwarf Feige 110

Context. In the framework of the Virtual Observatory (VO), the German Astrophysical VO (GAVO) developed the registered service TheoSSA (Theoretical Stellar Spectra Access). It provides easy access to stellar spectral energy distributions (SEDs) and is intended to ingest SEDs calculated by any model-atmosphere code, generally for all effective temperatures, surface gravities, and elemental compositions. We will establish a database of SEDs of flux standards that are easily accessible via TheoSSA's web interface. Aims. The OB-type subdwarf Feige 110 is a standard star for flux calibration. State-of-the-art non-local thermodynamic equilibrium stellar-atmosphere models that consider opacities of species up to trans-iron elements will be used to provide a reliable synthetic spectrum to compare with observations. Methods. In case of Feige 110, we demonstrate that the model reproduces not only its overall continuum shape from the far-ultraviolet (FUV) to the optical wavelength range but also the numerous metal lines exhibited in its FUV spectrum. Results. We present a state-of-the-art spectral analysis of Feige 110. We determined Teff =47 250 +/- 2000 K, log g=6.00 +/- 0.20, and the abundances of He, N, P, S, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, and Ge. Ti, V, Mn, Co, Zn, and Ge were identified for the first time in this star. Upper abundance limits were derived for C, O, Si, Ca, and Sc. Conclusions. The TheoSSA database of theoretical SEDs of stellar flux standards guarantees that the flux calibration of astronomical data and cross-calibration between different instruments can be based on models and SEDs calculated with state-of-the-art model atmosphere codes.

Observatory↗
NASA NTRS1980

The discovery of an O subdwarf in the globular cluster NGC 6712

Spectral data for C49 in the globular cluster NGC 6712 are examined with reference to evolutionary models for low-mass stars that are contracting into white dwarfs. The spectrum of this star is found to be almost identical to that of the first sdO star found in a globular cluster, star A in NGC 6397. Analysis of the spectral data using nonlocal thermodynamic equilibrium models gives surface parameters T not less than 50,000 K, log g = 5.5 plus or minus 0.5, and N(He)/N(H) approximately equal to 0.1. The results are consistent with the models considered.

Remillard, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

NLTE-analysis of three extremely helium-rich O-type subdwarfs

Three extremely helium-rich sdO stars (LSE 153, LSE 259 and LSE 263) were analyzed spectroscopically by means of detailed NLTE model atmospheres. These stars are very hot, with effective temperatures ranging from 70,000 to 75,000 K and gravities between log g = 4.4 and 4.9. Upper limits for the hydrogen abundance were also derived. The evolutionary status of the sdO stars is discussed and it is concluded that they evolve from the asymptotic giant branch towards the white dwarf stage. A possible evolutionary link between these hot stars and the extreme helium stars of spectral type B is discussed.

Husfeld, D.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The hot subdwarf in the eclipsing binary HD 185510

High-resolution spectroscopic measurements of radial velocity are employed to characterize the eclipsing binary HD 185510 in terms of masses and evolutionary status. The IUE is used to obtain the radial velocities which indicate a large mass ratio Mp/Ms of 7.45 +/- 0.15, and Teff is given at 25,000 +/- 1000 K based on Ly alpha and UV spectrophotometry. Photometric observations are used to give an orbital inclination of between 90 and 70 deg inclusive, leading to masses of 0.31-0.37 and 2.3-2.8 solar mass for the hot star and the K star, respectively. The surface gravity of HD 185510B is shown to be higher than those values for sdB stars suggesting that the object is a low-mass white dwarf that has not reached its fully degenerate configuration. The object is theorized to be a low-mass helium main-sequence star or a nascent helium degenerate in a post-Algol system.

Jeffery, C. S.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Atmospheric parameters of field subdwarf B stars

High signal-to-noise ratio optical spectrophotometry of a sample of field subluminous B stars drawn largely from the Palomar Green ultraviolet-excess survey is analyzed with a new grid of model atmospheres and synthetic spectra. The stellar effective temperatures, surface gravities, and photospheric helium abundances are determined simultaneously from a detailed analysis of hydrogen and helium absorption line profiles. The derived temperatures and gravities place the subluminous B stars in the theoroetical Hertzsprung-Russell (H-R) diagram along and bounded below by theoretical sequences of the zero-age extended horizontal branch, lending strong support to the hypothesis that these stars are composed of helium-burning cores of approximately 0.5 solar mass overlain by very thin layers of hydrogen (approximately less than 0.02 solar mass). Various scenarios for their past evolutionary history are examined in the context of their probable future evolution into white dwarfs of lower than average mass.

Saffer, Rex A.↗
NASA NTRS1981

IUE observations and interpretation of the symbiotic star RW Hya

The IUE observations of the high excitation symbiotic star RW Hya (gM2 + pec) are discussed. Analysis of the intense UV continuum observed between 1100 A to 2000 A suggests this star is a binary system in which the secondary is identified as a hot subdwarf with T sub eff being approximately 100,000 K. A distance to the system of 1000 pc is deduced. The UV spectrum consists of mainly semiforbidden and allowed transition lines of which the CIV (1548 A, 1550 A) emission lines are particularly strong, and UV continuum at both shorter and longer wavelengths. Strong forbidden lines seem to be absent suggesting the presence of a nebula of high densities. Tidal interaction between the red giant primary and the hot subdwarf is suggested as a likely means to form the observed nebula. RW Hya is suggested as a possible source of soft X-ray emission from material accreting onto the surface of the hot subdwarf. Detection of such emission with HEAO-B would give information if this accretion is taking place via Roche lobe overlow or via capture from a stellar wind emitted by the primary. A general discussion of elemental and ionic abundances in the nebula is also presented.

Kafatos, M.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Flash Mixing of the White Dwarf Cooling Curve Spectroscopic Confirmation in NGC 2808

We present new HST far-UV spectroscopy of two dozen hot evolved stars in NGC 2808, a massive globular cluster with a large population of "blue-hook" stars. The blue-hook stars are found in ultraviolet color-magnitude diagrams of the most massive globular clusters, where they fall at luminosities immediately below the hot end of the horizontal branch (HB), in a region of the HR diagram unexplained by canonical stellar evolution theory. Using new theoretical evolutionary and atmospheric models, we have shown that these subluminous HB stars are very likely the progeny of stars that undergo extensive internal mixing during a late He-core flash on the white dwarf cooling curve. This flash mixing leads to hotter temperatures and an enormous enhancement of the surface He and C abundances; the hotter temperatures and associated decrease in the hydrogen opacity shortward of the Lyman limit makes the stars brighter in the extreme UV but appear sub luminous in the UV and optical. Our far-UV spectroscopy demonstrates that, relative to normal HB stars at the same color, the blue-hook stars of NGC 2808 are hotter and greatly enhanced in He and C, thus providing unambiguous evidence of flash mixing in the subluminous population. Although the C abundance in the blue-hook stars is orders of magnitude larger than that in the normal HB stars, the atmospheric C abundance in both the blue-hook and normal HB stars appears to be affected by gravitational settling. The abundance variations seen in C, Si, and the Fe-peak elements indicate that atmospheric diffusion is at play in our sample, with all of our hot subdwarfs at 25,000 K to 50,000 K exhibiting large enhancements of the iron-peak elements. The hottest subdwarfs in our blue-hook sample may be pulsators, given that they fall in the temperature range of newly-discovered pulsating subdwarfs in omega Cen.

Brown, Thomas M.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Observations and analysis of the R Aquarii jet

Ultraviolet, optical and radio observations of the symbiotic star R Aquarii are discussed in the light of the discovery of a bright radio and optical jet from this star. The star is probably a binary with a period of 44 years. The VLA maps of the jet reveal a protruding structure extending approximately 10 arc sec from the central radio source with a position angle virtually identical to that of the optical jet observed at Lick. The observations of R Aqr are interpreted as indicating the existence of an accretion disk around an unseen companion. The hot subdwarf has effective temperature approximately 65,000 K. It is suggested that the Mira primary and the hot secondary are in orbit around each other with a high eccentricity. At periastron the hot subdwarf accretes at super critical rates and a jet forms. It is difficult to understand how an accretion disk would have eclipsed the Mira in 1928-1935 and 1974-1980. The suppression of maximum light in these two periods is interpreted as due to a distortion of the Mira envelope at periastron by the tidal interaction with the secondary. The jet may help to explain the excitation of the R Aqr nebula. It is possible that R Aqr flared up as a nova approximately 1000 years ago forming the nebula.

Kafatos, M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Ultraviolet spectroscopy of selected astronomical sources

The birth rates of various kinds of white dwarf progenitors are estimated and the spectra of two very hot O-type white dwarfs are analyzed. The effective temperature of LSE 21 was found to be in excess of 100,000 K. The abundance of iron in the atmospheres of two central stars and numerous very hot O-type subdwarfs was found to be strongly variable. Results obtained by high resolution optical spectroscopy, UBV photometry, and low resolution IUE spectrophotometry for LSS 2018, the central star of the planetary nebulae DS1, are summarized. A planetary nebula surrounding the very hot subdwarf LSS 1362 was discovered. Analysis of results obtained by high resolution optical spectra shows agreement with an effective temperature of 110,000 K derived using low resolution IUE observations.

Drilling, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Synthetic Stromgren photometry for F dwarf stars

Recent synthetic spectrum and color calculations for cool dwarf star models are tested by comparison with observation. The accuracy of the computed dependence of the thermal colors B-V and b-y on effective temperature is examined, and H-beta indices are presented and compared with observed values. The accuracy of the predictions of the Stromgren uvby system metal-abundance indicator m1 and luminosity indicator c1 are tested. A new calibration of the c1, b-y diagram in terms of absolute magnitudes is given, making use of recent calculations of stellar isochrones. Observations of very metal-poor subdwarfs are used to study the accuracy of the isochrones. The c1, b-y diagram of the subdwarfs is compared with that of the turnoff-region stars in the very metal-poor globular cluster NGC 6397.

Bell, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The U.S. survey for faint blue objects

A spectrophotometric study of the blue and UV-excess starlike objects in the U.S. survey (Usher, 1981) has been conducted. Observations were obtained with a resolution of about 20 A over the 3500-7000-A wavelength range. Considered within the sample are 42 DA white dwarfs, 4 DB/DO white dwarfs, 13 subdwarf B stars, 12 subdwarf O stars, and 13 horizontal branch stars. The sample is analyzed using numerical convolution photometry.

Mitchell, K. J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

WHT observations of cataclysmic variables in globular clusters. II - The CV candidates in M71

Results are presented from photometric and spectroscopic observations of the six UV-bright objects in M71 which Richer and Fahlman (1988) proposed as candidate cataclysmic variables. It is found that the two brightest of these candidates are probably hot subdwarfs. It is suggested that the remaining candidates are more likely to be white dwarfs and subdwarfs than cataclysmic variables.

Machin, G.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Ultraviolet observations of the enigmatic bipolar nebula M1-92

IUE observations of the bipolar nebula M1-92 indicate that this object is an evolved object and possibly a preplanetary nebula. Data acquired in the SWP camera clearly show a flat UV continuum indicative of a relatively unobscured O subdwarf. Data acquired in the long wavelength region of the SWP and in the LWP camera reveal an object which mimics the characteristics of an F2 supergiant. These results, combined with other data at visual and infrared wavelengths, strongly favor that the central object of M1-92 is an evolved binary system. The He I 5876 and 6678 A absorption seen in optical spectra is extremely problematic. This, plus the presence of Fe II, Mg II, and Mg I absorption arising from resonance transitions and transitions from low-lying metastable levels, leads to the suggestion that the object resembling an F2 star is actually an early-type subdwarf cloaked in a thick circumstellar nebula. This interpretation and the similarities of the IR flux distribution to Vy 2-2, a preplanetary prototype, is consistent with M1-92 being in the process of forming a planetary nebula. The bipolar flow, the optical Fe II and ultraviolet Mg II emission of M1-92 are also characteristics of T Tauri stars. Although constraints definitely rule out that M1-92 is a pre-main-sequence object, these similarities imply that in many cases it may be difficult to distinguish between T Tauri stars and protoplanetary nebulae.

Feibelman, Walter A.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Observational limits on Omega in stars, brown dwarfs, and stellar remnants from gravitational microlensing

Microlensing by compact objects with masses between approximately 0.001 solar masses and approximately 300 solar masses will amplify the continuum emission of a quasar, without significantly changing its line emission. Thus, compact objects with masses associated with stars, subdwarfs, and stellar remnants will reduce the apparent equivalent widths of quasar emission lines. It is possible to detect this population of lenses by searching for an increase in the number of small equivalent width quasars with redshift. This increase was looked for, but not found, in quasar samples taken from the Einstein Medium Sensitivity Survey and the Steidel & Sargent absorption-line studies. Thus, Omega(sub c), the cosmological density of compact objects relative to the critical density, is less than or approximately equal to 0.1 in the mass range 0.01 solar masses-20 solar masses (for Omega less than 0.6). For any value of Omega, Omega(sub c) less than or approximately equal to 0.2 in the larger mass range 0.001 solar masses-60 solar masses, and Omega(sub c) less than 1 for 0.001 solar masses-300 solar masses. Subdwarfs, stellar objects, or their remnants (e.g., MACHOS) cannot close the universe.

Dalcanton, Julianne J.↗