| 1. |
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| 2. |
- Adén, Daniel, et al.
(författare)
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A photometric and spectroscopic study of the new dwarf spheroidal galaxy in Hercules. Metallicity, velocities and a clean list of RGB members
- 2009
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Ingår i: Astronomy & Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 506:3, s. 1147-1168
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Our aim is to provide as clean and as complete a sample as possible of red giant branch stars that are members of the Hercules dSph galaxy. With this sample we explore the velocity dispersion and the metallicity of the system. Stromgren photometry and multi-fibre spectroscopy are combined to provide information about the evolutionary state of the stars (via the Stromgren c_1 index) and their radial velocities. Based on this information we have selected a clean sample of red giant branch stars, and show that foreground contamination by Milky Way dwarf stars can greatly distort the results. Our final sample consists of 28 red giant branch stars in the Hercules dSph galaxy. Based on these stars we find a mean photometric metallicity of -2.35 dex which is consistent with previous studies. We find evidence for an abundance spread. Using those stars for which we have determined radial velocities we find a systemic velocity of 45.2 km/s with a dispersion of 3.72 km/s, this is lower than values found in the literature. Furthermore we identify the horizontal branch and estimate the mean magnitude of the horizontal branch of the Hercules dSph galaxy to be V_0=21.17, which corresponds to a distance of 147 kpc. We have shown that a proper cleaning of the sample results in a smaller value for the velocity dispersion of the system. This has implications for galaxy properties derived from such velocity dispersions.
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| 3. |
- Aldenius, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Accurate Ritz wavelengths of parity-forbidden [FeII], [TiII] and [CrII] infrared lines of astrophysical interest
- 2007
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Ingår i: Astronomy & Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 467, s. 152-753
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context: With new astronomical infrared spectrographs the demands of accurate atomic data in the infrared have increased. In this region there is a large amount of parity-forbidden lines, which are of importance in diagnostics of low-density astrophysical plasmas. Aims: We present improved, experimentally determined, energy levels for the lowest even LS terms of Fe ii, Ti ii and Cr ii, along with accurate Ritz wavelengths for parity-forbidden transitions between and within these terms. Methods: Spectra of Fe ii, Ti ii and Cr ii have been produced in a hollow cathode discharge lamp and acquired using high-resolution Fourier Transform (FT) spectrometry. The energy levels have been determined by using observed allowed ultraviolet transitions connecting the even terms with upper odd terms. Ritz wavelengths of parity-forbidden lines have then been determined. Results: Energy levels of the four lowest Fe ii terms (a6D, a4F, a4D and a4P) have been determined, resulting in 97 different parityforbidden transitions with wavelengths between 0.74 and 87 µm. For Ti ii the energy levels of the two lowest terms (a4F and b4F) have been determined, resulting in 24 different parity-forbidden transitions with wavelengths between 8.9 and 130 µm. Also for Cr ii the energy levels of the two lowest terms (a6S and a6D) have been determined, in this case resulting in 12 different parity-forbidden transitions with wavelengths between 0.80 and 140 µm.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Aldenius, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Experimental Mg I oscillator strengths and radiative lifetimes for astrophysical applications on metal-poor stars - New data for the MgI b triplet
- 2007
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Ingår i: Astronomy & Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 461:2, s. 767-773
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. The stellar abundance ratio of Mg/Fe is an important tool in diagnostics of galaxy evolution. In order to make reliable measurements of the Mg abundance of stars, it is necessary to have accurate values for the oscillator strength (f- value) of each of the observable transitions. In metal-poor stars the MgI 3p-4s triplet around 5175 angstrom (Fraunhofer's so-called b lines) are the most prominent magnesium lines. The lines also appear as strong features in the solar spectrum. Aims. We present new and improved experimental oscillator strengths for the optical MgI 3p-4s triplet, along with experimental radiative lifetimes for six terms in Mg I. With these data we discuss the implications on previous and future abundance analyses of metal-poor stars. Methods. The oscillator strengths have been determined by combining radiative lifetimes with branching fractions, where the radiative lifetimes are measured using the laser induced fluorescence technique and the branching fractions are determined using intensity calibrated Fourier Transform (FT) spectra. The FT spectra are also used for determining new accurate laboratory wavelengths for the 3p-4s transitions. Results. The f-values of the MgI 3p-4s lines have been determined with an absolute uncertainty of 9%, giving an uncertainty of +/- 0.04 dex in the log g f values. Compared to values previously used in abundance analyses of metal-poor stars, rescaling to the new values implies an increase of typically 0.04 dex in the magnesium abundance.
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| 6. |
- Bensby, Thomas, et al.
(författare)
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alpha-, r-, and s-process element trends in the Galactic thin and thick disks
- 2005
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 1432-0746 .- 0004-6361. ; 433, s. 185-203
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- From a detailed elemental abundance analysis of 102 F and G dwarf starswe present abundance trends in the Galactic thin and thick disks for 14elements (O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Ti, Cr, Fe, Ni, Zn, Y, Ba, and Eu).Stellar parameters and elemental abundances (except for Y, Ba and Eu)for 66 of the 102 stars were presented in our previous studies (Bensbyet al. 2003, 2004a). The 36 stars that are new in this study extend andconfirm our previous results and allow us to draw further conclusionsregarding abundance trends. The s-process elements Y and Ba, and ther-element Eu have also been considered here for the whole sample for thefirst time. With this new larger sample we now have the followingresults: 1) Smooth and distinct trends that for the thin and thick disksare clearly separated; 2) The alpha-element trends for the thick diskshow typical signatures from the enrichment of SNIa; 3) The thick diskstellar sample is in the mean older than the thin disk stellar sample;4) The thick disk abundance trends are invariant with galactocentricradii (R_m); 5) The thick disk abundance trends appear to be invariantwith vertical distance (Z_max) from the Galactic plane. Adding furtherevidence from the literaure we argue that a merger/interacting scenariowith a companion galaxy to produce a kinematical heating of the stars(that make up today's thick disk) in a pre-existing old thin disk is themost likely formation scenario for the Galactic thick disk.
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| 7. |
- Bjerkeli, Per, 1977, et al.
(författare)
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Odin observations of water in molecular outflows and shocks
- 2009
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 507:3, s. 1455-1466
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims: We investigate the ortho-water abundance in outflows and shocks in order to improve our knowledge of shock chemistry and of the physics behind molecular outflows.Methods: We used the Odin space observatory to observe the H2O(110-101) line. We obtain strip maps and single pointings of 13 outflows and two supernova remnants where we report detections for eight sources. We used RADEX to compute the beam averaged abundances of o-H2O relative to H2. In the case of non-detection, we derive upper limits on the abundance.Results: Observations of CO emission from the literature show that the volume density of H2 can vary to a large extent, a parameter that puts severe uncertainties on the derived abundances. Our analysis shows a wide range of abundances reflecting the degree to which shock chemistry affects the formation and destruction of water. We also compare our results with recent results from the SWAS team.Conclusions: Elevated abundances of ortho-water are found in several sources. The abundance reaches values as high as what would be expected from a theoretical C-type shock where all oxygen, not in the form of CO, is converted to water. However, the high abundances we derive could also be due to the low densities (derived from CO observations) that we assume. The water emission may in reality stem from high density regions much smaller than the Odin beam. We do not find any relationship between the abundance and the mass loss rate. On the other hand, there is a relation between the derived water abundance and the observed maximum outflow velocity.Odin is a Swedish-led satellite project funded jointly by the Swedish National Space Board (SNSB), the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the National Technology Agency of Finland (Tekes) and Centre National d'Étude Spatiale (CNES).The Swedish ESO Submillimetre Telescope (SEST) located at La Silla, Chile was funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR) and the European Southern Observatory. It was decommissioned in 2003. Appendix B is only available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org
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| 8. |
- Cowley, CR, et al.
(författare)
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Abundances of vanadium and bromine in 3 Centauri A - Additional odd-Z anomalies
- 2006
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Ingår i: Astronomy & Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 447:2, s. 681-684
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We report abundance excesses of 1.2 and 2.6 dex, respectively, for vanadium and bromine in the hot, peculiar star 3 Cen A. Abundances for these two odd-Z elements have not been previously reported for this star. Taken with previous work, they strengthen the case of the origin of the abundance peculiarities by diffusion.
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| 9. |
- De Marchi, F., et al.
(författare)
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Search and analysis of blue straggler stars in open clusters
- 2006
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Ingår i: Astronomy & Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 459:2, s. 489-497
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims. This paper presents a new homogeneous catalogue of blue straggler stars ( BSS) in Galactic open clusters. Methods. Photometric data for 216 clusters were collected from the literature and 2782 BSS candidates were extracted from 76 of them. Results. We found that the anticorrelation of BSS frequency vs. total magnitude identified in similar studies conducted on Galactic globular clusters extends to the open cluster regime: clusters with smaller total magnitude tend to have higher BSS frequencies. Moreover, a clear correlation between the BSS frequency ( obtained normalising the total number of BSS either to the total cluster mass or, for the older clusters, to the total number of clump stars) and the age of the clusters was found. A simple model is developed here to try to explain this last and new result. The model allows us to ascertain the important effect played by mass loss in the evolution of open clusters.
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| 10. |
- Decin, L., et al.
(författare)
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Probing the mass-loss history of the unusual Mira variable R Hydrae through its infrared CO wind
- 2008
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 484:2, s. 401-U55
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. The unusual Mira variable R Hya is well known for its declining period between ad 1770 and 1950, which is possibly attributed to a recent thermal pulse. Aims. The goal of this study is to probe the circumstellar envelope (CSE) around R Hya and to check for a correlation between the derived density structure and the declining period. Methods. We investigate the CSE around R Hya by performing an in-depth analysis of (1.) the photospheric light scattered by three vibration-rotation transitions in the fundamental band of CO at 4.6 mu m; and (2.) the pure rotational CO J = 1-0 through 6-5 emission lines excited in the CSE. The vibrational-rotational lines trace the inner CSE within 3.5 '', whereas the pure rotational CO lines are sensitive probes of the cooler gas further out in the CSE. Results. The combined analysis bear evidence of a change in mass-loss rate some 220 yr ago (at similar to 150 R-* or similar to 1.9 arcsec from the star). While the mass-loss rate before ad 1770 is estimated to be similar to 2 x 10(-7) M-circle dot/yr, the present day mass-loss rate is a factor of similar to 20 lower. The derived mass-loss history nicely agrees with the mass-loss rate estimates by Zijlstra et al. (2002) on the basis of the period decline. Moreover, the recent detection of an AGB-ISM bow shock around R Hya at 100 arcsec to the west by Wareing et al. (2006) shows that the detached shell seen in the 60 mu m IRAS images can be explained by a slowing-down of the stellar wind by surrounding matter and that no extra mass-loss modulation around 1-2 arcmin needs to be invoked. Conclusions. Our results give empirical evidence to the thermal-pulse model, which is capable of explaining both the period evolution and the mass-loss history of R Hya.
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| 11. |
- Dravins, Dainis
(författare)
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'Ultimate' information content in solar and stellar spectra: Photospheric line asymmetries and wavelength shifts
- 2008
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Ingår i: Astronomy & Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 492:1, s. 98-199
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. Spectral-line asymmetries (displayed as bisectors) and wavelength shifts are signatures of the hydrodynamics in solar and stellar atmospheres. Theory may precisely predict idealized lines, but accuracies in real observed spectra are limited by blends, few suitable lines, imprecise laboratory wavelengths, and instrumental imperfections. Aims. We extract bisectors and shifts until the "ultimate" accuracy limits in highest-quality solar and stellar spectra, so as to understand the various limits set by (i) stellar physics (number of relevant spectral lines, effects of blends, rotational line broadening); by (ii) observational techniques (spectral resolution, photometric noise); and by (iii) limitations in laboratory data. Methods. Several spectral atlases of the Sun and bright solar-type stars were examined for those thousands of "unblended" lines with the most accurate laboratory wavelengths, yielding bisectors and shifts as averages over groups of similar lines. Representative data were obtained as averages over groups of similar lines, thus minimizing the effects of photometric noise and of random blends. Results. For the solar-disk center and integrated sunlight, the bisector shapes and shifts were extracted for previously little-studied species (Fe II, Ti I, Ti II, Cr II, CaI, CI), using recently determined and very accurate laboratory wavelengths. In Procyon and other F-type stars, a sharp blueward bend in the bisector near the spectral continuum is confirmed, revealing line saturation and damping wings in upward-moving photospheric granules. Accuracy limits are discussed: "astrophysical" noise due to few measurable lines, finite instrumental resolution, superposed telluric absorption, inaccurate laboratory wavelengths, and calibration noise in spectrometers, together limiting absolute lineshift studies to approximate to 50-100 m s(-1). Conclusions. Spectroscopy with resolutions lambda/Delta lambda approximate to 300 000 and accurate wavelength calibration will enable bisector studies for many stars. Circumventing remaining limits of astrophysical noise in line-blends and rotationally smeared profiles may ultimately require spectroscopy across spatially resolved stellar disks, utilizing optical interferometers and extremely large telescopes of the future.
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| 12. |
- Eriksson, Mattias, et al.
(författare)
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Bowen excitation of NIII lines in symbiotic stars
- 2005
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Ingår i: Astronomy & Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 434:2, s. 397-404
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We present a semi-empirical equation for prediction of the strengths of those N III lines that are generated by the Bowen mechanism and observed in spectra of symbiotic stars. The equation assumes that the Bowen mechanism is the only source populating the 3d state in N III, and comparisons with observations of the 3s-3p and 3p-3d transitions serve as a test of this assumption. In an ongoing study of symbiotic stars the equation has been applied to two symbiotic novae, RR Tel and AG Peg, by comparing the predicted N III line strengths to observed line intensities. It is clear that besides the Bowen mechanism there is another process, most likely radiative recombination, that contributes to the N III 3d population in AG Peg and is the main population process of this state in RR Tel. It is also clear that a second, not previously considered, N III channel, 2p P-2(1/2)-3d D-2(3/2) at 374.198 angstrom, is pumped by O III in both RR Tel and AG Peg.
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| 13. |
- Eriksson, M, et al.
(författare)
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Modeling of C IV pumped fluorescence of Fe II in symbiotic stars
- 2008
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Ingår i: Astronomy & Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 477:1, s. 255-265
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims. We describe how the C IV lambda 1548.18 line pumps the 1548.20 and 1548.41 angstrom channels of Fe II in symbiotic stars through the process known as photo-ionization by accidental resonance (PAR). We describe where and why Fe II fluorescence arises in symbiotic stars and whether the Fe II lambda 1548.41 channel can only be activated when there is a white-dwarf wind present in the system. Further, we aim to show how an analysis of the PAR-pumped lines helps to understand the phyisical conditions that they manifest. Methods. We calculate intensities of the C IV-pumped Fe II fluorescence lines in symbiotic stars, corresponding to the y(4)H(11/)2 and w(2)D(3/2) levels, based on a simple geometrical model of the emitting regions. We apply the model to seven symbiotic stars, known to have Fe II fluorescence lines pumped by C IV in their spectra. We compare the predicted intensities to the observed intensities of the selected symbiotic stars. Results. We find that we can reproduce the observed fluorescence intensities of the seven symbiotic stars in our sample, using parameters that are consistent with their known properties. We show that PAR-produced lines can be used as a diagnostic tool to derive important physical parameters of a stellar system. We suggest that the detection of Fe II lines corresponding to the w2D3/2 level in certain symbiotic stars provide evidence of hot shells expanding with velocities of at least hundreds km s(-1) in those systems.
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| 14. |
- Eriksson, Mattias, et al.
(författare)
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The nature of ultraviolet spectra of AG Pegasi and other symbiotic stars: locations, origins, and excitation mechanisms of emission lines
- 2006
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Ingår i: Astronomy & Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 451:1, s. 89-157
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A detailed study of ultraviolet spectra of the symbiotic star AG Peg has been undertaken to derive the atomic excitation mechanisms and origin of formation for the lines common in symbiotic systems. More than 600 emission lines are observed in spectra from IUE, HST and FUSE of which 585 are identified. Population mechanisms and origin of formation are given for a majority of those lines. Based on the understanding of the AG Peg spectra IUE data of 19 additional symbiotic stars are investigated and differences and similarities of their spectra are discussed. Fe II fluorescence lines pumped by strong emission lines between 1000 and 2000 angstrom are observed in 13 of these systems. Some of the symbiotic systems belonging to the subclass symbiotic novae have more than 100 Fe II fluorescence lines in the ultraviolet wavelength region. Forbidden lines are detected for 13 of the stars, mostly from highly-ionized spectra such as Ar V, Ne V and Mg V. Further, [Mg VI] and [Mg VII] lines are observed in a symbiotic star (AG Dra) for the first time. Five of the symbiotic stars have broad white-dwarf wind profiles (FWHM > 400 km s(-1)) for a few lines in their spectra. The stars with no such broad lines can be divided into two similarly sized groups, one where all lines have FWHM less than 70 km s(-1) and the other where one, a few or all of the broad (FWHM > 400 km s(-1)) lines of AG Peg have an enhanced broad wing (110-140 km s(-1)).
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| 15. |
- Eriksson, Urban, 1968-, et al.
(författare)
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Limits of ultra-high-precision optical astrometry : stellar surface structures
- 2007
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 476:3, s. 1389-1400
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims. To investigate the astrometric effects of stellar surface structures as a practical limitation to ultra-high-precision astrometry (e.g. in the context of exoplanet searches) and to quantify the expected effects in different regions of the HR-diagram. Methods. Stellar surface structures (spots, plages, granulation, non-radial oscillations) are likely to produce fluctuations in the integrated flux and radial velocity of the star, as well as a variation of the observed photocentre, i.e. astrometric jitter. We use theoretical considerations supported by Monte Carlo simulations (using a starspot model) to derive statistical relations between the corresponding astrometric, photometric, and radial velocity effects. Based on these relations, the more easily observed photometric and radial velocity variations can be used to predict the expected size of the astrometric jitter. Also the third moment of the brightness distribution, interferometrically observable as closure phase, contains information about the astrometric jitter. Results. For most stellar types the astrometric jitter due to stellar surface structures is expected to be of the order of 10 micro-AU or greater. This is more than the astrometric displacement typically caused by an Earth-size exoplanet in the habitable zone, which is about 1-4 micro-AU for long-lived main-sequence stars. Only for stars with extremely low photometric variability (< 0.5 mmag) and low magnetic activity, comparable to that of the Sun, will the astrometric jitter be of the order of 1 micro-AU, sufficient to allow the astrometric detection of an Earth-sized planet in the habitable zone. While stellar surface structure may thus seriously impair the astrometric detection of small exoplanets, it has in general a negligible impact on the detection of large (Jupiter-size) planets and on the determination of stellar parallax and proper motion. From the starspot model we also conclude that the commonly used spot filling factor is not the most relevant parameter for quantifying the spottiness in terms of the resulting astrometric, photometric and radial velocity variations.
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| 16. |
- Eriksson, Urban, et al.
(författare)
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Limits of ultra-high-precision optical astrometry
- 2007
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Ingår i: Astronomy & Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 476, s. 1389-1400
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims. To investigate the astrometric effects of stellar surface structures as a practical limitation to ultra-high-precision astrometry (e.g. in the context of exoplanet searches) and to quantify the expected effects in different regions of the HR-diagram. Methods. Stellar surface structures (spots, plages, granulation, non-radial oscillations) are likely to produce fluctuations in the integrated flux and radial velocity of the star, as well as a variation of the observed photocentre, i.e. astrometric jitter. We use theoretical considerations supported by Monte Carlo simulations (using a starspot model) to derive statistical relations between the corresponding astrometric, photometric, and radial velocity effects. Based on these relations, the more easily observed photometric and radial velocity variations can be used to predict the expected size of the astrometric jitter. Also the third moment of the brightness distribution, interferometrically observable as closure phase, contains information about the astrometric jitter. Results.For most stellar types the astrometric jitter due to stellar surface structures is expected to be of the order of 10 micro-AU or greater. This is more than the astrometric displacement typically caused by an Earth-size exoplanet in the habitable zone, which is about 1-4 micro-AU for long-lived main-sequence stars. Only for stars with extremely low photometric variability (<0.5 mmag) and low magnetic activity, comparable to that of the Sun, will the astrometric jitter be of the order of 1 micro-AU, sufficient to allow the astrometric detection of an Earth-sized planet in the habitable zone. While stellar surface structure may thus seriously impair the astrometric detection of small exoplanets, it has in general a negligible impact on the detection of large (Jupiter-size) planets and on the determination of stellar parallax and proper motion. From the starspot model we also conclude that the commonly used spot filling factor is not the most relevant parameter for quantifying the spottiness in terms of the resulting astrometric, photometric and radial velocity variations.
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| 17. |
- Faria, Daniel, et al.
(författare)
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The usage of Stromgren photometry in studies of local group dwarf spheroidal galaxies - Application to Draco: a new catalogue of Draco members and a study of the metallicity distribution function and radial gradients
- 2007
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Ingår i: Astronomy & Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 465:2, s. 28-357
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims. In this paper we demonstrate how Stromgren uvby photometry can be efficiently used to: 1. identify red giant branch stars that are members in a dwarf spheroidal galaxy; 2. derive age-independent metallicities for the same stars and quantify the associated errors. Methods. Stromgren uvby photometry in a 11 x 22 arcmin field centered on the Draco dwarf spheroidal galaxy was obtained using the Isaac Newton Telescope on La Palma. Members of the Draco dSph galaxy were identified using the surface gravity sensitive c(1) index which discriminates between red giant and dwarf stars. Thus enabling us to distinguish the (red giant branch) members of the dwarf spheroidal galaxy from the foreground dwarf stars in our galaxy. The method is evaluated through a comparison of our membership list with membership classifications in the literature based on radial velocities and proper motions. The metallicity sensitive m(1) index was used to derive individual and age-independent metallicities for the members of the Draco dSph galaxy. The derived metallicities are compared to studies based on high resolution spectroscopy and the agreement is found to be very good. Results. We present metallicities for 169 members of the red giant branch in the Draco dwarf spheroidal galaxy (the largest sample to date). The metallicity distribution function for the Draco dSph galaxy shows a mean [Fe/H] = -1.74 dex with a spread of 0.24 dex. The correlation between metallicity and colour for the stars on the red giant branch is consistent with a dominant old, and coeval population. There is a possible spatial population gradient over the field with the most metal-rich stars being more centrally concentrated than the metal-poor stars.
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| 18. |
- Feltzing, Sofia, et al.
(författare)
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Evidence of enrichment by individual SN from elemental abundance ratios in the very metal-poor dSph galaxy Bootes I
- 2009
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 508:1, s. L1-L4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims. We establish the mean metallicity from high-resolution spectroscopy for the recently found dwarf spheroidal galaxy Bootes I and test whether it is a common feature for ultra-faint dwarf spheroidal galaxies to show signs of inhomogeneous chemical evolution (e. g. as found in the Hercules dwarf spheroidal galaxy). Methods. We analyse high-resolution, moderate signal-to-noise spectra for seven red giant stars in the Bootes I dSph galaxy using standard abundance analysis techniques. In particular, we assume local thermodynamic equilibrium and employ spherical model atmospheres and codes that take the sphericity of the star into account when calculating the elemental abundances. Results. We confirm previous determinations of the mean metallicity of the Bootes I dwarf spheroidal galaxy to be -2.3 dex. Whilst five stars are clustered around this metallicity, one is significantly more metal-poor, at -2.9 dex, and one is more metal-rich at, -1.9 dex. Additionally, we find that one of the stars, Boo-127, shows an atypically high [Mg/Ca] ratio, indicative of stochastic enrichment processes within the dSph galaxy. Similar results have previously only been found in the Hercules and Draco dSph galaxies and appear, so far, to be unique to this type of galaxy.
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| 19. |
- Feltzing, S., et al.
(författare)
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Manganese trends in a sample of thin and thick disk stars : The origin of Mn
- 2007
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Ingår i: Astronomy & Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 467:2, s. 665-677
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. Manganese is an iron-peak element and although the nucleosynthesis path that leads to its formation is fairly well understood, it remains unclear which objects, SN II and/or SN Ia, that contribute the majority of Mn to the interstellar medium. It also remains unclear to which extent the supernovae Mn yields depend on the metallicity of the progenitor star or not. Aims. By using a well studied and well defined sample of 95 dwarf stars we aim at further constraining the formation site(s) of Mn. Methods. We derive Mn abundances through spectral synthesis of four Mn I lines at 539.4, 549.2, 601.3, and 601.6 nm. Stellar parameters and data for oxygen are taken from Bensby et al. (2003, 2004, 2005). Results. When comparing our Mn abundances with O abundances for the same stars we find that the abundance trends in the stars with kinematics typical of the thick disk can be explained by metallicity dependent yields from SN II. We go on and combine our data for dwarf stars in the disks with data for dwarf and giant stars in the metal-poor thick disk and halo from the literature. We find that dwarf and giant stars show the same trends, which indicates that neither non-LTE nor evolutionary effects are a major concern for Mn. Furthermore, the [Mn/O] vs. [O/H] trend in the halo is flat. Conclusions. We conclude that the simplest interpretation of our data is that Mn is most likely produced in SN II and that the Mn yields for such SNae must be metallicity dependent. Contribution from SN Ia in the metal-rich thin disk can not, however, be excluded.
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| 20. |
- Feltzing, Sofia, et al.
(författare)
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Stellar abundances and ages for metal-rich Milky Way globular clusters. Stellar parameters and elemental abundances for 9 HB stars in NGC 6352
- 2009
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Ingår i: Astronomy & Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 493:3, s. 913-930
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. Metal-rich globular clusters provide important tracers of the formation of our Galaxy. Moreover, and not less important, they are very important calibrators for the derivation of properties of extra-galactic metal-rich stellar populations. Nonetheless, only a few of the metal-rich globular clusters in the Milky Way have been studied using high-resolution stellar spectra to derive elemental abundances. Additionally, Rosenberg et al. identified a small group of metal-rich globular clusters that appeared to be about 2 billion years younger than the bulk of the Milky Way globular clusters. However, it is unclear if like is compared with like in this dataset as we do not know the enhancement of alpha-elements in the clusters and the amount of alpha-elements is well known to influence the derivation of ages for globular clusters. Aims. We derive elemental abundances for the metal-rich globular cluster NGC 6352 and we present our methods to be used in up-coming studies of other metal-rich globular clusters. Methods. We present a study of elemental abundances for a-and iron-peak elements for nine HB stars in the metal-rich globular cluster NGC 6352. The elemental abundances are based on high-resolution, high signal-to-noise spectra obtained with the UVES spectrograph on VLT. The elemental abundances have been derived using standard LTE calculations and stellar parameters have been derived from the spectra themselves by requiring ionizational as well as excitational equilibrium. Results. We find that NGC 6352 has [Fe/H] = -0.55, is enhanced in the alpha-elements to about +0.2 dex for Ca, Si, and Ti relative to Fe. For the iron-peak elements we find solar values. Based on the spectroscopically derived stellar parameters we find that an E(B - V) = 0.24 and (m - M) similar or equal to 14.05 better fits the data than the nominal values. An investigation of log g f-values for suitable Fe I lines lead us to the conclusion that the commonly used correction to the May et al. (1974) data should not be employed.
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| 21. |
- Gurell, Jonas, 1981-, et al.
(författare)
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The FERRUM project : Transition probabilities for forbidden lines in [Fe II] and experimental metastable lifetimes
- 2009
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 508:1, s. 525-529
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. Accurate transition probabilities for forbidden lines are important diagnostic parameters for low-density astrophysical plasmas. In this paper we present experimental atomic data for forbidden [Fe II] transitions that are observed as strong features in astrophysical spectra. Aims. We measure lifetimes for the 3d(6)((3)G)4s a (4)G(11/2) and 3d(6)((3)D)4s b (4)D(1/2) metastable levels in Fe II and experimental transition probabilities for the forbidden transitions 3d(7) a (4)F(7/2,9/2)-3d(6)((3)G)4s a (4)G(11/2). Methods. The lifetimes were measured at the ion storage ring facility CRYRING using a laser probing technique. Astrophysical branching fractions were obtained from spectra of Eta Carinae, obtained with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph onboard the Hubble Space Telescope. The lifetimes and branching fractions were combined to yield absolute transition probabilities. Results. The lifetimes of the a (4)G(11/2) and the b (4)D(1/2) levels have been measured and have the following values, tau = 0.75 +/- 0.10 s and tau = 0.54 +/- 0.03 s respectively. Furthermore, we have determined the transition probabilities for two forbidden transitions of a (4)F(7/2,9/2)-a (4)G(11/2) at 4243.97 and 4346.85 angstrom. Both the lifetimes and the transition probabilities are compared to calculated values in the literature.
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| 22. |
- Hartman, Henrik, et al.
(författare)
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The FERRUM project : experimental and theoretical transition rates of forbidden [Sc II] lines and radiative lifetimes of metastable ScII levels
- 2008
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 480:2, s. 575-580
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. In many plasmas, long-lived metastable atomic levels are depopulated by collisions (quenched) before they decay radiatively. In low-density regions, however, the low collision rate may allow depopulation by electric dipole (E1) forbidden radiative transitions, so-called forbidden lines (mainly M1 and E2 transitions). If the atomic transition data are known, these lines are indicators of physical plasma conditions and used for abundance determination. Aims. Transition rates can be derived by combining relative intensities between the decay channels, so-called branching fractions (BFs), and the radiative lifetime of the common upper level. We use this approach for forbidden [Sc II] lines, along with new calculations. Methods. Neither BFs for forbidden lines, nor lifetimes of metastable levels, are easily measured in a laboratory. Therefore, astrophysical BFs measured in Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) spectra of the strontium filament of Eta Carinae are combined with lifetime measurements using a laser probing technique on a stored ion-beam (CRYRING facility, MSL, Stockholm). These quantities are used to derive the absolute transition rates (A-values). New theoretical transition rates and lifetimes are calulated using the CIV3 code. Results. We report experimental lifetimes of the Sc II levels 3d(2) a(3)P(0,1,2) with lifetimes 1.28, 1.42, and 1.24 s, respectively, and transition rates for lines from these levels down to 3d4s a(3)D in the region 8270-8390 angstrom. These are the most important forbidden [Sc II] transitions. New calculations for lines and metastable lifetimes are also presented, and are in good agreement with the experimental data.
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| 23. |
- Hartman, Henrik, et al.
(författare)
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Time variations of the narrow Fe II and H I spectral emission lines from the close vicinity of Eta Carinae during the spectral event of 2003
- 2005
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Ingår i: Astronomy & Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 436:3, s. 945-952
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The spectrum of Eta Carinae and its ejecta shows slow variations over a period of 5.5 years. However, the spectrum changes drastically on a time scale of days once every period called the "spectral event". We report on variations in the narrow emission line spectrum of gas condensations (the Weigelt blobs) close to the central star during a spectral event. The rapid changes in the stellar radiation field illuminating the blobs make the blobs a natural astrophysical laboratory to study atomic photoprocesses. The different responses of the HI Paschen lines, fluorescent < Fe II > lines and forbidden [Fe II] lines allow us to identify the processes and estimate physical conditions in the blobs. This paper is based on observations from the Pico dos Dias Observatory (LNA/Brazil) during the previous event in June 2003.
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| 24. |
- Henkel, C., et al.
(författare)
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The density, the cosmic microwave background, and the proton-to-electron mass ratio in a cloud at redshift 0.9
- 2009
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 500:2, s. 725-734
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Based on measurements with the Effelsberg 100-m telescope, a multi-line study of molecular species is presented toward the gravitational lens system PKS 1830-211, which is by far the best known target to study dense cool gas in absorption at intermediate redshift. Determining average radial velocities and performing Large Velocity Gradient radiative transfer calculations, the aims of this study are (1) to determine the density of the gas, (2) to constrain the temperature of the cosmic microwave background (CMB), and (3) to evaluate the proton-to-electron mass ratio at redshift z ˜ 0.89. Analyzing data from six rotational HC3N transitions (this includes the J=7≤ftarrow6 line, which is likely detected for the first time in the interstellar medium) we obtain n(H2) ~ 2600 cm-3 for the gas density of the south-western absorption component, assuming a background source covering factor, which is independent of frequency. With a possibly more realistic frequency dependence proportional to ν0.5 (the maximal exponent permitted by observational boundary conditions), n(H2) ~ 1700 cm-3. Again toward the south-western source, excitation temperatures of molecular species with optically thin lines and higher rotational constants are, on average, consistent with the expected temperature of the cosmic microwave background, T_CMB = 5.14 K. However, individually, there is a surprisingly large scatter which far surpasses expected uncertainties. A comparison of CS J =1 ≤ftarrow0 and 4≤ftarrow3 optical depths toward the weaker north-western absorption component results in T_ex = 11 K and a 1-σ error of 3 K. For the main component, a comparison of velocities determined from ten optically thin NH3 inversion lines with those from five optically thin rotational transitions of HC3N, observed at similar frequencies, constrains potential variations of the proton-to-electron mass ratio μ to Δμ / μ
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| 25. |
- Jakobsson, P, et al.
(författare)
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A mean redshift of 2.8 for Swift gamma-ray bursts
- 2006
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Ingår i: Astronomy & Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 447:3, s. 897-903
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The exceptionally high luminosities of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), gradually emerging as extremely useful probes of star formation, make them promising tools for exploration of the high-redshift Universe. Here we present a carefully selected sample of Swift GRBs, intended to estimate in an unbiased way the GRB mean redshift (z(mean)), constraints on the fraction of high-redshift bursts and an upper limit on the fraction of heavily obscured afterglows. We find that z(mean) = 2.8 and that at least 7% of GRBs originate at z > 5. In addition, consistent with pre-Swift observations, at most 20% of afterglows can be heavily obscured. The redshift distribution of the sample is qualitatively consistent with models where the GRB rate is proportional to the star formation rate in the Universe. We also report optical, near-infrared and X-ray observations of the afterglow of GRB 050814, which was seen to exhibit very red optical colours. By modelling its spectral energy distribution we find that z = 5.3 +/- 0.3. The high mean redshift of GRBs and their wide redshift range clearly demonstrates their suitability as efficient probes of galaxies and the intergalactic medium over a significant fraction of the history of the Universe.
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