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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

The chemical abundances of stars in the Halo (CASH) project. III. A new classification scheme for carbon-enhanced metal-poor stars with s-process element enhancement

We present a detailed abundance analysis of 23 elements for a newly discovered carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) star, HE 0414−0343, from the Chemical Abundances of Stars in the Halo Project. Its spectroscopic stellar parameters are T{sub eff} = 4863 K, logg=1.25, ξ = 2.20 km s{sup −1}, and [Fe/H] = −2.24. Radial velocity measurements covering seven years indicate HE 0414−0343 to be a binary. HE 0414−0343 has [C/Fe]=1.44 and is strongly enhanced in neutron-capture elements but its abundances cannot be reproduced by a solar-type s-process pattern alone. Traditionally, it could be classified as a “CEMP-r/s” star. Based on abundance comparisons with asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star nucleosynthesis models, we suggest a new physically motivated origin and classification scheme for CEMP-s stars and the still poorly understood CEMP-r/s. The new scheme describes a continuous transition between these two so-far distinctly treated subgroups: CEMP-sA, CEMP-sB, and CEMP-sC. Possible causes for a continuous transition include the number of thermal pulses the AGB companion underwent, the effect of different AGB star masses on their nucleosynthetic yields, and physics that is not well approximated in 1D stellar models such as proton ingestion episodes and rotation. Based on a set of detailed AGB models, we suggest the abundance signature of HE 0414−0343 to have arisen from a >1.3 M{sub ⊙} mass AGB star and a late-time mass transfer that transformed HE 0414−0343 into a CEMP-sC star. We also find that the [Y/Ba] ratio well parametrizes the classification and can thus be used to easily classify any future such stars.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Fundamental effective temperature measurements for eclipsing binary stars – IV. Selection of new benchmark stars and first results for HD 22064

I describe the selection and initial characterization of 20 eclipsing binary stars that are suitable for calibration and testing of stellar models and data analysis algorithms used by the PLATO mission and spectroscopic surveys. The binary stars selected are F-/G-type dwarf stars with M-type dwarf companions that contribute less than 2 per cent of the flux at optical wavelengths. The light curves typically show well-defined total eclipses with very little variability between the eclipses. I have used near-infrared spectra obtained by the APOGEE survey to measure the spectroscopic orbit for both stars in HD 22064. Combined with an analysis of the TESS light curve, I derive the following masses and radii: M 1 = 1.35 ± 0.03M ⊙ , M 2 = 0.58 ± 0.01M ⊙ , R 1 = 1.554 ± 0.014R ⊙ , R 2 = 0.595 ± 0.008R ⊙ . Using R 1 and the parallax from Gaia EDR3, I find that the primary star’s angular diameter is θ = 0.1035 ± 0.0009 mas. The apparent bolometric flux of the primary star is ${\mathcal {F}}_{{\oplus },0} = (7.51\pm 0.09)\times 10^{-9}$ erg cm -2 s -1 . Hence, this F2V star has an effective temperature $T_{\rm eff,1} = 6763{\rm \, K} \pm 39{\rm \, K}$. HD 22064 is an ideal benchmark star that can be used for ‘end-to-end’ tests of the stellar parameters measured by large-scale spectroscopic surveys or stellar parameters derived from asteroseismology with PLATO. The techniques described here for HD 22064 can be applied to the other eclipsing binaries in the sample in order to create an all-sky network of such benchmark stars.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Properties of F Stars with Stable Radial Velocity Timeseries: A Useful Metric for Selecting Low-jitter F Stars

In a companion paper, we have conducted an in-depth analysis of radial velocity jitter of over 600 stars, examining the astrophysical origins including stellar granulation, oscillation, and magnetic activity. In this paper, we highlight a subsample of those stars, specifically the main sequence and “retired” F stars—which we refer to as “MSRF” stars—that show low levels of RV jitter (<10 m s{sup −1}). We describe the observational signatures of these stars that allow them to be identified in radial velocity planet programs, for instance, those performing follow-up of transiting planets discovered by TESS. We introduce a “jitter metric” that combines the two competing effects of RV jitter with age: activity and convection. Using thresholds in the jitter metric, we can select both “complete” and “pure” samples of low jitter F stars. We also provide recipes for identifying these stars using only Gaia colors and magnitudes. Finally, we describe a region in the Gaia color–magnitude diagram where low jitter F stars are most highly concentrated. By fitting a ninth-order polynomial to the Gaia main sequence, we use the height above the main sequence as a proxy for evolution, allowing for a crude selection of low jitter MSRF stars when activity measurements are otherwise unavailable.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2018

How Galaxies Form Stars: The Connection between Local and Global Star Formation in Galaxy Simulations

Using a suite of isolated $L_\star$ galaxy simulations, we show that global depletion times and star-forming gas mass fractions in simulated galaxies exhibit systematic and well-defined trends as a function of the local star formation efficiency per freefall time, $\epsilon_{\rm ff}$, strength of stellar feedback, and star formation threshold. We demonstrate that these trends can be reproduced and explained by a simple physical model of global star formation in galaxies. Our model is based on mass conservation and the idea of gas cycling between star-forming and non-star-forming states on certain characteristic time scales under the influence of dynamical and feedback processes. Both the simulation results and our model predictions exhibit two limiting regimes with rather different dependencies of global galactic properties on the local parameters. When $\epsilon_{\rm ff}$ is small and feedback is inefficient, the total star-forming mass fraction, $f_{\rm sf}$, is independent of $\epsilon_{\rm ff}$ and the global depletion time, $\tau_{\rm dep}$, scales inversely with $\epsilon_{\rm ff}$. When $\epsilon_{\rm ff}$ is large or feedback is very efficient, these trends are reversed: $f_{\rm sf} \propto \epsilon_{\rm ff}^{-1}$ and $\tau_{\rm dep}$ is independent of $\epsilon_{\rm ff}$ but scales linearly with the feedback strength. We also compare our results with the observed depletion times and mass fractions of star-forming and molecular gas and show that they provide complementary constraints on $\epsilon_{\rm ff}$ and the feedback strength. In conclusion, we show that useful constraints on $\epsilon_{\rm ff}$ can also be obtained using measurements of the depletion time and its scatter on different spatial scales.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

THE FRAGMENTATION OF MAGNETIZED, MASSIVE STAR-FORMING CORES WITH RADIATIVE FEEDBACK

We present a set of three-dimensional, radiation-magnetohydrodynamic calculations of the gravitational collapse of massive (300 M{sub Sun }), star-forming molecular cloud cores. We show that the combined effects of magnetic fields and radiative feedback strongly suppress core fragmentation, leading to the production of single-star systems rather than small clusters. We find that the two processes are efficient at suppressing fragmentation in different regimes, with the feedback most effective in the dense, central region and the magnetic field most effective in more diffuse, outer regions. Thus, the combination of the two is much more effective at suppressing fragmentation than either one considered in isolation. Our work suggests that typical massive cores, which have mass-to-flux ratios of about 2 relative to critical, likely form a single-star system, but that cores with weaker fields may form a small star cluster. This result helps us understand why the observed relationship between the core mass function and the stellar initial mass function holds even for {approx}100 M{sub Sun} cores with many thermal Jeans masses of material. We also demonstrate that a {approx}40 AU Keplerian disk is able to form in our simulations, despite the braking effect caused by the strong magnetic field.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Can star cluster environment affect dust input from massive AGB stars?

We examine the fraction of massive asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars remaining bound in their parent star clusters (SCs) and the effect of irradiation of these stars by an intracluster ultraviolet (UV) field. We employ a set of N-body models of dynamical evolution of SCs rotating in a galactic potential at the solar galactocentric radius. The cluster models are combined with stellar evolution formulae, a library of stellar spectra, and simple models for SiO photodissociation in the circumstellar environment (CSE). The initial stellar masses of clusters are varied from 50M{sub ⊙} to 10{sup 5}M{sub ⊙}. Results derived for individual clusters are combined using a mass distribution function for young SCs. We find that about 30% of massive AGB stars initially born in clusters become members of the field population, while the rest evolve in SCs. They are irradiated by strong intracluster UV radiation, resulting in the decrease of the photodissociation radius of SiO molecules, in many stars down to the dust formation zone. In the absence of dust shielding, the UV photons penetrate in the CSE deeper than 10R{sub ∗} in 64% and deeper than 2R{sub ∗} in 42% of all massive AGB stars. If this suppresses subsequent dust formation, the current injection rate of silicate dust from AGB stars in the local Galaxy decreases from 2.2×10{sup −4}M{sub ⊙} pc{sup −2} Gyr{sup −1} to 1.8×10{sup −4}M{sub ⊙} pc{sup −2} Gyr{sup −1} at most. A lower revised value of 40% for the expected fraction of presolar silicate grains from massive AGB stars is still too high to explain the non-detection of these grains in meteorites.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Resolved Molecular Gas and Star Formation Properties of the Strongly Lensed z = 2.26 Galaxy SDSS J0901+1814

We present ~1'' resolution (~2 kpc in the source plane) observations of the CO (1–0), CO (3–2), Hα, and [N II ] lines in the strongly lensed z = 2.26 star-forming galaxy SDSS J0901+1814. We use these observations to constrain the lensing potential of a foreground group of galaxies, and our source-plane reconstructions indicate that SDSS J0901+1814 is a nearly face-on (i ≈ 30°) massive disk with r 1/2 ≳ 4 kpc for its molecular gas. Using our new magnification factors (μ tot ≈ 30), we find that SDSS J0901+1814 has a star formation rate (SFR) of ${268}_{-61}^{+63}\,{M}_{\odot }\,{\mathrm{yr}}^{-1}$, ${M}_{\mathrm{gas}}=({1.6}_{-0.2}^{+0.3})\times {10}^{11}({\alpha }_{\mathrm{CO}}/4.6)\,{M}_{\odot }$, and ${M}_{\star }=({9.5}_{-2.8}^{+3.8})\times {10}^{10}\,{M}_{\odot }$, which places it on the star-forming galaxy "main sequence." We use our matched high angular resolution gas and SFR tracers (CO and Hα, respectively) to perform a spatially resolved (pixel-by-pixel) analysis of SDSS J0901+1814 in terms of the Schmidt–Kennicutt relation. After correcting for the large fraction of obscured star formation (${\mathrm{SFR}}_{{\rm{H}}\alpha }/{\mathrm{SFR}}_{\mathrm{TIR}}={0.054}_{-0.014}^{+0.015}$), we find that SDSS J0901+1814 is offset from "normal" star-forming galaxies to higher star formation efficiencies independent of assumptions for the CO-to-H 2 conversion factor. Our mean best-fit index for the Schmidt–Kennicutt relation for SDSS J0901+1814, evaluated with different CO lines and smoothing levels, is $\bar{n}=1.54\pm 0.13;$ however, the index may be affected by gravitational lensing, and we find $\bar{n}=1.24\pm 0.02$ when analyzing the source-plane reconstructions. While the Schmidt–Kennicutt index largely appears unaffected by which of the two CO transitions we use to trace the molecular gas, the source-plane reconstructions and dynamical modeling suggest that the CO (1–0) emission is more spatially extended than the CO (3–2) emission.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1983

The photometric variability of solar-type stars. III - Results from 1981-82, including parallel observations of thirty-six Hyades stars

A photometric survey of main-sequence stars in the Pleiades, Hyades, and Malmquist Field, to investigate variability among solar-type stars, had been continued at Cloudcroft Observatory for a second season. Possibly six of 40 Pleiades stars, two (possibly six) of 49 Hyades stars and possibly four of 42 stars in the Malmquist Field are found to be variable. Parallel observations of Hyades stars were obtained also at Lowell Observatory. These measurements, which achieved better precision, reveal significiant variations in eleven (possibly 16) of 36 Hyades stars, all of spectral type F7 V-K2 V. Agreement between the two surveys is acceptable. The two seasons of the Cloudcroft survey show that changes in the mean annual brightness of the Hyades stars accompany changes in the amplitude of their short-term variability, in the sense that a star tends to become fainter as its variability increases and vice versa. Color effects are absent.

Radick, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Ultraviolet spectroscopic observations of some Be stars of later type and A-F type shell stars

High-dispersion IUE spectra of 18 later type Be and A-F type shell stars as well as eight standard nonemission line stars have been analyzed for anomalous ionization and mass loss effects. It is found that superionization in the Be stars extends to the latest spectral subtypes but does not seem to be present in the A-F type stars. The superionized lines in the Be stars appear to be correlated with v sin i. Asymmetrical or violet-displaced resonance lines suggesting mass loss are observed in all the Be stars except one, in some of the standard stars, but not in the A-F stars. Lower limits to the mass loss rates computed from Si IV lines range between 5.3 x 10 to the -12th and 3.5 x 10 to the -11th solar masses/yr, with Be shell stars showing the largest values. Mass loss is correlated with luminosity and effective temperature but not with rotation.

Carpenter, K. G.↗
NASA NTRS1986

X-ray sources in regions of star formation. I - The naked T Tauri stars

Einstein X-ray observations of regions of active star formation in Taurus, Ophiuchus, and Corona Australis show a greatly enhanced surface density of stellar X-ray sources over that seen in other parts of the sky. Many of the X-ray sources are identified with low-mass, pre-main-sequence stars which are not classical T Tauri stars. The X-ray, photometric, and spectroscopic data for these stars are discussed. Seven early K stars in Oph and CrA are likely to be 1-solar-mass post-T Tauri stars with ages of 10-million yr. The late K stars in Taurus are not post-T Tauri, but 'naked' T Tauri stars, which are coeval with the T Tauri stars, differing mainly in the lack of a circumstellar envelope.

Walter, F. M.↗
NASA NTRS1987

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.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Three-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations of colliding stars . III - Collisions and tidal captures of unequal-mass main-sequence stars

A 3D smooth-particle hydrodynamic code with 7000 particles is used to simulate collisions between lower main sequence (MS) stars whose masses differ by a factor of five. Collisions between point-mass intruders and MS stars are simulated to study how the physics of the encounters depends on the finite radius of the smaller MS stars. It is found that the two MS stars become gravitationally bound in a physical collision if their relative velocity at infinity is less than a critical velocity Vd. Vd decreases from 1000 km/s in a head-on collision to 150 km/s in a grazing one. If the less massive star is replaced by a point mass, Vd remains the same for grazing collision and tidal encounters but drops to about 600 km/s in head-on collisions. The collision and coalescence of two MS stars resets the nuclear clock of the coalesced star, so it contracts to the MS. Tidal capture of binary stars in globular clusters can only occur in encounters in which the closest approach of the two stars to their center of mass is less than 2.0 times the sum of their radii.

Benz, W.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Pre-main sequence stars in the Chamaeleon cloud and pre-main sequence stars in the Rho Ophiuchi cloud core

This grant funds two closely related studies of young stars under the ROSAT Guest Observer Program. A major paper on ROSAT discovery of X-ray emitting young stars in the Chamaeleon star forming cloud was published in the Astrophysical Journal. Two soft X-ray images of the Chamaeleon I star forming cloud obtained with the ROSAT Position Sensitive Proportional Counter are presented. Seventy reliable, and 19 possible additional, X-ray sources are found. Most are confirmed to be new weak T Tauri stars. A study of X-ray emitting stars in a deep ROSAT image of the rho Ophiuchi star forming cloud cores has been completed, and is being submitted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal. A list of X-ray sources, fluxes, signal-to-noise ratios and boresight-corrected positions has been compiled, and optical identification down to 22(exp m) are obtained. Of the 55 reliable ROSAT sources, virtually all are associated with embedded infrared-detected T Tauri stars. T Tauri X-rays may provide a crucial link in the photoionization self-regulation of star formation in the galaxy.

Feigelson, Eric D.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Constraining the Metallicities, Ages, Star Formation Histories, and Ionizing Continua of Extragalactic Massive Star Populations

We infer the properties of massive star populations using the far-ultraviolet stellar continua of 61 star-forming galaxies: 42 at low redshift observed with the Hubble Space Telescope and 19 at z ~ 2 from the MegaSaura sample. We fit each stellar continuum with a linear combination of up to 50 single-age and single-metallicity starburst99 models. From these fits, we derive light-weighted ages and metallicities, which agree with stellar wind and photospheric spectral features, and infer the spectral shapes and strengths of the ionizing continua. Inferred light-weighted stellar metallicities span 0.05–1.5 Z(sub ⊙) and are similar to the measured nebular metallicities. We quantify the ionizing continua using the ratio of the ionizing flux at 900 Å to the non-ionizing flux at 1500 Å and demonstrate the evolution of this ratio with stellar age and metallicity using theoretical single-burst models. These single-burst models only match the inferred ionizing continua of half of the sample, while the other half are described by a mixture of stellar ages. Mixed-age populations produce stronger and harder ionizing spectra than continuous star formation histories, but, contrary to previous studies that assume constant star formation, have similar stellar and nebular metallicities. Stellar population age and metallicity affect the far-UV continua in different and distinguishable ways; assuming a constant star formation history diminishes the diagnostic power. Finally, we provide simple prescriptions to determine the ionizing photon production efficiency (ξ(sub ion)) from the stellar population properties. The ξ(sub ion) inferred from the observed star-forming galaxies has a range of log(ξ(sub ion)) = 24.4–25.7 Hz erg(exp −1) that depends on the stellar population age, metallicity, star formation history, and contributions from binary star evolution. These stellar population properties must be observationally determined to accurately determine the number of ionizing photons generated by massive stars.

Chisholm, J.↗