Stars, Interstellar Medium and the Galaxy Commons^™

A Coordinated X-Ray And Optical Campaign Of The Nearest Massive Eclipsing Binary, Δ Ori Aa: I. Overview Of The X-Ray Spectrum., Michael Corcoran, Joy Nichols, H. Pablo, Tomer Shenar, Andy Pollock, W. Waldron, A. Moffat, N. Richardson, C. Russell, K. Hamaguchi, D. Huenemoerder, L. Oskinova, W.-R. Hamann, Y. Nazé, Richard Ignace, Nancy Evans, Jamie Lomax, J. Hoffman, K. Gayley, S. Owocki, M. Leutenegger, T. Gull, K. Hole, J. Lauer, R. Iping

ETSU Faculty Works

We present an overview of four deep phase-constrained Chandra HETGS X-ray observations of δ Ori A. Delta Ori A is actually a triple system that includes the nearest massive eclipsing spectroscopic binary, δ Ori Aa, the only such object that can be observed with little phase-smearing with the Chandra gratings. Since the fainter star, δ Ori Aa2, has a much lower X-ray luminosity than the brighter primary (δ Ori Aa1), δ Ori Aa provides a unique system with which to test the spatial distribution of the X-ray emitting gas around δ Ori Aa1 via occultation by the photosphere of, and …

A Coordinated X-Ray And Optical Campaign Of The Nearest Massive Eclipsing Binary, Δ Orionis Aa: Ii. X-Ray Variability., Joy Nichols, D. Huenemoerder, Michael Corcoran, W. Waldron, Y. Nazé, Andy Pollock, A. Moffat, J. Lauer, Tomer Shenar, C. Russell, N. Richardson, H. Pablo, N. Evans, K. Hamaguchi, T. Gull, W.-R. Hamann, L. Oskinova, Richard Ignace, Jennifer Hoffman, K. Hole, Jamie Lomax

ETSU Faculty Works

We present time-resolved and phase-resolved variability studies of an extensive X-ray high-resolution spectral data set of the δ Ori Aa binary system. The four observations, obtained with Chandra ACIS HETGS, have a total exposure time of ≈ 479 ks and provide nearly complete binary phase coverage. Variability of the total X-ray flux in the range of 5–25 Å is confirmed, with a maximum amplitude of about ±15% within a single ≈ 125 ks observation. Periods of 4.76 and 2.04 days are found in the total X-ray flux, as well as an apparent overall increase in the flux level throughout the …

A Coordinated X-Ray And Optical Campaign Of The Nearest Massive Eclipsing Binary, Δ Orionis Aa: Ii. X-Ray Variability., J. Nichols, D. P. Huenemoerder, M. F. Corcoran, W. Waldron, Y. Nazé, A. M. T. Pollock, A. F. J. Moffat, J. Lauer, T. Shenar, C. M. P. Russell, N. D. Richardson, H. Pablo, N. R. Evans, K. Hamaguchi, T. Gull, W.-R. Hamann, L. Oskinova, R. Ignace, Jennifer L. Hoffman, K. T. Hole, J. R. Lomax

Richard Ignace

We present time-resolved and phase-resolved variability studies of an extensive X-ray high-resolution spectral data set of the δ Ori Aa binary system. The four observations, obtained with Chandra ACIS HETGS, have a total exposure time of ≈ 479 ks and provide nearly complete binary phase coverage. Variability of the total X-ray flux in the range of 5–25 Å is confirmed, with a maximum amplitude of about ±15% within a single ≈ 125 ks observation. Periods of 4.76 and 2.04 days are found in the total X-ray flux, as well as an apparent overall increase in the flux level throughout the …

A Coordinated X-Ray And Optical Campaign Of The Nearest Massive Eclipsing Binary, Δ Ori Aa: I. Overview Of The X-Ray Spectrum., M. F. Corcoran, J. S. Nichols, H. Pablo, T. Shenar, A. M. T. Pollock, W. L. Waldron, A. F. J. Moffat, N. D. Richardson, C. M. P. Russell, K. Hamaguchi, D. P. Huenemoerder, L. Oskinova, W.-R. Hamann, Y. Nazé, R. Ignace, N. R. Evans, J. R. Lomax, J. L. Hoffman, K. Gayley, S. P. Owocki, M. Leutenegger, T. R. Gull, K. T. Hole, J. Lauer, R. C. Iping

Richard Ignace

A Coordinated X-Ray And Optical Campaign Of The Nearest Massive Eclipsing Binary, Δ Orionis Aa. Iii. Analysis Of Optical Photometric (Most) And Spectroscopic (Ground Based) Variations., Herbert Pablo, Noel D. Richardson, Anthony F. J. Moffat, Michael Corcoran, Tomer Shenar, Omar Benvenuto, Jim Fuller, Yaël Nazé, Jennifer L. Hoffman, Anatoly Miroshnichenko, Jesús Maíz Apellániz, Nancy Evans, Thomas Eversberg, Ken Gayley, Ted Gull, Kenji Hamaguchi, Wolf-Rainer Hamann, Huib Henrichs, Tabetha Hole, Richard Ignace, Rosina Iping, Jennifer Lauer, Maurice Leutenegger, Jamie Lomax, Joy Nichols, Lida Oskinova, Stan Owocki, Andy Pollock, Christopher M. P. Russell, Wayne Waldron, Christian Buil, Thierry Garrel, Keith Graham, Bernard Heathcote, Thierry Lemoult, Dong Li, Benjamin Mauclaire, Mike Potter, Jose Ribeiro, Jaymie Matthews, Chris Cameron, David Guenther, Rainer Kuschnig, Jason Rowe, Slavek Rucinski, Dimitar Sasselov, Werner Weiss

Richard Ignace

Nucleosynthesis In Self-Consistent Core-Collapse Supernova Models Using Multidimensional Chimera Simulations, James Austin Harris

Doctoral Dissertations

Observations of nuclear abundances in core-collapse supernova (CCSN) ejecta, highlighted by γ-ray [gamma-ray] observations of the ⁴⁴Ti [titanium-44] spatial distribution in the nearby supernova remnants Cassiopeia A and SN 1987A, allow nucleosynthesis calculations to place powerful constraints on conditions deep in the interiors of supernovae and their progenitor stars. This ability to probe where direct observations cannot makes such calculations an invaluable tool for understanding the CCSN mechanism. Unfortunately, despite knowing for two decades that supernovae are intrinsically multi-dimensional events, discussions of CCSN nucleosynthesis have been predominantly based on spherically symmetric (1D) models, which employ a contrived energy source …

Infrared Spectroscopy Of Symbiotic Stars. X. Orbits For Three S-Type Systems: V1044 Centauri, Hen 3-1213, And Ss 73-96, Francis C. Fekel, Kenneth H. Hinkle, Richard R. Joyce, Peter R. Wood

Information Systems and Engineering Management Research Publications

Employing new infrared radial velocities, we have computed orbits of the cool giants in three southern S-type symbiotic systems. The orbit for V1044 Cen, an M5.5 giant, has a period of 985 days and a modest eccentricity of 0.16. Hen 3-1213 is a K4 giant, yellow symbiotic with an orbital period of 533 days and a similar eccentricity of 0.18. For the M2 giant SS 73-96 the orbital period is 828 days, and this system has a somewhat larger eccentricity of 0.26. Measurement of the H i Paschen δ emission lines, which may at least partially reflect the motion of …

A Re-Interpretation Of The Triangulum-Andromeda Stellar Clouds: A Population Of Halo Stars Kicked Out Of The Galactic Disk, Adrian M. Price-Whelan, Kathryn V. Johnston, Allyson A. Sheffield, Chervin F. P. Laporte, Branimir Sesar

Publications and Research

The Triangulum–Andromeda stellar clouds (TriAnd1 and TriAnd2) are a pair of concentric ring- or shell-like overdensities at large R (≈30 kpc) and Z (≈−10 kpc) in the Galactic halo that are thought to have been formed from the accretion and disruption of a satellite galaxy. This paper critically reexamines this formation scenario by comparing the number ratio of RR Lyrae to M giant stars associated with the TriAnd clouds with other structures in the Galaxy. The current data suggest a stellar population for these overdensities (fRR: MG < 0.38 at 95 per cent confidence) quite unlike any of the known satellites of the Milky Way (fRR: MG ≈ 0.5 for the very largest and f …

Probing Wolf–Rayet Winds: Chandra/Hetg X-Ray Spectra Of Wr 6, David P. Huenemoerder, K. G. Gayley, Wolf-Rainer Hamann, Richard Ignace, J. S. Nichols, Lidia M. Oskinova, A. M.T. Pollock, Nobert S. Schulz, Tomer Shenar

ETSU Faculty Works

With a deep Chandra/HETGS exposure of WR 6, we have resolved emission lines whose profiles show that the X-rays originate from a uniformly expanding spherical wind of high X-ray-continuum optical depth. The presence of strong helium-like forbidden lines places the source of X-ray emission at tens to hundreds of stellar radii from the photosphere. Variability was present in X-rays and simultaneous optical photometry, but neither were correlated with the known period of the system or with each other. An enhanced abundance of sodium revealed nuclear-processed material, a quantity related to the evolutionary state of the star. The characterization of …

Higgs Shifts From Electron–Positron Annihilations Near Neutron Stars, Gary A. Wegner, Roberto Onofrio

Dartmouth Scholarship

We discuss the potential for using neutron stars to determine bounds on the Higgs-Kretschmann coupling by looking at peculiar shifts in gamma-ray spectroscopic features. In particular, we reanalyze multiple lines observed in GRB781119 detected by two gamma-ray spectrometers, and derive an upper bound on the Higgs-Kretschmann coupling that is much more constraining than the one recently obtained from white dwarfs. This calls for targeted analyses of spectra of gamma-ray bursts from more recent observatories, dedicated searches for differential shifts on electron–positron and proton–antiproton annihilation spectra in proximity of compact sources, and signals of electron and proton cyclotron lines from the …

Solubility And Detectability Of Hydrocarbons On The Surface Of Titan, Sandeep Singh

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Titan’s thick atmosphere is enriched with organic compounds and its surface holds reservoirs of hydrocarbons. This makes Titan the only other candidate in our solar system (apart from Earth) to have stable liquid at the surface. The stability and characteristics of liquid and ices on the surface of Titan are of high importance in understanding its surface-atmosphere interactions. Titan’s hydrological cycle is similar to what we see on Earth, with the exception of methane (CH4) and ethane (C2H6) taking the place of water. The smoggy atmosphere veils the surface of Titan from the view of Cassini spacecraft, except at seven …

Detecting Differential Rotation And Starspot Evolution On The M Dwarf Gj 1243 With Kepler, James R. A. Davenport, Leslie Hebb, Suzanne L. Hawley

Physics & Astronomy

We present an analysis of the starspots on the active M4 dwarf GJ 1243, using 4 years of time series photometry from Kepler. A rapid P = 0.592596 ± 0.00021 days rotation period is measured due to the ~2.2% starspot-induced flux modulations in the light curve. We first use a light curve modeling approach, using a Monte Carlo Markov Chain sampler to solve for the longitudes and radii of the two spots within 5 day windows of data. Within each window of time the starspots are assumed to be unchanging. Only a weak constraint on the starspot latitudes can …

Star Formation And Relaxation In 379 Nearby Galaxy Clusters, Seth A. Cohen, Ryan C. Hickox, Gary A. Wegner

Dartmouth Scholarship

We investigate the relationship between star formation (SF) and level of relaxation in a sample of 379 galaxy clusters at z < 0.2. We use data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey to measure cluster membership and level of relaxation, and to select star-forming galaxies based on mid-infrared emission detected with the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer. For galaxies with absolute magnitudes M_r < −19.5, we find an inverse correlation between SF fraction and cluster relaxation: as a cluster becomes less relaxed, its SF fraction increases. Furthermore, in general, the subtracted SF fraction in all unrelaxed clusters (0.117 ± 0.003) is higher than that in all relaxed clusters (0.097 ± 0.005). We verify the validity of our SF calculation methods and membership criteria through analysis of previous work. Our results agree with previous findings that a weak correlation exists between cluster SF and dynamical state, possibly because unrelaxed clusters are less evolved relative to relaxed clusters.

Symmetry And The Arrow Of Time In Theoretical Black Hole Astrophysics, David Garofalo

Faculty and Research Publications

While the basic laws of physics seem time-reversal invariant, our understanding of the apparent irreversibility of the macroscopic world is well grounded in the notion of entropy. Because astrophysics deals with the largest structures in the Universe, one expects evidence there for the most pronounced entropic arrow of time. However, in recent theoretical astrophysics work it appears possible to identify constructs with time-reversal symmetry, which is puzzling in the large-scale realm especially because it involves the engines of powerful outflows in active galactic nuclei which deal with macroscopic constituents such as accretion disks, magnetic fields, and black holes. Nonetheless, the …

Precise Mass And Radius Measurements For The Components Of The Bright Solar-Type Eclipsing Binary Star V1094 Tauri, P. F.L. Maxted, R. J. Hutcheon, G. Torres, C. H.S. Lacy, J. Southworth, B. Smalley, K. Pavlovski, Laurence A. Marschall, J. V. Clausen

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

Context. V1094 Tau is a bright eclipsing binary star with an orbital period close to nine days that contains two stars similar to the Sun.

Aims. Our aim is to test models of Sun-like stars using precise and accurate mass and radius measurements for both stars in V1094 Tau.

Methods. We present new spectroscopy of V1094 Tau, which we use to estimate the effective temperatures of both stars and to refine their spectroscopic orbits. We also present new, high-quality photometry covering both eclipses of V1094 Tau in the Strömgren uvby system and in the Johnson V-band.

Results. The masses, …

Determining The Relationship Between The [Oiii] 5007 Å Emission Line Profile And The Stellar Velocity Dispersion In Active Galaxies, Nathaniel Milgram

Physics

The empirical relation between the stellar velocity dispersion (SVD) of the bulge and the mass of the central supermassive black hole (BH) suggests a link between host galaxy and BH evolution. For active galactic nuclei (AGNs), the BH mass (MBH) can be estimated in a straightforward way from the Doppler broadening of the broad emission lines using the so-called virial method. However, the powerful AGN continuum emission often outshines the underlying stellar absorption lines, making it difficult to measure SVD of the host galaxy. Thus, the MBH - SVD relation is difficult to establish for galaxies containing AGNs. As a …

Defining The Circumstellar Habitable Zone, Blake Cervetti, Joanna Mccall

DePaul Discoveries

The study of habitable exoplanets is a rapidly expanding field in astronomy. Exoplanets are planets that orbit stars other than our own sun. One of the keys to knowing whether or not an exoplanet is habitable is by studying the circumstellar habitable zone, or CHZ. Over the past several years, the defined limits of the CHZ have become susceptible to change as new parameters and factors are found to affect a planets habitability. There are many factors that affect its habitability, including the composition of the star, the mass of the planet, the planets atmosphere, etc. Our focus is divided …

Multiperiodicity, Modulations, And Flip-Flops In Variable Star Light Curves. Iii. Carrier Fit Analysis Of Lq Hydrae Photometry For 1982–2014, Nigul Olspert, Maarit J. Käpylä, Jaan Pelt, Elizabeth M. Cole, Thomas Hackman, Jyri J. Lehtinen, Gregory W. Henry

Information Systems and Engineering Management Research Publications

Aims. We study LQ Hya photometry for 1982–2014 with the carrier fit (CF) method and compare our results to earlier photometric analysis and recent Doppler imaging maps.

Methods. As the rotation period of the object is not known a priori, we utilize different types of statistical methods first (least-squares fit of harmonics, phase dispersion statistics) to estimate various candidates for the carrier period for the CF method. Secondly, a global fit to the whole data set and local fits to shorter segments are computed with the period that is found to be optimal.

Results. The harmonic least-squares analysis of all …

The 2d Distribution Of Iron-Rich Ejecta In The Remnant Of Sn 1885 In M31, Robert A. Fesen, Peter A. Höflich, Andrew J. S. Hamilton

Dartmouth Scholarship

We present Hubble Space Telescope (HST) ultraviolet Fe i and Fe ii images of the remnant of Supernova 1885 (S And) which is observed in absorption against the bulge of the Andromeda galaxy, M31. We compare these Fe i and Fe ii absorption line images to previous HST absorption images of S And, of which the highest quality and theoretically cleanest is Ca ii H and K. Because the remnant is still in free expansion, these images provide a 2D look at the distribution of iron synthesized in this probable Type Ia explosion, thus providing insights and constraints …

Periodicity In Some Light Curves Of The Solar Analogue V352 Canis Majoris, Perttu Kajatkari, Lauri Jetsu, Elizabeth M. Cole, Thomas Hackman, Gregory W. Henry, Sirkka-Liisa Joutsiniemi, Jyri J. Lehtinen, V. Mäkelä, Sebastian Porceddu, Kyösti Ryynänen, V. Solea

Information Systems and Engineering Management Research Publications

Aims. We applied the Continuous Period Search (CPS) method to 14 yr of V-band photometry of the active G6.5 solar analog V352 CMa. Our aim was to show that CPS can successfully model the presence or absence of periodicity in low-amplitude light curves.

Methods. CPS computes values for the mean brightness, photometric period, amplitude and minimum of selected datasets. We also applied the Power Spectrum Method (PSM) to these datasets and compared the performance of this frequently applied method to that of CPS.

Results. We found an apparent 11.7 ± 0.5 yr cycle in the mean brightness. The mean of …