Showing 1–50 of 58 results for author: Carrier, F

Neu-RadBERT for Enhanced Diagnosis of Brain Injuries and Conditions

Authors: Manpreet Singh, Sean Macrae, Pierre-Marc Williams, Nicole Hung, Sabrina Araujo de Franca, Laurent Letourneau-Guillon, François-Martin Carrier, Bang Liu, Yiorgos Alexandros Cavayas

Abstract: Objective: We sought to develop a classification algorithm to extract diagnoses from free-text radiology reports of brain imaging performed in patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation. Methods: We developed and fine-tuned Neu-RadBERT, a BERT-based model, to classify unstructured radiology reports. We extracted all the brain imaging reports (computed… ▽ More Objective: We sought to develop a classification algorithm to extract diagnoses from free-text radiology reports of brain imaging performed in patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation. Methods: We developed and fine-tuned Neu-RadBERT, a BERT-based model, to classify unstructured radiology reports. We extracted all the brain imaging reports (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) from MIMIC-IV database, performed in patients with ARF. Initial manual labelling was performed on a subset of reports for various brain abnormalities, followed by fine-tuning Neu-RadBERT using three strategies: 1) baseline RadBERT, 2) Neu-RadBERT with Masked Language Modeling (MLM) pretraining, and 3) Neu-RadBERT with MLM pretraining and oversampling to address data skewness. We compared the performance of this model to Llama-2-13B, an autoregressive LLM. Results: The Neu-RadBERT model, particularly with oversampling, demonstrated significant improvements in diagnostic accuracy compared to baseline RadBERT for brain abnormalities, achieving up to 98.0% accuracy for acute brain injuries. Llama-2-13B exhibited relatively lower performance, peaking at 67.5% binary classification accuracy. This result highlights potential limitations of current autoregressive LLMs for this specific classification task, though it remains possible that larger models or further fine-tuning could improve performance. Conclusion: Neu-RadBERT, enhanced through target domain pretraining and oversampling techniques, offered a robust tool for accurate and reliable diagnosis of neurological conditions from radiology reports. This study underscores the potential of transformer-based NLP models in automatically extracting diagnoses from free text reports with potential applications to both research and patient care. △ Less

Submitted 1 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: Both Manpreet Singh and Sean Macrae contributed equally and should be considered co-first authors. Corresponding author: Yiorgos Alexandros Cavayas

Low-amplitude solar-like oscillations in the K5 V star $\varepsilon$ Indi A

Authors: Mia S. Lundkvist, Hans Kjeldsen, Timothy R. Bedding, Mark J. McCaughrean, R. Paul Butler, Ditte Slumstrup, Tiago L. Campante, Conny Aerts, Torben Arentoft, Hans Bruntt, Cátia V. Cardoso, Fabien Carrier, Laird M. Close, João Gomes da Silva, Thomas Kallinger, Robert R. King, Yaguang Li, Simon J. Murphy, Jakob L. Rørsted, Dennis Stello

Abstract: We have detected solar-like oscillations in the mid K-dwarf $\varepsilon$ Indi A, making it the coolest dwarf to have measured oscillations. The star is noteworthy for harboring a pair of brown dwarf companions and a Jupiter-type planet. We observed $\varepsilon$ Indi A during two radial velocity campaigns, using the high-resolution spectrographs HARPS (2011) and UVES (2021). Weighting the time se… ▽ More We have detected solar-like oscillations in the mid K-dwarf $\varepsilon$ Indi A, making it the coolest dwarf to have measured oscillations. The star is noteworthy for harboring a pair of brown dwarf companions and a Jupiter-type planet. We observed $\varepsilon$ Indi A during two radial velocity campaigns, using the high-resolution spectrographs HARPS (2011) and UVES (2021). Weighting the time series, we computed the power spectra and established the detection of solar-like oscillations with a power excess located at $5265 \pm 110 \ μ$Hz -- the highest frequency solar-like oscillations so far measured in any star. The measurement of the center of the power excess allows us to compute a stellar mass of $0.782 \pm 0.023 \ M_\odot$ based on scaling relations and a known radius from interferometry. We also determine the amplitude of the peak power and note that there is a slight difference between the two observing campaigns, indicating a varying activity level. Overall, this work confirms that low-amplitude solar-like oscillations can be detected in mid-K type stars in radial velocity measurements obtained with high-precision spectrographs. △ Less

Submitted 7 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Comments: 10 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in ApJ

Ensemble asteroseismology of pulsating B-type stars in NGC 6910

Authors: D. Moździerski, A. Pigulski, Z. Kołaczkowski, G. Michalska, G. Kopacki, F. Carrier, P. Walczak, A. Narwid, M. Stęślicki, J. -N. Fu, X. -J. Jiang, Ch. Zhang, J. Jackiewicz, J. Telting, T. Morel, S. Saesen, E. Zahajkiewicz, P. Bruś, P. Śródka, M. Vučković, T. Verhoelst, V. Van Helshoecht, K. Lefever, C. Gielen, L. Decin , et al. (2 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Asteroseismology offers the possibility of probing stellar interiors and testing evolutionary and seismic models. Precise photometry and spectroscopy obtained during multi-site campaigns on young open clusters allows discovering rich samples of pulsating stars and using them in a simultaneous seismic modelling called ensemble asteroseismology. The aim of this study is to obtain the age of the open… ▽ More Asteroseismology offers the possibility of probing stellar interiors and testing evolutionary and seismic models. Precise photometry and spectroscopy obtained during multi-site campaigns on young open clusters allows discovering rich samples of pulsating stars and using them in a simultaneous seismic modelling called ensemble asteroseismology. The aim of this study is to obtain the age of the open cluster NGC 6910 by means of ensemble asteroseismology of the early-type pulsating members, to derive their stellar parameters, and to classify the excited modes. We used time-series analysis, performed photometric and spectroscopic mode identification, and calculated grids of evolutionary and seismic models to apply the procedure of ensemble asteroseismology for nine pulsating members of NGC 6910. With two iterations of the procedure of ensemble asteroseismology applied to nine pulsating stars we derived an age of 10.6$^{+0.9}_{-0.8}$ Myr for NGC 6910. Of the nine pulsating stars examined in the paper, eight are $β$ Cep stars, including three that are hybrid $β$ Cep and slowly pulsating B-type (SPB) pulsators, and one is an SPB star. Interestingly, the least massive $β$ Cep star, NGC 6910-38, has a mass of about 5.6 M$_\odot$. The present theory does not predict unstable $p$ modes in B-type stars with such a low mass. The $g$ modes with relatively high frequencies ($>3.5$ d$^{-1}$), observed in three members of the cluster, are also stable according to seismic modelling. Both findings pose a challenge for theoretical calculations and prompt a revision of the opacities. The procedure of ensemble asteroseismology was found to be successful for NGC 6910 and $χ$ Per on the basis of pulsating B-type stars and can therefore be applied to other young open clusters that are rich in such stars. △ Less

Submitted 14 January, 2020; v1 submitted 25 October, 2019; originally announced October 2019.

Comments: 22 pages, 24 figures. Caution: arXiv abstract is shorter than in the article

Journal ref: A&A 632, A95 (2019)

Variability survey in NGC 6910, the open cluster rich in $β$ Cephei-type stars

Authors: D. Moździerski, A. Pigulski, Z. Kołaczkowski, G. Michalska, G. Kopacki, A. Narwid, M. Stęślicki, E. Zahajkiewicz, J. Fu, X. Jiang, Ch. Zhang, J. Jackiewicz, J. Telting, T. Morel, P. Śródka, P. Bruś, F. Carrier

Abstract: NGC 6910 is the northern hemisphere open cluster known to be rich in $β$ Cephei-type stars. Using four-season photometry obtained in Białków (Poland) and Xinglong (China) observatories, we performed variability survey of NGC 6910. As the result, we found over 100 variable stars in the field of the cluster, including many stars showing variability due to pulsations and binarity. Thanks to the spect… ▽ More NGC 6910 is the northern hemisphere open cluster known to be rich in $β$ Cephei-type stars. Using four-season photometry obtained in Białków (Poland) and Xinglong (China) observatories, we performed variability survey of NGC 6910. As the result, we found over 100 variable stars in the field of the cluster, including many stars showing variability due to pulsations and binarity. Thanks to the spectroscopic observations, we also detected changes in the profiles of spectral lines of $β$ Cep stars, caused by pulsations. △ Less

Submitted 7 August, 2018; originally announced August 2018.

Comments: 3 pages, 1 figure, XXXVIII Polish Astronomical Society Meeting

New and updated convex shape models of asteroids based on optical data from a large collaboration network

Authors: J. Hanuš, J. Ďurech, D. A. Oszkiewicz, R. Behrend, B. Carry, M. Delbo', O. Adam, V. Afonina, R. Anquetin, P. Antonini, L. Arnold, M. Audejean, P. Aurard, M. Bachschmidt, B. Badue, E. Barbotin, P. Barroy, P. Baudouin, L. Berard, N. Berger, L. Bernasconi, J-G. Bosch, S. Bouley, I. Bozhinova, J. Brinsfield , et al. (144 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Asteroid modeling efforts in the last decade resulted in a comprehensive dataset of almost 400 convex shape models and their rotation states. This amount already provided a deep insight into physical properties of main-belt asteroids or large collisional families. We aim to increase the number of asteroid shape models and rotation states. Such results are an important input for various further stu… ▽ More Asteroid modeling efforts in the last decade resulted in a comprehensive dataset of almost 400 convex shape models and their rotation states. This amount already provided a deep insight into physical properties of main-belt asteroids or large collisional families. We aim to increase the number of asteroid shape models and rotation states. Such results are an important input for various further studies such as analysis of asteroid physical properties in different populations, including smaller collisional families, thermophysical modeling, and scaling shape models by disk-resolved images, or stellar occultation data. This provides, in combination with known masses, bulk density estimates, but constrains also theoretical collisional and evolutional models of the Solar System. We use all available disk-integrated optical data (i.e., classical dense-in-time photometry obtained from public databases and through a large collaboration network as well as sparse-in-time individual measurements from a few sky surveys) as an input for the convex inversion method, and derive 3D shape models of asteroids, together with their rotation periods and orientations of rotation axes. The key ingredient is the support of more that one hundred observers who submit their optical data to publicly available databases. We present updated shape models for 36 asteroids, for which mass estimates are currently available in the literature or their masses will be most likely determined from their gravitational influence on smaller bodies, which orbital deflection will be observed by the ESA Gaia astrometric mission. This was achieved by using additional optical data from recent apparitions for the shape optimization. Moreover, we also present new shape model determinations for 250 asteroids, including 13 Hungarias and 3 near-Earth asteroids. △ Less

Submitted 26 October, 2015; originally announced October 2015.

Comments: Accepted for publication in A&A

Journal ref: A&A 586, A108 (2016)

Models of red giants in the CoRoT asteroseismology fields combining asteroseismic and spectroscopic constraints

Authors: N. Lagarde, A. Miglio, P. Eggenberger, T. Morel, J. Montalbán, B. Mosser, T. S. Rodrigues, L. Girardi, M. Rainer, E. Poretti, C. Barban, S. Hekker, T. Kallinger, M. Valentini, F. Carrier, M. Hareter, L. Mantegazza, Y. Elsworth, E. Michel, A. Baglin

Abstract: Context. The availability of asteroseismic constraints for a large sample of red giant stars from the CoRoT and Kepler missions paves the way for various statistical studies of the seismic properties of stellar populations. Aims. We use the first detailed spectroscopic study of 19 CoRoT red-giant stars (Morel et al 2014) to compare theoretical stellar evolution models to observations of the open… ▽ More Context. The availability of asteroseismic constraints for a large sample of red giant stars from the CoRoT and Kepler missions paves the way for various statistical studies of the seismic properties of stellar populations. Aims. We use the first detailed spectroscopic study of 19 CoRoT red-giant stars (Morel et al 2014) to compare theoretical stellar evolution models to observations of the open cluster NGC 6633 and field stars. Methods. In order to explore the effects of rotation-induced mixing and thermohaline instability, we compare surface abundances of carbon isotopic ratio and lithium with stellar evolution predictions. These chemicals are sensitive to extra-mixing on the red-giant branch. Results. We estimate mass, radius, and distance for each star using the seismic constraints. We note that the Hipparcos and seismic distances are different. However, the uncertainties are such that this may not be significant. Although the seismic distances for the cluster members are self consistent they are somewhat larger than the Hipparcos distance. This is an issue that should be considered elsewhere. Models including thermohaline instability and rotation-induced mixing, together with the seismically determined masses can explain the chemical properties of red-giants targets. However, with this sample of stars we cannot perform stringent tests of the current stellar models. Tighter constraints on the physics of the models would require the measurement of the core and surface rotation rates, and of the period spacing of gravity-dominated mixed modes. A larger number of stars with longer times series, as provided by Kepler or expected with Plato, would help for ensemble asteroseismology. △ Less

Submitted 6 May, 2015; originally announced May 2015.

Comments: Accepted 03/05/2015

Journal ref: A&A 580, A141 (2015)

Detection of solar-like oscillations in the bright red giant stars $γ$ Psc and $θ^1$ Tau from a 190-day high-precision spectroscopic multisite campaign

Authors: P. G. Beck, E. Kambe, M. Hillen, E. Corsaro, H. Van Winckel, E. Moravveji, J. De Ridder, S. Bloemen, S. Saesen, P. Mathias, P. Degroote, T. Kallinger, T. Verhoelst, H. Ando, F. Carrier, B. Acke, R. Oreiro, A. Miglio, P. Eggenberger, B. Sato, K. Zwintz, P. I. Pápics, P. Marcos-Arenal, S. A. Sans Fuentes, V. S. Schmid , et al. (13 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Red giants are evolved stars which exhibit solar-like oscillations. Although a multitude of stars have been observed with space telescopes, only a handful of red-giant stars were targets of spectroscopic asteroseismic observing projects. We search for solar-like oscillations in the two bright red-giant stars $γ$ Psc and $θ^1$ Tau from time series of ground-based spectroscopy and determine the freq… ▽ More Red giants are evolved stars which exhibit solar-like oscillations. Although a multitude of stars have been observed with space telescopes, only a handful of red-giant stars were targets of spectroscopic asteroseismic observing projects. We search for solar-like oscillations in the two bright red-giant stars $γ$ Psc and $θ^1$ Tau from time series of ground-based spectroscopy and determine the frequency of the excess of oscillation power $ν_{max}$ and the mean large frequency separation $Δν$ for both stars. The radial velocities of $γ$ Psc and $θ^1$ Tau were monitored for 120 and 190 days, respectively. Nearly 9000 spectra were obtained. To reach the accurate radial velocities, we used simultaneous thorium-argon and iodine-cell calibration of our optical spectra. In addition to the spectroscopy, we acquired VLTI observations of $γ$ Psc for an independent estimate of the radius. Also 22 days of observations of $θ^1$ Tau with the MOST-satellite were analysed. The frequency analysis of the radial velocity data of $γ$ Psc revealed an excess of oscillation power around 32 $μ$Hz and a large frequency separation of 4.1$\pm$0.1$μ$Hz. $θ^1$ Tau exhibits oscillation power around 90 $μ$Hz, with a large frequency separation of 6.9$\pm$0.2$μ$Hz. Scaling relations indicate that $γ$ Psc is a star of about $\sim$1 M$_\odot$ and $\sim$10 R$_\odot$. $θ^1$ Tau appears to be a massive star of about $\sim$2.7 M$_\odot$ and $\sim$11 R$_\odot$. The radial velocities of both stars were found to be modulated on time scales much longer than the oscillation periods. While the mass of $θ^1$ Tau is in agreement with results from dynamical parallaxes, we find a lower mass for $γ$ Psc than what is given in the literature. The long periodic variability agrees with the expected time scales of rotational modulation. △ Less

Submitted 24 July, 2014; originally announced July 2014.

Comments: 15 pages, 15 figures; accepted for publication in A&A

Atmospheric parameters and chemical properties of red giants in the CoRoT asteroseismology fields

Authors: T. Morel, A. Miglio, N. Lagarde, J. Montalban, M. Rainer, E. Poretti, P. Eggenberger, S. Hekker, T. Kallinger, B. Mosser, M. Valentini, F. Carrier, M. Hareter, L. Mantegazza

Abstract: A precise characterisation of the red giants in the seismology fields of the CoRoT satellite is a prerequisite for further in-depth seismic modelling. High-resolution FEROS and HARPS spectra were obtained as part of the ground-based follow-up campaigns for 19 targets holding great asteroseismic potential. These data are used to accurately estimate their fundamental parameters and the abundances of… ▽ More A precise characterisation of the red giants in the seismology fields of the CoRoT satellite is a prerequisite for further in-depth seismic modelling. High-resolution FEROS and HARPS spectra were obtained as part of the ground-based follow-up campaigns for 19 targets holding great asteroseismic potential. These data are used to accurately estimate their fundamental parameters and the abundances of 16 chemical species in a self-consistent manner. Some powerful probes of mixing are investigated (the Li and CNO abundances, as well as the carbon isotopic ratio in a few cases). The information provided by the spectroscopic and seismic data is combined to provide more accurate physical parameters and abundances. The stars in our sample follow the general abundance trends as a function of the metallicity observed in stars of the Galactic disk. After an allowance is made for the chemical evolution of the interstellar medium, the observational signature of internal mixing phenomena is revealed through the detection at the stellar surface of the products of the CN cycle. A contamination by NeNa-cycled material in the most massive stars is also discussed. With the asteroseismic constraints, these data will pave the way for a detailed theoretical investigation of the physical processes responsible for the transport of chemical elements in evolved, low- and intermediate-mass stars. △ Less

Submitted 18 March, 2014; originally announced March 2014.

Comments: Accepted for publication in A&A, 25 pages, 13 colour figures (revised version after language editing)

An observational asteroseismic study of the pulsating B-stars in the open cluster NGC 884

Authors: S. Saesen, M. Briquet, C. Aerts, A. Miglio, F. Carrier

Abstract: Recent progress in the seismic interpretation of field β Cep stars has resulted in improvements of the physical description in the stellar structure and evolution model computations of massive stars. Further asteroseismic constraints can be obtained from studying ensembles of stars in a young open cluster, which all have similar age, distance and chemical composition. We present an observational a… ▽ More Recent progress in the seismic interpretation of field β Cep stars has resulted in improvements of the physical description in the stellar structure and evolution model computations of massive stars. Further asteroseismic constraints can be obtained from studying ensembles of stars in a young open cluster, which all have similar age, distance and chemical composition. We present an observational asteroseismic study based on the discovery of numerous multi-periodic and mono-periodic B-stars in the open cluster NGC 884. Our study illustrates the current status of ensemble asteroseismology of a young open cluster. △ Less

Submitted 1 October, 2013; originally announced October 2013.

Comments: 2 pages, proceedings of the IAU Symposium No. 301 (2013), "Precision Asteroseismology" (Wroclaw), W. Chaplin, J. Guzik, G. Handler & A. Pigulski (eds.)

Searching for solar-like oscillations in the delta Scuti star rho Puppis

Authors: V. Antoci, G. Handler, F. Grundahl, F. Carrier, E. J. Brugamyer, P. Robertson, H. Kjeldsen, Y. Kok, M. Ireland, J. M. Matthews

Abstract: Despite the shallow convective envelopes of delta Scuti pulsators, solar-like oscillations are theoretically predicted to be excited in those stars as well. To search for such stochastic oscillations we organised a spectroscopic multi-site campaign for the bright, metal-rich delta Sct star rho Puppis. We obtained a total of 2763 high-resolution spectra using four telescopes. We discuss the reducti… ▽ More Despite the shallow convective envelopes of delta Scuti pulsators, solar-like oscillations are theoretically predicted to be excited in those stars as well. To search for such stochastic oscillations we organised a spectroscopic multi-site campaign for the bright, metal-rich delta Sct star rho Puppis. We obtained a total of 2763 high-resolution spectra using four telescopes. We discuss the reduction and analysis with the iodine cell technique, developed for searching for low-amplitude radial velocity variations, in the presence of high-amplitude variability. Furthermore, we have determined the angular diameter of rho Puppis to be 1.68 \pm 0.03 mas, translating into a radius of 3.52 \pm 0.07Rsun. Using this value, the frequency of maximum power of possible solar-like oscillations, is expected at ~43 \pm 2 c/d (498 \pm 23 muHz). The dominant delta Scuti-type pulsation mode of rho Puppis is known to be the radial fundamental mode which allows us to determine the mean density of the star, and therefore an expected large frequency separation of 2.73 c/d (31.6 muHz). We conclude that 1) the radial velocity amplitudes of the delta Scuti pulsations are different for different spectral lines; 2) we can exclude solar-like oscillations to be present in rho Puppis with an amplitude per radial mode larger than 0.5 m/s. △ Less

Submitted 29 July, 2013; originally announced July 2013.

Comments: 14 pages, 12 figure, accepted for MNRAS

Pulsating B-type stars in the open cluster NGC 884: frequencies, mode identification and asteroseismology

Authors: S. Saesen, M. Briquet, C. Aerts, A. Miglio, F. Carrier

Abstract: Recent progress in the seismic interpretation of field beta Cep stars has resulted in improvements of the physics in the stellar structure and evolution models of massive stars. Further asteroseismic constraints can be obtained from studying ensembles of stars in a young open cluster, which all have similar age, distance and chemical composition. We present an observational asteroseismology study… ▽ More Recent progress in the seismic interpretation of field beta Cep stars has resulted in improvements of the physics in the stellar structure and evolution models of massive stars. Further asteroseismic constraints can be obtained from studying ensembles of stars in a young open cluster, which all have similar age, distance and chemical composition. We present an observational asteroseismology study based on the discovery of numerous multi-periodic and mono-periodic B-stars in the open cluster NGC 884. We describe a thorough investigation of the pulsational properties of all B-type stars in the cluster. Overall, our detailed frequency analysis resulted in 115 detected frequencies in 65 stars. We found 36 mono-periodic, 16 bi-periodic, 10 tri-periodic, and 2 quadru-periodic stars and one star with 9 independent frequencies. We also derived the amplitudes and phases of all detected frequencies in the U, B, V and I filter, if available. We achieved unambiguous identifications of the mode degree for twelve of the detected frequencies in nine of the pulsators. Imposing the identified degrees and measured frequencies of the radial, dipole and quadrupole modes of five pulsators led to a seismic cluster age estimate of log(age/yr) =7.12-7.28 from a comparison with stellar models. Our study is a proof-of-concept for and illustrates the current status of ensemble asteroseismology of a young open cluster. △ Less

Submitted 16 July, 2013; originally announced July 2013.

Comments: Accepted for publication in The Astronomical Journal, 40 pages, 9 figures, 5 tables. The full appendix (online material) is appended to the article and contains 26 pages, 1 large table and 106 figures

An abundance study of the red giants in the seismology fields of the CoRoT satellite

Authors: T. Morel, A. Miglio, N. Lagarde, J. Montalban, M. Rainer, E. Poretti, S. Hekker, T. Kallinger, B. Mosser, M. Valentini, F. Carrier, M. Hareter, L. Mantegazza, J. De Ridder

Abstract: A precise characterisation of the red giants in the seismology fields of the CoRoT satellite is a prerequisite for further in-depth seismic modelling. The optical spectra obtained for 19 targets have been used to accurately estimate their fundamental parameters and chemical composition. The extent of internal mixing is also investigated through the abundances of Li, CNO and Na (as well as 12C/13C… ▽ More A precise characterisation of the red giants in the seismology fields of the CoRoT satellite is a prerequisite for further in-depth seismic modelling. The optical spectra obtained for 19 targets have been used to accurately estimate their fundamental parameters and chemical composition. The extent of internal mixing is also investigated through the abundances of Li, CNO and Na (as well as 12C/13C in a few cases). △ Less

Submitted 10 October, 2012; originally announced October 2012.

Comments: 2 pages, 2 colour figures, to appear in proceedings of 40th Liege International Astrophysical Colloquium 'Ageing low-mass stars: from red giants to white dwarfs'

Fast core rotation in red-giant stars revealed by gravity-dominated mixed modes

Authors: Paul G. Beck, Josefina Montalban, Thomas Kallinger, Joris De Ridder, Conny Aerts, Rafael A. García, Saskia Hekker, Marc-Antoine Dupret, Benoit Mosser, Patrick Eggenberger, Dennis Stello, Yvonne Elsworth, Søren Frandsen, Fabien Carrier, Michel Hillen, Michael Gruberbauer, Jørgen Christensen-Dalsgaard, Andrea Miglio, Marica Valentini, Timothy R. Bedding, Hans Kjeldsen, Forrest R. Girouard, Jennifer R. Hall, Khadeejah A. Ibrahim

Abstract: When the core hydrogen is exhausted during stellar evolution, the central region of a star contracts and the outer envelope expands and cools, giving rise to a red giant, in which convection occupies a large fraction of the star. Conservation of angular momentum requires that the cores of these stars rotate faster than their envelopes, and indirect evidence supports this. Information about the ang… ▽ More When the core hydrogen is exhausted during stellar evolution, the central region of a star contracts and the outer envelope expands and cools, giving rise to a red giant, in which convection occupies a large fraction of the star. Conservation of angular momentum requires that the cores of these stars rotate faster than their envelopes, and indirect evidence supports this. Information about the angular momentum distribution is inaccessible to direct observations, but it can be extracted from the effect of rotation on oscillation modes that probe the stellar interior. Here, we report the detection of non-rigid rotation in the interiors of red-giant stars by exploiting the rotational frequency splitting of recently detected mixed modes. We demonstrate an increasing rotation rate from the surface of the star to the stellar core. Comparing with theoretical stellar models, we conclude that the core must rotate at least ten times faster than the surface. This observational result confirms the theoretical prediction of a steep gradient in the rotation profile towards the deep stellar interior. △ Less

Submitted 13 December, 2011; originally announced December 2011.

Comments: to appear as a Letter to Nature

Modelling a high-mass red giant observed by CoRoT

Authors: F. Baudin, C. Barban, M. J. Goupil, R. Samadi, Y. Lebreton, H. Bruntt, T. Morel, L. Lefèvre, E. Michel, B. Mosser, F. Carrier, J. De Ridder, A. Hatzes, S. Hekker, T. Kallinger, M. Auvergne, A. Baglin, C. Catala

Abstract: The G6 giant HR\,2582 (HD\,50890) was observed by CoRoT for approximately 55 days. Mode frequencies are extracted from the observed Fourier spectrum of the light curve. Numerical stellar models are then computed to determine the characteristics of the star (mass, age, etc...) from the comparison with observational constraints. We provide evidence for the presence of solar-like oscillations at low… ▽ More The G6 giant HR\,2582 (HD\,50890) was observed by CoRoT for approximately 55 days. Mode frequencies are extracted from the observed Fourier spectrum of the light curve. Numerical stellar models are then computed to determine the characteristics of the star (mass, age, etc...) from the comparison with observational constraints. We provide evidence for the presence of solar-like oscillations at low frequency, between 10 and 20\,$μ$Hz, with a regular spacing of $(1.7\pm0.1)μ$Hz between consecutive radial orders. Only radial modes are clearly visible. From the models compatible with the observational constraints used here, We find that HR\,2582 (HD\,50890) is a massive star with a mass in the range (3--\,5\,$M_{\odot}$), clearly above the red clump. It oscillates with rather low radial order ($n$ = 5\,--\,12) modes. Its evolutionary stage cannot be determined with precision: the star could be on the ascending red giant branch (hydrogen shell burning) with an age of approximately 155 Myr or in a later phase (helium burning). In order to obtain a reasonable helium amount, the metallicity of the star must be quite subsolar. Our best models are obtained with a mixing length significantly smaller than that obtained for the Sun with the same physical description (except overshoot). The amount of core overshoot during the main-sequence phase is found to be mild, of the order of 0.1\,$H_{\rm p}$. △ Less

Submitted 28 November, 2011; originally announced November 2011.

Comments: Accepted in A&A

Gravity modes as a way to distinguish between hydrogen- and helium-burning red giant stars

Authors: Timothy R. Bedding, Benoit Mosser, Daniel Huber, Josefina Montalban, Paul Beck, Joergen Christensen-Dalsgaard, Yvonne P. Elsworth, Rafael A. Garcia, Andrea Miglio, Dennis Stello, Timothy R. White, Joris De Ridder, Saskia Hekker, Conny Aerts, Caroline Barban, Kevin Belkacem, Anne-Marie Broomhall, Timothy M. Brown, Derek L. Buzasi, Fabien Carrier, William J. Chaplin, Maria Pia Di Mauro, Marc-Antoine Dupret, Soeren Frandsen, Ronald L. Gilliland , et al. (9 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Red giants are evolved stars that have exhausted the supply of hydrogen in their cores and instead burn hydrogen in a surrounding shell. Once a red giant is sufficiently evolved, the helium in the core also undergoes fusion. Outstanding issues in our understanding of red giants include uncertainties in the amount of mass lost at the surface before helium ignition and the amount of internal mixing… ▽ More Red giants are evolved stars that have exhausted the supply of hydrogen in their cores and instead burn hydrogen in a surrounding shell. Once a red giant is sufficiently evolved, the helium in the core also undergoes fusion. Outstanding issues in our understanding of red giants include uncertainties in the amount of mass lost at the surface before helium ignition and the amount of internal mixing from rotation and other processes. Progress is hampered by our inability to distinguish between red giants burning helium in the core and those still only burning hydrogen in a shell. Asteroseismology offers a way forward, being a powerful tool for probing the internal structures of stars using their natural oscillation frequencies. Here we report observations of gravity-mode period spacings in red giants that permit a distinction between evolutionary stages to be made. We use high-precision photometry obtained with the Kepler spacecraft over more than a year to measure oscillations in several hundred red giants. We find many stars whose dipole modes show sequences with approximately regular period spacings. These stars fall into two clear groups, allowing us to distinguish unambiguously between hydrogen-shell-burning stars (period spacing mostly about 50 seconds) and those that are also burning helium (period spacing about 100 to 300 seconds). △ Less

Submitted 29 March, 2011; originally announced March 2011.

Comments: to appear as a Letter to Nature

Amplitudes and lifetimes of solar-like oscillations observed by CoRoT* Red-giant versus main-sequence stars

Authors: F. Baudin, C. Barban, K. Belkacem, S. Hekker, T. Morel, R. Samadi, O. Benomar, M. -J. Goupil, F. Carrier, J. Ballot, S. Deheuvels, J. De Ridder, A. P. Hatzes, T. Kallinger, W. W. Weiss

Abstract: Context. The advent of space-borne missions such as CoRoT or Kepler providing photometric data has brought new possibilities for asteroseismology across the H-R diagram. Solar-like oscillations are now observed in many stars, including red giants and main- sequence stars. Aims. Based on several hundred identified pulsating red giants, we aim to characterize their oscillation amplitudes and widths.… ▽ More Context. The advent of space-borne missions such as CoRoT or Kepler providing photometric data has brought new possibilities for asteroseismology across the H-R diagram. Solar-like oscillations are now observed in many stars, including red giants and main- sequence stars. Aims. Based on several hundred identified pulsating red giants, we aim to characterize their oscillation amplitudes and widths. These observables are compared with those of main-sequence stars in order to test trends and scaling laws for these parameters for both main-sequence stars and red giants. Methods. An automated fitting procedure is used to analyze several hundred Fourier spectra. For each star, a modeled spectrum is fitted to the observed oscillation spectrum, and mode parameters are derived. Results. Amplitudes and widths of red-giant solar-like oscillations are estimated for several hundred modes of oscillation. Amplitudes are relatively high (several hundred ppm) and widths relatively small (very few tenths of a μHz). Conclusions. Widths measured in main-sequence stars show a different variation with the effective temperature than red giants. A single scaling law is derived for mode amplitudes of both red giants and main-sequence stars versus their luminosity to mass ratio. However, our results suggest that two regimes may also be compatible with the observations. △ Less

Submitted 28 November, 2011; v1 submitted 9 February, 2011; originally announced February 2011.

Comments: Accepted in A&A on 2011 February 8th, now includes corrections (results now more precise on Γand A_max in Section 4.3 and 4.4, fig. 7 corrected consequently)

Effects of rotational mixing on the asteroseismic properties of solar-type stars

Authors: P. Eggenberger, G. Meynet, A. Maeder, A. Miglio, J. Montalban, F. Carrier, S. Mathis, C. Charbonnel, S. Talon

Abstract: The influence of rotational mixing on the evolution and asteroseismic properties of solar-type stars is studied. Rotational mixing changes the global properties of a solar-type star with a significant increase of the effective temperature resulting in a shift of the evolutionary track to the blue part of the HR diagram. These differences are related to changes of the chemical composition, because… ▽ More The influence of rotational mixing on the evolution and asteroseismic properties of solar-type stars is studied. Rotational mixing changes the global properties of a solar-type star with a significant increase of the effective temperature resulting in a shift of the evolutionary track to the blue part of the HR diagram. These differences are related to changes of the chemical composition, because rotational mixing counteracts the effects of atomic diffusion leading to larger helium surface abundances for rotating models than for non-rotating ones. Higher values of the large frequency separation are then found for rotating models than for non-rotating ones at the same evolutionary stage, because the increase of the effective temperature leads to a smaller radius and hence to an increase of the stellar mean density. Rotational mixing also has a considerable impact on the structure and chemical composition of the central stellar layers by bringing fresh hydrogen fuel to the core, thereby enhancing the main-sequence lifetime. The increase of the central hydrogen abundance together with the change of the chemical profiles in the central layers result in a significant increase of the values of the small frequency separations and of the ratio of the small to large separations for models including shellular rotation. This increase is clearly seen for models with the same age sharing the same initial parameters except for the inclusion of rotation as well as for models with the same global stellar parameters and in particular the same location in the HR diagram. By computing rotating models of solar-type stars including the effects of a dynamo that possibly occurs in the radiative zone, we find that the efficiency of rotational mixing is strongly reduced when the effects of magnetic fields are taken into account, in contrast to what happens in massive stars. △ Less

Submitted 23 September, 2010; originally announced September 2010.

Comments: 11 pages, 15 figures, accepted for publication in A&A

Core properties of alpha Cen A using asteroseismology

Authors: P. de Meulenaer, F. Carrier, A. Miglio, T. R. Bedding, T. L. Campante, P. Eggenberger, H. Kjeldsen, J. Montalban

Abstract: A set of long and nearly continuous observations of alpha Centauri A should allow us to derive an accurate set of asteroseismic constraints to compare to models, and make inferences on the internal structure of our closest stellar neighbour. We intend to improve the knowledge of the interior of alpha Centauri A by determining the nature of its core. We combined the radial velocity time series obta… ▽ More A set of long and nearly continuous observations of alpha Centauri A should allow us to derive an accurate set of asteroseismic constraints to compare to models, and make inferences on the internal structure of our closest stellar neighbour. We intend to improve the knowledge of the interior of alpha Centauri A by determining the nature of its core. We combined the radial velocity time series obtained in May 2001 with three spectrographs in Chile and Australia: CORALIE, UVES, and UCLES. The resulting combined time series has a length of 12.45 days and contains over 10,000 data points and allows to greatly reduce the daily alias peaks in the power spectral window. We detected 44 frequencies that are in good overall agreement with previous studies, and found that 14 of these show possible rotational splittings. New values for the large and small separations have been derived. A comparison with stellar models indicates that the asteroseismic constraints determined in this study allows us to set an upper limit to the amount of convective-core overshooting needed to model stars of mass and metallicity similar to those of alpha Cen A. △ Less

Submitted 7 September, 2010; originally announced September 2010.

Comments: 8 pages, 11 figures, A&A accepted

Evidence for a sharp structure variation inside a red-giant star

Authors: A. Miglio, J. Montalbán, F. Carrier, J. De Ridder, B. Mosser, P. Eggenberger, R. Scuflaire, P. Ventura, F. D'Antona, A. Noels, A. Baglin

Abstract: The availability of precisely determined frequencies of radial and non-radial oscillation modes in red giants is finally paving the way for detailed studies of the internal structure of these stars. We look for the seismic signature of regions of sharp structure variation in the internal structure of the CoRoT target HR7349. We analyse the frequency dependence of the large frequency separation and… ▽ More The availability of precisely determined frequencies of radial and non-radial oscillation modes in red giants is finally paving the way for detailed studies of the internal structure of these stars. We look for the seismic signature of regions of sharp structure variation in the internal structure of the CoRoT target HR7349. We analyse the frequency dependence of the large frequency separation and second frequency differences, as well as the behaviour of the large frequency separation obtained with the envelope auto-correlation function. We find evidence for a periodic component in the oscillation frequencies, i.e. the seismic signature of a sharp structure variation in HR7349. In a comparison with stellar models we interpret this feature as caused by a local depression of the sound speed that occurs in the helium second-ionization region. Using solely seismic constraints this allows us to estimate the mass (M=1.2^{+0.6}_{-0.4} Msun) and radius (R=12.2^{+2.1}_{-1.8} Rsun) of HR7349, which agrees with the location of the star in an HR diagram. △ Less

Submitted 6 September, 2010; originally announced September 2010.

Comments: 4 pages, 5 figures, accepted in A&A Letters

Towards ensemble asteroseismology of the young open clusters Chi Persei and NGC 6910

Authors: S. Saesen, A. Pigulski, F. Carrier, G. Michalska, C. Aerts, J. De Ridder, M. Briquet, G. Handler, Z. Kolaczkowski, B. Acke, E. Bauwens, P. G. Beck, Y. Blom, J. Blommaert, E. Broeders, M. Cherix, G. Davignon, J. Debosscher, P. Degroote, L. Decin, S. Dehaes, W. De Meester, P. Deroo, M. Desmet, R. Drummond , et al. (49 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: As a result of the variability survey in Chi Persei and NGC6910, the number of Beta Cep stars that are members of these two open clusters is increased to twenty stars, nine in NGC6910 and eleven in Chi Persei. We compare pulsational properties, in particular the frequency spectra, of Beta Cep stars in both clusters and explain the differences in terms of the global parameters of the clusters. We… ▽ More As a result of the variability survey in Chi Persei and NGC6910, the number of Beta Cep stars that are members of these two open clusters is increased to twenty stars, nine in NGC6910 and eleven in Chi Persei. We compare pulsational properties, in particular the frequency spectra, of Beta Cep stars in both clusters and explain the differences in terms of the global parameters of the clusters. We also indicate that the more complicated pattern of the variability among B type stars in Chi Persei is very likely caused by higher rotational velocities of stars in this cluster. We conclude that the sample of pulsating stars in the two open clusters constitutes a very good starting point for the ensemble asteroseismology of Beta Cep-type stars and maybe also for other B-type pulsators. △ Less

Submitted 16 April, 2010; originally announced April 2010.

Comments: 4 pages, Astronomische Nachrichten, HELAS IV Conference, Arecife, Lanzarote, Feb 2010, submitted

Journal ref: Astronomische Nachrichten 331, No. 9/10, 1080 - 1083 (2010)

A multi-site campaign to measure solar-like oscillations in Procyon. II. Mode frequencies

Authors: T. R. Bedding, H. Kjeldsen, T. L. Campante, T. Appourchaux, A. Bonanno, W. J. Chaplin, R. A. Garcia, M. Martic, B. Mosser, R. P. Butler, H. Bruntt, L. L. Kiss, S. J. O'Toole, E. Kambe, H. Ando, H. Izumiura, B. Sato, M. Hartmann, A. Hatzes, C. Barban, G. Berthomieu, E. Michel, J. Provost, S. Turck-Chieze, J. -C. Lebrun , et al. (25 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We have analyzed data from a multi-site campaign to observe oscillations in the F5 star Procyon. The data consist of high-precision velocities that we obtained over more than three weeks with eleven telescopes. A new method for adjusting the data weights allows us to suppress the sidelobes in the power spectrum. Stacking the power spectrum in a so-called echelle diagram reveals two clear ridges… ▽ More We have analyzed data from a multi-site campaign to observe oscillations in the F5 star Procyon. The data consist of high-precision velocities that we obtained over more than three weeks with eleven telescopes. A new method for adjusting the data weights allows us to suppress the sidelobes in the power spectrum. Stacking the power spectrum in a so-called echelle diagram reveals two clear ridges that we identify with even and odd values of the angular degree (l=0 and 2, and l=1 and 3, respectively). We interpret a strong, narrow peak at 446 muHz that lies close to the l=1 ridge as a mode with mixed character. We show that the frequencies of the ridge centroids and their separations are useful diagnostics for asteroseismology. In particular, variations in the large separation appear to indicate a glitch in the sound-speed profile at an acoustic depth of about 1000 s. We list frequencies for 55 modes extracted from the data spanning 20 radial orders, a range comparable to the best solar data, which will provide valuable constraints for theoretical models. A preliminary comparison with published models shows that the offset between observed and calculated frequencies for the radial modes is very different for Procyon than for the Sun and other cool stars. We find the mean lifetime of the modes in Procyon to be 1.29 +0.55/-0.49 days, which is significantly shorter than the 2-4 days seen in the Sun. △ Less

Submitted 26 February, 2010; originally announced March 2010.

Comments: accepted for publication in ApJ

Journal ref: ApJ, 713, 935 (2010)

Accurate fundamental parameters for 23 bright solar-type stars

Authors: H. Bruntt, T. R. Bedding, P. -O. Quirion, G. Lo Curto, F. Carrier, B. Smalley, T. H. Dall, T. Arentoft, M. Bazot, R. P. Butler

Abstract: We combine results from interferometry, asteroseismology and spectroscopy to determine accurate fundamental parameters of 23 bright solar-type stars, from spectral type F5 to K2 and luminosity classes III to V. For some stars we can use direct techniques to determine the mass, radius, luminosity and effective temperature, and we compare with indirect methods that rely on photometric calibrations… ▽ More We combine results from interferometry, asteroseismology and spectroscopy to determine accurate fundamental parameters of 23 bright solar-type stars, from spectral type F5 to K2 and luminosity classes III to V. For some stars we can use direct techniques to determine the mass, radius, luminosity and effective temperature, and we compare with indirect methods that rely on photometric calibrations or spectroscopic analyses. We use the asteroseismic information available in the literature to infer an indirect mass with an accuracy of 4-15 percent. From indirect methods we determine luminosity and radius to 3 percent. For Teff we find a slight offset of -40+-20 K between the spectroscopic method and the direct method, meaning the spectroscopic temperatures are too high. From the spectroscopic analysis we determine the detailed chemical composition for 13 elements, including Li, C and O. We find no significant offset between the spectroscopic surface gravity and the value from combining asteroseismology with radius estimates. From the spectroscopy we also determine vsini and we present a new calibration of macro- and microturbulence. From the comparison between the results from the direct and spectroscopic methods we claim that we can determine Teff, log g, and [Fe/H] with absolute accuracies of 80 K, 0.08 dex, and 0.07 dex. The indirect methods are important to obtain reliable estimates of the fundamental parameters of relatively faint stars when interferometry cannot be used. Our study is the first to compare direct and indirect methods for a large sample of stars, and we conclude that indirect methods are valid, although slight corrections may be needed. △ Less

Submitted 23 February, 2010; originally announced February 2010.

Comments: Accepted by MNRAS. Abstract abridged

Red Giants observed with CoRoT

Authors: S. Hekker, J. De Ridder, F. Baudin, C. Barban, F. Carrier, A. P. Hatzes, T. Kallinger, W. W. Weiss

Abstract: Observations of red (G-K)-giant stars with the CoRoT satellite provide unprecedented information on the stochastically excited oscillations in these stars. The long time series of nearly uninterrupted high-cadence and high-precision photometry revealed the presence of non-radial modes with long lifetimes, which opens the possibility to perform asteroseismology on these stars. Also, the large num… ▽ More Observations of red (G-K)-giant stars with the CoRoT satellite provide unprecedented information on the stochastically excited oscillations in these stars. The long time series of nearly uninterrupted high-cadence and high-precision photometry revealed the presence of non-radial modes with long lifetimes, which opens the possibility to perform asteroseismology on these stars. Also, the large number of red giants, for which solar-like oscillations are now observed, allows for a more statistical investigation of the characteristics of solar-like oscillations in red giants. △ Less

Submitted 25 January, 2010; originally announced January 2010.

Comments: Proc. 'Stellar Pulsation: Challenges for theory and observation'; eds Joyce Ann Guzik, Paul A. Bradley; AIP Conf. Proc., Vol. 1170, pp. 127-131 (2009);

Non-radial oscillations in the red giant HR7349 measured by CoRoT

Authors: F. Carrier, J. De Ridder, F. Baudin, C. Barban, A. P. Hatzes, S. Hekker, T. Kallinger, A. Miglio, J. Montalban, T. Morel, W. W. Weiss, M. Auvergne, A. Baglin, C. Catala, E. Michel, R. Samadi

Abstract: Convection in red giant stars excites resonant acoustic waves whose frequencies depend on the sound speed inside the star, which in turn depends on the properties of the stellar interior. Therefore, asteroseismology is the most robust available method for probing the internal structure of red giant stars. Solar-like oscillations in the red giant HR7349 are investigated. Our study is based on a t… ▽ More Convection in red giant stars excites resonant acoustic waves whose frequencies depend on the sound speed inside the star, which in turn depends on the properties of the stellar interior. Therefore, asteroseismology is the most robust available method for probing the internal structure of red giant stars. Solar-like oscillations in the red giant HR7349 are investigated. Our study is based on a time series of 380760 photometric measurements spread over 5 months obtained with the CoRoT satellite. Mode parameters were estimated using maximum likelihood estimation of the power spectrum. The power spectrum of the high-precision time series clearly exhibits several identifiable peaks between 19 and 40 uHz showing regularity with a mean large and small spacing of Dnu = 3.47+-0.12 uHz and dnu_02 = 0.65+-0.10 uHz. Nineteen individual modes are identified with amplitudes in the range from 35 to 115 ppm. The mode damping time is estimated to be 14.7+4.7-2.9 days. △ Less

Submitted 11 January, 2010; originally announced January 2010.

Comments: 8 pages, A&A accepted

Photometric multi-site campaign on the open cluster NGC 884 I. Detection of the variable stars

Authors: S. Saesen, F. Carrier, A. Pigulski, C. Aerts, G. Handler, A. Narwid, J. N. Fu, C. Zhang, X. J. Jiang, J. Vanautgaerden, G. Kopacki, M. Stȩślicki, B. Acke, E. Poretti, K. Uytterhoeven, C. Gielen, R. Østensen, W. De Meester, M. D. Reed, Z. Kołaczkowski, G. Michalska, E. Schmidt, K. Yakut, A. Leitner, B. Kalomeni , et al. (40 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: CONTEXT: Recent progress in the seismic interpretation of field beta Cep stars has resulted in improvements of the physics in the stellar structure and evolution models of massive stars. Further asteroseismic constraints can be obtained from studying ensembles of stars in a young open cluster, which all have similar age, distance and chemical composition. AIMS: To improve our comprehension of… ▽ More CONTEXT: Recent progress in the seismic interpretation of field beta Cep stars has resulted in improvements of the physics in the stellar structure and evolution models of massive stars. Further asteroseismic constraints can be obtained from studying ensembles of stars in a young open cluster, which all have similar age, distance and chemical composition. AIMS: To improve our comprehension of the beta Cep stars, we studied the young open cluster NGC 884 to discover new B-type pulsators, besides the two known beta Cep stars, and other variable stars. METHODS: An extensive multi-site campaign was set up to gather accurate CCD photometry time series in four filters (U, B, V, I) of a field of NGC884. Fifteen different instruments collected almost 77500 CCD images in 1286 hours. The images were calibrated and reduced to transform the CCD frames into interpretable differential light curves. Various variability indicators and frequency analyses were applied to detect variable stars in the field. Absolute photometry was taken to deduce some general cluster and stellar properties. RESULTS: We achieved an accuracy for the brightest stars of 5.7 mmag in V, 6.9 mmag in B, 5.0 mmag in I and 5.3 mmag in U. The noise level in the amplitude spectra is 50 micromag in the V band. Our campaign confirms the previously known pulsators, and we report more than one hundred new multi- and mono-periodic B-, A- and F-type stars. Their interpretation in terms of classical instability domains is not straightforward, pointing to imperfections in theoretical instability computations. In addition, we have discovered six new eclipsing binaries and four candidates as well as other irregular variable stars in the observed field. △ Less

Submitted 7 January, 2010; originally announced January 2010.

Comments: Accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics, 21 pages, 14 figures, 4 tables. The full appendix is available at http://www.ster.kuleuven.be/~sophies/Appendix.pdf (74 MB, 169 pages, 343 figures, 1 table)

Characteristics of solar-like oscillations in red giants observed in the CoRoT exoplanet field

Authors: S. Hekker, T. Kallinger, F. Baudin, J. De Ridder, C. Barban, F. Carrier, A. P. Hatzes, W. W. Weiss, A. Baglin

Abstract: Observations during the first long run (~150 days) in the exo-planet field of CoRoT increase the number of G-K giant stars for which solar-like oscillations are observed by a factor of 100. This opens the possibility to study the characteristics of their oscillations in a statistical sense. We aim to understand the statistical distribution of the frequencies of maximum oscillation power (nu_max)… ▽ More Observations during the first long run (~150 days) in the exo-planet field of CoRoT increase the number of G-K giant stars for which solar-like oscillations are observed by a factor of 100. This opens the possibility to study the characteristics of their oscillations in a statistical sense. We aim to understand the statistical distribution of the frequencies of maximum oscillation power (nu_max) in red giants and to search for a possible correlation between nu_max and the large separation (delta_nu). The nu_max distribution shows a pronounced peak between 20 - 40 microHz. For about half of the stars we obtain delta_nu with at least two methods. The correlation between nu_max and delta_nu follows the same scaling relation as inferred for solar-like stars. The shape of the nu_max distribution can partly be explained by granulation at low frequencies and by white noise at high frequencies, but the population density of the observed stars turns out to be also an important factor. From the fact that the correlation between delta_nu and nu_max for red giants follows the same scaling relation as obtained for sun-like stars, we conclude that the sound travel time over the pressure scale height of the atmosphere scales with the sound travel time through the whole star irrespective of evolution. △ Less

Submitted 26 June, 2009; originally announced June 2009.

Comments: Accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics (CoRoT special issue), 5 pages, 7 figures and 1 table

Evidence for nonlinear resonant mode coupling in the Beta Cep star HD 180642 (V1449 Aql) from CoRoT space-based photometry

Authors: P. Degroote, M. Briquet, C. Catala, K. Uytterhoeven, K. Lefever, T. Morel, C. Aerts, F. Carrier, M. Auvergne, A. Baglin, E. Michel

Abstract: We present the CoRoT light curve of the Beta Cep star HD 180642, assembled during the first long run of the space mission, as well as archival single-band photometry. Our goal is to analyse the detailed behaviour present in the light curve and interpret it in terms of excited mode frequencies. After describing the noise properties in detail, we use various time series analysis and fitting te… ▽ More We present the CoRoT light curve of the Beta Cep star HD 180642, assembled during the first long run of the space mission, as well as archival single-band photometry. Our goal is to analyse the detailed behaviour present in the light curve and interpret it in terms of excited mode frequencies. After describing the noise properties in detail, we use various time series analysis and fitting techniques to model the CoRoT light curve, for various physical assumptions. We apply statistical goodness-of-fit criteria that allow us to select the most appropriate physical model fit to the data. We conclude that the light curve model based on nonlinear resonant frequency and phase locking provides the best representation of the data. The interpretation of the residuals is dependent on the chosen physical model used to prewhiten the data. Our observational results constitute a fruitful starting point for detailed seismic stellar modelling of this large-amplitude and evolved Beta Cep star. △ Less

Submitted 22 June, 2009; originally announced June 2009.

Comments: 13 pages, 12 figures, accepted for publication in A&A, 27 may 2009

Ground-based observations of the beta Cephei CoRoT main target HD 180642: abundance analysis and mode identification

Authors: M. Briquet, K. Uytterhoeven, T. Morel, C. Aerts, P. De Cat, P. Mathias, K. Lefever, A. Miglio, E. Poretti, S. Martin-Ruiz, M. Paparo, M. Rainer, F. Carrier, J. Gutierrez-Soto, J. C. Valtier, J. M. Benko, Zs. Bognar, E. Niemczura, P. J. Amado, J. C. Suarez, A. Moya, C. Rodriguez-Lopez, R. Garrido

Abstract: The known beta Cephei star HD 180642 was observed by the CoRoT satellite in 2007. From the very high-precision light curve, its pulsation frequency spectrum could be derived for the first time (Degroote and collaborators). In this paper, we obtain additional constraints for forthcoming asteroseismic modeling of the target. Our results are based on both extensive ground-based multicolour photomet… ▽ More The known beta Cephei star HD 180642 was observed by the CoRoT satellite in 2007. From the very high-precision light curve, its pulsation frequency spectrum could be derived for the first time (Degroote and collaborators). In this paper, we obtain additional constraints for forthcoming asteroseismic modeling of the target. Our results are based on both extensive ground-based multicolour photometry and high-resolution spectroscopy. We determine T_eff = 24 500+-1000 K and log g = 3.45+-0.15 dex from spectroscopy. The derived chemical abundances are consistent with those for B stars in the solar neighbourhood, except for a mild nitrogen excess. A metallicity Z = 0.0099+-0.0016 is obtained. Three modes are detected in photometry. The degree l is unambiguously identified for two of them: l = 0 and l = 3 for the frequencies 5.48694 1/d and 0.30818 1/d, respectively. The radial mode is non-linear and highly dominant with an amplitude in the U-filter about 15 times larger than the strongest of the other modes. For the third frequency of 7.36673 1/d found in photometry, two possibilities remain: l = 0 or 3. In the radial velocities, the dominant radial mode presents a so-called stillstand but no clear evidence of the existence of shocks is observed. Four low-amplitude modes are found in spectroscopy and one of them, with frequency 8.4079 1/d, is identified as (l,m)=(3,2). Based on this mode identification, we finally deduce an equatorial rotational velocity of 38+-15 km/s. △ Less

Submitted 19 June, 2009; originally announced June 2009.

Comments: Accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Asteroseismology of massive stars in the young open cluster NGC 884: a status report

Authors: S. Saesen, F. Carrier, A. Pigulski

Abstract: To improve our comprehension of the beta Cephei stars, we set up a photometric multi-site campaign on the open cluster NGC 884 (Chi Persei). Thirteen telescopes joined the 2005-2007 campaign which resulted in almost 78000 CCD frames. We present an up-to-date status of the analysis of these data, in which several interesting oscillating stars are pointed out. We end with the future prospects. To improve our comprehension of the beta Cephei stars, we set up a photometric multi-site campaign on the open cluster NGC 884 (Chi Persei). Thirteen telescopes joined the 2005-2007 campaign which resulted in almost 78000 CCD frames. We present an up-to-date status of the analysis of these data, in which several interesting oscillating stars are pointed out. We end with the future prospects. △ Less

Submitted 6 January, 2009; originally announced January 2009.

Comments: 6 pages, 4 figures, accepted in CoAst 158

Photometric campaign on massive stars in the open cluster NGC 5617

Authors: F. Carrier, S. Saesen, M. Cherix, G. Bourban, G. Burki, J. Debosscher, D. Debruyne, P. Gruyters, L. M. Sarro, M. Spano, L. Weber

Abstract: A campaign on the open cluster NGC 5617 was organized in order to characterize the pulsations and to better understand the internal structure of its stars. The variability of the cluster members was never studied before. We present the observations taken and an up-to-date analysis of the obtained time series, especially of several SPB candidates we discovered. A campaign on the open cluster NGC 5617 was organized in order to characterize the pulsations and to better understand the internal structure of its stars. The variability of the cluster members was never studied before. We present the observations taken and an up-to-date analysis of the obtained time series, especially of several SPB candidates we discovered. △ Less

Submitted 6 January, 2009; originally announced January 2009.

Comments: 3 pages, 1 figure, accepted in CoAst 158

Oscillating red giants in the CoRoT exo-field: Asteroseismic mass and radius determination

Authors: T. Kallinger, W. W. Weiss, C. Barban, F. Baudin, F. Carrier, C. Cameron, J. De Ridder, M. -J. Goupil, M. Gruberbauer, A. Hatzes, S. Hekker, R. Samadi, M. Deleuil

Abstract: Context. Observations and analysis of solar-type oscillations in red-giant stars is an emerging aspect of asteroseismic analysis with a number of open questions yet to be explored. Although stochastic oscillations have previously been detected in red giants from both radial velocity and photometric measurements, those data were either too short or had sampling that was not complete enough to per… ▽ More Context. Observations and analysis of solar-type oscillations in red-giant stars is an emerging aspect of asteroseismic analysis with a number of open questions yet to be explored. Although stochastic oscillations have previously been detected in red giants from both radial velocity and photometric measurements, those data were either too short or had sampling that was not complete enough to perform a detailed data analysis of the variability. The quality and quantity of photometric data as provided by the CoRoT satellite is necessary to provide a breakthrough in observing p-mode oscillations in red giants. We have analyzed continuous photometric time-series of about 11 400 relatively faint stars obtained in the exofield of CoRoT during the first 150 days long-run campaign from May to October 2007. We find several hundred stars showing a clear power excess in a frequency and amplitude range expected for red-giant pulsators. In this paper we present first results on a sub-sample of these stars. Aims. Knowing reliable fundamental parameters like mass and radius is essential for detailed asteroseismic studies of red-giant stars. As the CoRoT exofield targets are relatively faint (11-16 mag) there are no (or only weak) constraints on the star's location in the H-R diagram. We therefore aim to extract information about such fundamental parameters solely from the available time series. Methods. We model the convective background noise and the power excess hump due to pulsation with a global model fit and deduce reliable estimates for the stellar mass and radius from scaling relations for the frequency of maximum oscillation power and the characteristic frequency separation. △ Less

Submitted 23 November, 2009; v1 submitted 28 November, 2008; originally announced November 2008.

Comments: 10 pages, 7 figures, accepted for publication in A&A

A multi-site campaign to measure solar-like oscillations in Procyon. I. Observations, Data Reduction and Slow Variations

Authors: Torben Arentoft, Hans Kjeldsen, Timothy R. Bedding, Michael Bazot, Joergen Christensen-Dalsgaard, Thomas H. Dall, Christoffer Karoff, Fabien Carrier, Patrick Eggenberger, Danuta Sosnowska, Robert A. Wittenmyer, Michael Endl, Travis S. Metcalfe, Saskia Hekker, Sabine Reffert, R. Paul Butler, Hans Bruntt, Laszlo L. Kiss, Simon J. O'Toole, Eiji Kambe, Hiroyasu Ando, Hideyuki Izumiura, Bun'ei Sato, Michael Hartmann, Artie Hatzes , et al. (23 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We have carried out a multi-site campaign to measure oscillations in the F5 star Procyon A. We obtained high-precision velocity observations over more than three weeks with eleven telescopes, with almost continuous coverage for the central ten days. This represents the most extensive campaign so far organized on any solar-type oscillator. We describe in detail the methods we used for processing… ▽ More We have carried out a multi-site campaign to measure oscillations in the F5 star Procyon A. We obtained high-precision velocity observations over more than three weeks with eleven telescopes, with almost continuous coverage for the central ten days. This represents the most extensive campaign so far organized on any solar-type oscillator. We describe in detail the methods we used for processing and combining the data. These involved calculating weights for the velocity time series from the measurement uncertainties and adjusting them in order to minimize the noise level of the combined data. The time series of velocities for Procyon shows the clear signature of oscillations, with a plateau of excess power that is centred at 0.9 mHz and is broader than has been seen for other stars. The mean amplitude of the radial modes is 38.1 +/- 1.3 cm/s (2.0 times solar), which is consistent with previous detections from the ground and by the WIRE spacecraft, and also with the upper limit set by the MOST spacecraft. The variation of the amplitude during the observing campaign allows us to estimate the mode lifetime to be 1.5 d (+1.9/-0.8 d). We also find a slow variation in the radial velocity of Procyon, with good agreement between different telescopes. These variations are remarkably similar to those seen in the Sun, and we interpret them as being due to rotational modulation from active regions on the stellar surface. The variations appear to have a period of about 10 days, which presumably equals the stellar rotation period or, perhaps, half of it. The amount of power in these slow variations indicates that the fractional area of Procyon covered by active regions is slightly higher than for the Sun. △ Less

Submitted 29 July, 2008; v1 submitted 24 July, 2008; originally announced July 2008.

Comments: accepted for publication in ApJ. Minor change to Fig 11

Analysis of 70 Ophiuchi AB including seismic constraints

Authors: P. Eggenberger, A. Miglio, F. Carrier, J. Fernandes, N. C. Santos

Abstract: The analysis of solar-like oscillations for stars belonging to a binary system provides a unique opportunity to probe the internal stellar structure and to test our knowledge of stellar physics. Such oscillations have been recently observed and characterized for the A component of the 70 Ophiuchi system. A model of 70 Ophiuchi AB that correctly reproduces all observational constraints available… ▽ More The analysis of solar-like oscillations for stars belonging to a binary system provides a unique opportunity to probe the internal stellar structure and to test our knowledge of stellar physics. Such oscillations have been recently observed and characterized for the A component of the 70 Ophiuchi system. A model of 70 Ophiuchi AB that correctly reproduces all observational constraints available for both stars is determined. An age of 6.2 +- 1.0 Gyr is found with an initial helium mass fraction Y_i=0.266 +- 0.015 and an initial metallicity (Z/X)_i=0.0300 +- 0.0025 when atomic diffusion is included and a solar value of the mixing-length parameter assumed. A precise and independent determination of the value of the mixing-length parameter needed to model 70 Oph A requires accurate measurement of the mean small separation, which is not available yet. Current asteroseismic observations, however, suggest that the value of the mixing-length parameter of 70 Oph A is lower or equal to the solar calibrated value. The effects of atomic diffusion and of the choice of the adopted solar mixture were also studied. We also tested and compared the theoretical tools used for the modeling of stars for which p-modes frequencies are detected by performing this analysis with three different stellar evolution codes and two different calibration methods. We found that the different evolution codes and calibration methods we used led to perfectly coherent results. △ Less

Submitted 25 February, 2008; originally announced February 2008.

Comments: 9 pages, 8 figures, accepted for publication in A&A

Oscillations in Procyon A: First results from a multi-site campaign

Authors: S. Hekker, T. Arentoft, H. Kjeldsen, T. R. Bedding, J. Christensen-Dalsgaard, S. Reffert, H. Bruntt, R. P. Butler, L. L. Kiss, S. J. O'Toole, E. Kambe, H. Ando, H. Izumiura, B. Sato, M. Hartmann, A. P. Hatzes, T. Appourchaux, C. Barban, G. Berthomieu, F. Bouchy, R. A. Garcia, J. -C. Lebrun, M. Martic, E. Michel, B. Mosser , et al. (23 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Procyon A is a bright F5IV star in a binary system. Although the distance, mass and angular diameter of this star are all known with high precision, the exact evolutionary state is still unclear. Evolutionary tracks with different ages and different mass fractions of hydrogen in the core pass, within the errors, through the observed position of Procyon A in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. For m… ▽ More Procyon A is a bright F5IV star in a binary system. Although the distance, mass and angular diameter of this star are all known with high precision, the exact evolutionary state is still unclear. Evolutionary tracks with different ages and different mass fractions of hydrogen in the core pass, within the errors, through the observed position of Procyon A in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. For more than 15 years several different groups have studied the solar-like oscillations in Procyon A to determine its evolutionary state. Although several studies independently detected power excess in the periodogram, there is no agreement on the actual oscillation frequencies yet. This is probably due to either insufficient high-quality data (i.e., aliasing) or due to intrinsic properties of the star (i.e., short mode lifetimes). Now a spectroscopic multi-site campaign using 10 telescopes world-wide (minimizing aliasing effects) with a total time span of nearly 4 weeks (increase the frequency resolution) is performed to identify frequencies in this star and finally determine its properties and evolutionary state. △ Less

Submitted 8 November, 2007; v1 submitted 19 October, 2007; originally announced October 2007.

Comments: 7 pages, 4 figures to be published in the proceedings of HELAS II International Conference: Helioseismology, Asteroseismology and MHD Connections published in the Journal of Physics: Conference Series. High resolution colour figures can be provided on request

Journal ref: J.Phys.Conf.Ser.118:012059,2008

A search for solar-like oscillations in the Am star HD 209625

Authors: F. Carrier, P. Eggenberger, J. C. Leyder, Y. Debernardi, F. Royer

Abstract: The goal is to test the structure of hot metallic stars, and in particular the structure of a near-surface convection zone using asteroseismic measurements. Indeed, stellar models including a detailed treatement of the radiative diffusion predict the existence of a near-surface convection zone in order to correctly reproduce the anomalies in surface abundances that are observed in Am stars. The… ▽ More The goal is to test the structure of hot metallic stars, and in particular the structure of a near-surface convection zone using asteroseismic measurements. Indeed, stellar models including a detailed treatement of the radiative diffusion predict the existence of a near-surface convection zone in order to correctly reproduce the anomalies in surface abundances that are observed in Am stars. The Am star HD 209625 was observed with the Harps spectrograph mounted on the 3.6-m telescope at the ESO La Silla Observatory (Chile) during 9 nights in August 2005. This observing run allowed us to collect 1243 radial velocity (RV) measurements, with a standard deviation of 1.35 m/s. The power spectrum associated with these RV measurements does not present any excess. Therefore, either the structure of the external layers of this star does not allow excitation of solar-like oscillations, or the amplitudes of the oscillations remain below 20-30 cm/s (depending on their frequency range). △ Less

Submitted 6 June, 2007; originally announced June 2007.

Comments: 5 pages, 4 figures, A&A accepted

Solar-like oscillations in the metal-poor subgiant nu Indi: II. Acoustic spectrum and mode lifetime

Authors: F. Carrier, H. Kjeldsen, T. R. Bedding, B. J. Brewer, R. P. Butler, P. Eggenberger, F. Grundahl, C. McCarthy, A. Retter, C. G. Tinney

Abstract: Convection in stars excites resonant acoustic waves which depend on the sound speed inside the star, which in turn depends on properties of the stellar interior. Therefore, asteroseismology is an unrivaled method to probe the internal structure of a star. We made a seismic study of the metal-poor subgiant star nu Indi with the goal of constraining its interior structure. Our study is based on a… ▽ More Convection in stars excites resonant acoustic waves which depend on the sound speed inside the star, which in turn depends on properties of the stellar interior. Therefore, asteroseismology is an unrivaled method to probe the internal structure of a star. We made a seismic study of the metal-poor subgiant star nu Indi with the goal of constraining its interior structure. Our study is based on a time series of 1201 radial velocity measurements spread over 14 nights obtained from two sites, Siding Spring Observatory in Australia and ESO La Silla Observatory in Chile. The power spectrum of the high precision velocity time series clearly presents several identifiable peaks between 200 and 500 uHz showing regularity with a large and small spacing of 25.14 +- 0.09 uHz and 2.96 +- 0.22 uHz at 330 uHz. Thirteen individual modes have been identified with amplitudes in the range 53 to 173 cm/s. The mode damping time is estimated to be about 16 days (1-sigma range between 9 and 50 days), substantially longer than in other stars like the Sun, the alpha Cen system or the giant xi Hya. △ Less

Submitted 6 June, 2007; originally announced June 2007.

Comments: 5 pages, 7 figures, A&A accepted

Solar-like oscillations in the G2 subgiant beta Hydri from dual-site observations

Authors: Timothy R. Bedding, Hans Kjeldsen, Torben Arentoft, Francois Bouchy, Jacob Brandbyge, Brendon J. Brewer, R. Paul Butler, Joergen Christensen-Dalsgaard, Thomas Dall, Soeren Frandsen, Christoffer Karoff, Laszlo L. Kiss, Mario J. P. F. G. Monteiro, Frank P. Pijpers, Teresa C. Teixeira, C. G. Tinney, Ivan K. Baldry, Fabien Carrier, Simon J. O'Toole

Abstract: We have observed oscillations in the nearby G2 subgiant star beta Hyi using high-precision velocity observations obtained over more than a week with the HARPS and UCLES spectrographs. The oscillation frequencies show a regular comb structure, as expected for solar-like oscillations, but with several l=1 modes being strongly affected by avoided crossings. The data, combined with those we obtained… ▽ More We have observed oscillations in the nearby G2 subgiant star beta Hyi using high-precision velocity observations obtained over more than a week with the HARPS and UCLES spectrographs. The oscillation frequencies show a regular comb structure, as expected for solar-like oscillations, but with several l=1 modes being strongly affected by avoided crossings. The data, combined with those we obtained five years earlier, allow us to identify 28 oscillation modes. By scaling the large frequency separation from the Sun, we measure the mean density of beta Hyi to an accuracy of 0.6%. The amplitudes of the oscillations are about 2.5 times solar and the mode lifetime is 2.3 d. A detailed comparison of the mixed l=1 modes with theoretical models should allow a precise estimate of the age of the star. △ Less

Submitted 14 May, 2007; v1 submitted 29 March, 2007; originally announced March 2007.

Comments: 13 pages, 14 figures, accepted by ApJ. Fixed minor typo (ref to Fig 14)

Journal ref: Astrophys.J.663:1315-1324,2007

High-Precision Spectroscopy of Pulsating Stars

Authors: C. Aerts, S. Hekker, M. Desmet, F. Carrier, W. Zima, M. Briquet, J. De Ridder

Abstract: We review methodologies currently available to interprete time series of high-resolution high-S/N spectroscopic data of pulsating stars in terms of the kind of (non-radial) modes that are excited. We illustrate the drastic improvement of the detection treshold of line-profile variability thanks to the advancement of the instrumentation over the past two decades. This has led to the opportunity t… ▽ More We review methodologies currently available to interprete time series of high-resolution high-S/N spectroscopic data of pulsating stars in terms of the kind of (non-radial) modes that are excited. We illustrate the drastic improvement of the detection treshold of line-profile variability thanks to the advancement of the instrumentation over the past two decades. This has led to the opportunity to interprete line-profile variations with amplitudes of order m/s, which is a factor 1000 lower than the earliest line-profile time series studies allowed for. △ Less

Submitted 16 January, 2007; originally announced January 2007.

Comments: To appear in Precision Spectroscopy in Astrophysics, Eds . Pasquini, M. Romaniello, N.C. Santos, and A. Correia, Springer-Verlag series "ESO Astrophysics Symposia". 4 pages, 1 figure

A line profile analysis of the pulsating red giant star epsilon Ophiuchi (G9.5III)

Authors: S. Hekker, C. Aerts, J. De Ridder, F. Carrier

Abstract: So far, solar-like oscillations have been studied using radial velocity and/or light curve variations, which reveal frequencies of the oscillation modes. Line-profile variations, however, are also a valuable diagnostic to characterise radial and non-radial oscillations, including frequencies, amplitudes, the spherical mode wavenumbers (l,m) and the stellar inclination angle. Here we present a li… ▽ More So far, solar-like oscillations have been studied using radial velocity and/or light curve variations, which reveal frequencies of the oscillation modes. Line-profile variations, however, are also a valuable diagnostic to characterise radial and non-radial oscillations, including frequencies, amplitudes, the spherical mode wavenumbers (l,m) and the stellar inclination angle. Here we present a line profile analysis of epsilon Ophiuchi, which is a pulsating red giant. The main differences compared to previous line profile analyses done for heat-driven oscillations are the small amplitudes and the predicted short damping and re-excitation times in red giants. Two line diagnostics have been tested to see whether these are sensitive to the small line profile variations present in red giants. In addition, line profiles have been simulated with short damping and re-excitation times and are compared with the observations. This comparison reveals that non-radial modes are detected in the observed line profile variations of epsilon Ophiuchi. This is rather surprising, as theoretical predictions favours the occurrence of radial modes. △ Less

Submitted 1 September, 2006; originally announced September 2006.

Comments: conference proceeding SOHO 18 / GONG 2006 / HelAs I meeting

Pulsations detected in the line profile variations of red giants: Modelling of line moments, line bisector and line shape

Authors: S. Hekker, C. Aerts, J. De Ridder, F. Carrier

Abstract: Contents: So far, red giant oscillations have been studied from radial velocity and/or light curve variations, which reveal frequencies of the oscillation modes. To characterise radial and non-radial oscillations, line profile variations are a valuable diagnostic. Here we present for the first time a line profile analysis of pulsating red giants, taking into account the small line profile variat… ▽ More Contents: So far, red giant oscillations have been studied from radial velocity and/or light curve variations, which reveal frequencies of the oscillation modes. To characterise radial and non-radial oscillations, line profile variations are a valuable diagnostic. Here we present for the first time a line profile analysis of pulsating red giants, taking into account the small line profile variations and the predicted short damping and re-excitation times. We do so by modelling the time variations in the cross correlation profiles in terms of oscillation theory. Aims: The performance of existing diagnostics for mode identification is investigated for known oscillating giants which have very small line profile variations. We modify these diagnostics, perform simulations, and characterise the radial and non-radial modes detected in the cross correlation profiles. Methods: Moments and line bisectors are computed and analysed for four giants. The robustness of the discriminant of the moments against small oscillations with finite lifetimes is investigated. In addition, line profiles are simulated with short damping and re-excitation times and their line shapes are compared with the observations. Results: For three stars, we find evidence for the presence of non-radial pulsation modes, while for $ξ$ Hydrae perhaps only radial modes are present. Furthermore the line bisectors are not able to distinguish between different pulsation modes and are an insufficient diagnostic to discriminate small line profile variations due to oscillations from exoplanet motion. △ Less

Submitted 21 August, 2006; originally announced August 2006.

Comments: 12 pages, 10 figures, accepted by A&A

Solar-like oscillations in the metal-poor subgiant nu Indi: constraining the mass and age using asteroseismology

Authors: Timothy R. Bedding, R. Paul Butler, Fabien Carrier, Francois Bouchy, Brendon J. Brewer, Patrick Eggenberger, Frank Grundahl, Hans Kjeldsen, Chris McCarthy, Tine Bjorn Nielsen, Alon Retter, Christopher G. Tinney

Abstract: Asteroseismology is a powerful method for determining fundamental properties of stars. We report the first application to a metal-poor object, namely the subgiant star nu Ind. We measured precise velocities from two sites, allowing us to detect oscillations and infer a large frequency separation of Delta_nu = 24.25 +/- 0.25 microHz. Combining this value with the location of the star in the H-R d… ▽ More Asteroseismology is a powerful method for determining fundamental properties of stars. We report the first application to a metal-poor object, namely the subgiant star nu Ind. We measured precise velocities from two sites, allowing us to detect oscillations and infer a large frequency separation of Delta_nu = 24.25 +/- 0.25 microHz. Combining this value with the location of the star in the H-R diagram and comparing with standard evolutionary models, we were able to place constraints on the stellar parameters. In particular, our results indicate that nu Ind has a low mass (0.85 +/- 0.04 M_sun) and is at least 9 Gyr old. △ Less

Submitted 20 April, 2006; originally announced April 2006.

Comments: accpted for publication in ApJ

Journal ref: Astrophys.J.647:558-563,2006

Asteroseismology of the visual binary 70 Ophiuchi

Authors: F. Carrier, P. Eggenberger

Abstract: Convection in stars excites resonant acoustic waves. The frequencies of these oscillations depend on the sound speed inside the star, which in turn depends on density, temperature, gas motion, and other properties of the stellar interior. Therefore, analysis of the oscillations provides an unrivaled method to probe the internal structure of a star. Solar-like oscillations in the primary of the v… ▽ More Convection in stars excites resonant acoustic waves. The frequencies of these oscillations depend on the sound speed inside the star, which in turn depends on density, temperature, gas motion, and other properties of the stellar interior. Therefore, analysis of the oscillations provides an unrivaled method to probe the internal structure of a star. Solar-like oscillations in the primary of the visual binary 70 Ophiuchi are investigated. 70 Ophiuchi A was observed with the Harps spectrograph mounted on the 3.6-m telescope at the ESO La Silla Observatory (Chile) during 6 nights in July 2004 allowing us to collect 1758 radial velocity measurements with a standard deviation of about 1.39 m s-1. The power spectrum of the high precision velocity time series clearly presents several identifiable peaks between 3 and 6 mHz showing regularity with a large spacing of Delta_nu = 161.7 +- 0.3 uHz. Fourteen individual modes were identified with amplitudes in the range 11 to 14 cm s-1. △ Less

Submitted 15 February, 2006; originally announced February 2006.

Comments: 5 pages, A&A in press

Modeling beta Virginis using seismological data

Authors: P. Eggenberger, F. Carrier

Abstract: This paper presents the modeling of the F9 V star beta Virginis based on seismological measurements. Using the Geneva evolution code including rotation and atomic diffusion, we find that two distinct solutions reproduce all existing asteroseismic and non-asteroseismic observational constraints well: a main-sequence model with a mass of 1.28 +- 0.03 Msun and an age t = 3.24 +- 0.20 Gyr, or a mode… ▽ More This paper presents the modeling of the F9 V star beta Virginis based on seismological measurements. Using the Geneva evolution code including rotation and atomic diffusion, we find that two distinct solutions reproduce all existing asteroseismic and non-asteroseismic observational constraints well: a main-sequence model with a mass of 1.28 +- 0.03 Msun and an age t = 3.24 +- 0.20 Gyr, or a model in the post-main sequence phase of evolution with a lower mass of 1.21 +- 0.02 Msun and an age t = 4.01 +- 0.30 Gyr. The small spacings and the ratio between small and large spacings are sensitive to the differences in the structure of the central layers between these two solutions and are also sensitive to the structural changes due to the rotational mixing. They can therefore be used to unambiguously determine the evolutionary state of beta Vir and to study the effects of rotation on the inner structure of the star. Unfortunately, existing asteroseismic data do not enable such precise determination. We also show that the scatter in frequencies introduced by the rotational splittings can account for the larger dispersion of the observed large spacings for the non-radial modes than for the radial modes. △ Less

Submitted 13 February, 2006; originally announced February 2006.

Comments: 11 pages, 12 figures, accepted for publication in A&A

Solar-like oscillations in the F9 V beta Virginis

Authors: F. Carrier, P. Eggenberger, A. D'Alessandro, L. Weber

Abstract: This paper presents the analysis of Doppler p-modes of the F9 V star beta Virginis obtained with the spectrograph CORALIE in March 2003. Eleven nights of observations have made it possible to collect 1293 radial velocity measurements with a standard deviation of about 2.2 m s^-1. The power spectrum of the high precision velocity time series clearly presents several identifiable peaks between 0.7… ▽ More This paper presents the analysis of Doppler p-modes of the F9 V star beta Virginis obtained with the spectrograph CORALIE in March 2003. Eleven nights of observations have made it possible to collect 1293 radial velocity measurements with a standard deviation of about 2.2 m s^-1. The power spectrum of the high precision velocity time series clearly presents several identifiable peaks between 0.7 and 2.4 mHz showing regularity with a large and small spacings of Delta_nu = 72.1 uHz and delta_nu_02 = 6.3 uHz respectively. Thirty-one individual modes have been identified with amplitudes in the range 23 to 46 cm s^-1, i.e. with a signal to noise between 3 and 6. △ Less

Submitted 1 February, 2005; originally announced February 2005.

Comments: 14 pages, 7 figures, accepted in New Astronomy

Journal ref: New Astron. 10 (2005) 315-323

Solar-like oscillations in Procyon A

Authors: P. Eggenberger, F. Carrier, F. Bouchy, A. Blecha

Abstract: The F5 subgiant Procyon A (alpha CMi, HR 2943) was observed with the Coralie fiber-fed echelle spectrograph on the 1.2-m Swiss telescope at La Silla in February 1999. The resulting 908 high-accuracy radial velocities exhibit a mean noise level in the amplitude spectrum of 0.11 m s^-1 at high frequency. These measurements show significant excess in the power spectrum between 0.6-1.6 mHz with 0.60… ▽ More The F5 subgiant Procyon A (alpha CMi, HR 2943) was observed with the Coralie fiber-fed echelle spectrograph on the 1.2-m Swiss telescope at La Silla in February 1999. The resulting 908 high-accuracy radial velocities exhibit a mean noise level in the amplitude spectrum of 0.11 m s^-1 at high frequency. These measurements show significant excess in the power spectrum between 0.6-1.6 mHz with 0.60 m s^-1 peak amplitude. An average large spacing of 55.5 uHz has been determined and twenty-three individual frequencies have been identified. △ Less

Submitted 14 January, 2005; originally announced January 2005.

Comments: A&A accepted

Journal ref: Astron.Astrophys. 422 (2004) 247-252

Models of Procyon A including seismic constraints

Authors: P. Eggenberger, F. Carrier, F. Bouchy

Abstract: Detailed models of Procyon A based on new asteroseismic measurements by Eggenberger et al (2004) have been computed using the Geneva evolution code including shellular rotation and atomic diffusion. By combining all non-asteroseismic observables now available for Procyon A with these seismological data, we find that the observed mean large spacing of 55.5 +- 0.5 uHz favours a mass of 1.497 M_sol… ▽ More Detailed models of Procyon A based on new asteroseismic measurements by Eggenberger et al (2004) have been computed using the Geneva evolution code including shellular rotation and atomic diffusion. By combining all non-asteroseismic observables now available for Procyon A with these seismological data, we find that the observed mean large spacing of 55.5 +- 0.5 uHz favours a mass of 1.497 M_sol for Procyon A. We also determine the following global parameters of Procyon A: an age of t=1.72 +- 0.30 Gyr, an initial helium mass fraction Y_i=0.290 +- 0.010, a nearly solar initial metallicity (Z/X)_i=0.0234 +- 0.0015 and a mixing-length parameter alpha=1.75 +- 0.40. Moreover, we show that the effects of rotation on the inner structure of the star may be revealed by asteroseismic observations if frequencies can be determined with a high precision. Existing seismological data of Procyon A are unfortunately not accurate enough to really test these differences in the input physics of our models. △ Less

Submitted 14 January, 2005; originally announced January 2005.

Comments: New Astronomy accepted

Journal ref: New Astron. 10 (2005) 195-208

New seismological results on the G0 IV eta Bootis

Authors: F. Carrier, P. Eggenberger, F. Bouchy

Abstract: Several attempts have been made to detect solar-like oscillations in the G0 IV star eta Boo. We present here new observations on this star simultaneously conducted with two spectrographs: Coralie mounted on the 1.2-m Swiss telescope at the ESO La Silla Observatory (Chile) and Elodie based on the 1.93-m telescope at the Observatoire de Haute Provence (France). In total, 1239 spectra were collecte… ▽ More Several attempts have been made to detect solar-like oscillations in the G0 IV star eta Boo. We present here new observations on this star simultaneously conducted with two spectrographs: Coralie mounted on the 1.2-m Swiss telescope at the ESO La Silla Observatory (Chile) and Elodie based on the 1.93-m telescope at the Observatoire de Haute Provence (France). In total, 1239 spectra were collected over 13 nights. The power spectrum of the high precision velocity time series clearly presents several identifiable peaks between 0.4 and 1.0 mHz showing regularity with a large and small separations of Delta_nu = 39.9 uHz and delta_nu02 = 3.95 uHz respectively. Twenty-two individual frequencies have been identified. Detailed models based on these measurements and non-asteroseismic observables were computed using the Geneva evolution code including shellular rotation and atomic diffusion. By combining these seismological data with non-asteroseismic observations, we determine the following global parameters for eta Boo: a mass of 1.57 +- 0.07 M_sol, an age t=2.67 +- 0.10 Gyr and an initial metallicity Z/X_i=0.0391 +- 0.0070. We also show that the mass of eta Boo is very sensitive to the choice of the observed metallicity, while the age of eta Boo depends on the input physics used. Indeed, a higher metallicity favours a higher mass, while non-rotating models without overshooting predict a smaller age. △ Less

Submitted 13 January, 2005; originally announced January 2005.

Comments: A&A accepted

Analysis of alpha Centauri AB including seismic constraints

Authors: P. Eggenberger, C. Charbonnel, S. Talon, G. Meynet, A. Maeder, F. Carrier, G. Bourban

Abstract: Detailed models of alpha Cen A and B based on new seismological data for alpha Cen B by Carrier & Bourban (2003) have been computed using the Geneva evolution code including atomic diffusion. Taking into account the numerous observational constraints now available for the alpha Cen system, we find a stellar model which is in good agreement with the astrometric, photometric, spectroscopic and ast… ▽ More Detailed models of alpha Cen A and B based on new seismological data for alpha Cen B by Carrier & Bourban (2003) have been computed using the Geneva evolution code including atomic diffusion. Taking into account the numerous observational constraints now available for the alpha Cen system, we find a stellar model which is in good agreement with the astrometric, photometric, spectroscopic and asteroseismic data. The global parameters of the alpha Cen system are now firmly constrained to an age of t=6.52+-0.30 Gyr, an initial helium mass fraction Y_i=0.275+-0.010 and an initial metallicity (Z/X)_i=0.0434+-0.0020. Thanks to these numerous observational constraints, we confirm that the mixing-length parameter alpha of the B component is larger than the one of the A component, as already suggested by many authors (Noels et al. 1991, Fernandes & Neuforge 1995 and Guenther & Demarque 2000): alpha_B is about 8% larger than alpha_A (alpha_A=1.83+-0.10 and alpha_B=1.97+-0.10). Moreover, we show that asteroseismic measurements enable to determine the radii of both stars with a very high precision (errors smaller than 0.3%). The radii deduced from seismological data are compatible with the new interferometric results of Kervella et al. (2003) even if they are slightly larger than the interferometric radii (differences smaller than 1%). △ Less

Submitted 29 January, 2004; originally announced January 2004.

Comments: 13 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in A&A

Journal ref: Astron.Astrophys. 417 (2004) 235-246

Simulating stochastically excited oscillations. The mode lifetime of xi Hya

Authors: D. Stello, H. Kjeldsen, T. R. Bedding, J. De Ridder, C. Aerts, F. Carrier, S. Frandsen, .

Abstract: The discovery of solar-like oscillations in the giant star xy Hya (G7III) was reported by Frandsen et al. (2002). Their frequency analysis was very limited due to alias problems in the data set (caused by single-site observations). The extent to which the aliasing affected their analysis was unclear due to the unknown damping time of the stellar oscillation modes. In this paper we describe a sim… ▽ More The discovery of solar-like oscillations in the giant star xy Hya (G7III) was reported by Frandsen et al. (2002). Their frequency analysis was very limited due to alias problems in the data set (caused by single-site observations). The extent to which the aliasing affected their analysis was unclear due to the unknown damping time of the stellar oscillation modes. In this paper we describe a simulator created to generate time series of stochastically excited oscillations, which takes as input an arbitrary window function and includes both white and non-white noise. We also outline a new method to compare a large number of simulated time series with an observed time series to determine the damping time, amplitude, and limited information on the degree of the stochastically excited modes. For xi Hya we find the most likely amplitude to be ~ 2 m/s, in good agreement with theory (Houdek & Gough, 2002), and the most likely damping time to be ~ 2 days, which is much shorter than the theoretical value of 15-20 days calculated by Houdek & Gough (2002). △ Less

Submitted 16 January, 2004; originally announced January 2004.

Comments: 24 pages, 12 figures, accepted for publication in SolPhys

Detection of Solar-like Oscillations in the G7 Giant Star xi Hya

Authors: S. Frandsen, F. Carrier, C. Aerts, D. Stello, T. Maas, M. Burnet. H. Bruntt, T. C. Teixeira, J. R. de Medeiros, F. Bouchy, H. Kjeldsen, F. Pijpers, J. Christensen-Dalsgaard

Abstract: We report the firm discovery of solar-like oscillations in a giant star. We monitored the star xi Hya (G7III) continuously during one month with the CORALIE spectrograph attached to the 1.2m Swiss Euler telescope. The 433 high-precision radial-velocity measurements clearly reveal multiple oscillation frequencies in the range 50 - 130 uHz, corresponding to periods between 2.0 and 5.5 hours. The a… ▽ More We report the firm discovery of solar-like oscillations in a giant star. We monitored the star xi Hya (G7III) continuously during one month with the CORALIE spectrograph attached to the 1.2m Swiss Euler telescope. The 433 high-precision radial-velocity measurements clearly reveal multiple oscillation frequencies in the range 50 - 130 uHz, corresponding to periods between 2.0 and 5.5 hours. The amplitudes of the strongest modes are slightly smaller than 2 m/s. Current model calculations are compatible with the detected modes. △ Less

Submitted 17 September, 2002; originally announced September 2002.

Comments: 4 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication as a letter in A&A

Journal ref: Astron.Astrophys. 394 (2002) L5-L8