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Analysing the Hipparcos epoch photometry of λ Bootis stars
We performed a homogeneous analysis of the available Hipparcos epochphotometry for all members of the LB group. Besides the known δScuti like pulsation frequencies, we searched for eclipses due tobinarity or rotational induced variability. The already knownfrequencies of HD 15165 are confirmed with an additional lower singlefrequency, which might be caused by an accretion episode. But we are notable to rule out a possible aliasing due to the temporal sampling of thedata set. Furthermore, three candidates (HD 15759, HD 120500, and HD149130) for a possible eclipse were detected. Otherwise, the frequencyanalysis reveals a null result within our strict detection limits.
| The heterogeneous class of lambda Bootis stars
We demonstrate that it is arduous to define the lambda Boo stars as aclass of objects exhibiting uniform abundance peculiarities which wouldbe generated by a mechanism altering the structure of their atmosphericlayers. We collected the stars classified as lambda Boo up to now anddiscuss their properties, in particular the important percentage ofconfirmed binaries producing composite spectra (including our adaptiveoptics observations) and of misclassified objects. The unexplained RVvariables (and thus suspected binaries), the known SB for which we lackinformation on the companion, the stars with an UV flux inconsistentwith their classification, and the fast rotating stars for which noaccurate abundance analysis can be performed, are also reviewed.Partly based on observations collected at the CFH Telescope (Hawaii) andat TBL of the Pic du Midi Observatory (France).Table \ref{tab5} is only available in electronic form athttp://www.edpsciences.org
| The status of Galactic field λ Bootis stars in the post-Hipparcos era
The λ Bootis stars are Population I, late B- to early F-typestars, with moderate to extreme (up to a factor 100) surfaceunderabundances of most Fe-peak elements and solar abundances of lighterelements (C, N, O and S). To put constraints on the various existingtheories that try to explain these peculiar stars, we investigate theobservational properties of λ Bootis stars compared with areference sample of normal stars. Using various photometric systems andHipparcos data, we analyse the validity of standard photometriccalibrations, elemental abundances, and Galactic space motions. Therecrystallizes a clear picture of a homogeneous group of Population Iobjects found at all stages of their main-sequence evolution, with apeak at about 1 Gyr. No correlation of astrophysical parameters such asthe projected rotational velocities or elemental abundances with age isfound, suggesting that the a priori unknown mechanism, which createsλ Bootis stars, works continuously for late B- to early F-typestars in all stages of main-sequence evolution. Surprisingly, the sodiumabundances seem to indicate an interaction between the stars and theirlocal environment.
| On the Period-Luminosity-Colour-Metallicity relation and the pulsational characteristics of lambda Bootis type stars
Generally, chemical peculiarity found for stars on the upper mainsequence excludes delta Scuti type pulsation (e.g. Ap and Am stars), butfor the group of lambda Bootis stars it is just the opposite. This makesthem very interesting for asteroseismological investigations. The groupof lambda Bootis type stars comprises late B- to early F-type,Population I objects which are basically metal weak, in particular theFe group elements, but with the clear exception of C, N, O and S. Thepresent work is a continuation of the studies by Paunzen et al.(\cite{Pau97}, \cite{Pau98}), who presented first results on thepulsational characteristics of the lambda Bootis stars. Since then, wehave observed 22 additional objects; we found eight new pulsators andconfirmed another one. Furthermore, new spectroscopic data (Paunzen\cite{Pau01}) allowed us to sort out misidentified candidates and to addtrue members to the group. From 67 members of this group, only two arenot photometrically investigated yet which makes our analysis highlyrepresentative. We have compared our results on the pulsationalbehaviour of the lambda Bootis stars with those of a sample of deltaScuti type objects. We find that at least 70% of all lambda Bootis typestars inside the classical instability strip pulsate, and they do sowith high overtone modes (Q < 0.020 d). Only a few stars, if any,pulsate in the fundamental mode. Our photometric results are inexcellent agreement with the spectroscopic work on high-degree nonradialpulsations by Bohlender et al. (\cite{Boh99}). Compared to the deltaScuti stars, the cool and hot borders of the instability strip of thelambda Bootis stars are shifted by about 25 mmag, towards smaller(b-y)_0. Using published abundances and the metallicity sensitiveindices of the Geneva 7-colour and Strömgren uvbybeta systems, wehave derived [Z] values which describe the surface abundance of theheavier elements for the group members. We find that thePeriod-Luminosity-Colour relation for the group of lambda Bootis starsis within the errors identical with that of the normal delta Scutistars. No clear evidence for a statistically significant metallicityterm was detected. Based on observations from the Austrian AutomaticPhotoelectric Telescope (Fairborn Observatory), SAAO and Siding SpringObservatory.
| A spectroscopic survey for lambda Bootis stars. III. Final results
In the third paper of a series dedicated to the spectroscopic survey fornew lambda Bootis stars, we present all new and confirmed members of thegroup as well as a detailed analysis of the observed sample. The natureof this small group of chemically peculiar stars of the upper mainsequence still challenges our understanding of processes like diffusion,mass-loss and accretion. The typical abundances pattern (nearly solarvalues for C, N, O and S whereas the Fe-peak elements are moderate tostrong underabundant) can still not be explained by any proposed theory.Hence, the significant increase of new members gives the opportunity toinvestigate the group properties in more detail. We report the discoveryof 26 new members of the group and the confirmation of 18 candidatesfrom the literature. This almost triples the number of known lambdaBootis stars. The existence of one member in the young open cluster NGC2264 and four members in the Orion OB1 association proves that thelambda Bootis phenomenon already works at very early stages of stellarevolution. Recent results from the Hipparcos mission have shown that thewell established lambda Bootis stars of the Galactic field comprise thewhole area from the Zero Age Main Sequence to the Terminal Age MainSequence (~ 109 yr for an A-type star). There is a continuoustransition between very young and rather evolved evolutionary stages. Wefind that the overall percentage of lambda Bootis type among all normaltype stars in the spectral range from B8 to F4 is 2% in the Galacticfield as well as in open clusters. Furthermore, 44 metal-weak objectsare listed which might be connected with the lambda Bootis phenomenon.Our biased sample (chosen by photometric boxes) is not distinguishedfrom all A-type stars in the corresponding spectral region by therotational velocity distribution. Only for the luminosity classes IV andIII (especially for the cooler program stars) the determined mean v sini values are very high compared to those of the literature. Based onobservations from the Observatoire de Haute-Provence, OsservatorioAstronomico di Padova-Asiago, Observatório do Pico dosDias-LNA/CNPq/MCT, Chews Ridge Observatory (MIRA) and University ofToronto Southern Observatory (Las Campanas).
| A spectroscopic survey for lambda Bootis stars. II. The observational data
lambda Bootis stars comprise only a small number of all A-type stars andare characterized as nonmagnetic, Population i, late B to early F-typedwarfs which show significant underabundances of metals whereas thelight elements (C, N, O and S) are almost normal abundant compared tothe Sun. In the second paper on a spectroscopic survey for lambda Bootisstars, we present the spectral classifications of all program starsobserved. These stars were selected on the basis of their Strömgrenuvbybeta colors as lambda Bootis candidates. In total, 708 objects insix open clusters, the Orion OB1 association and the Galactic field wereclassified. In addition, 9 serendipity non-candidates in the vicinity ofour program stars as well as 15 Guide Star Catalogue stars were observedresulting in a total of 732 classified stars. The 15 objects from theGuide Star Catalogue are part of a program for the classification ofapparent variable stars from the Fine Guidance Sensors of the HubbleSpace Telescope. A grid of 105 MK standard as well as ``pathological''stars guarantees a precise classification. A comparison of our spectralclassification with the extensive work of Abt & Morrell(\cite{Abt95}) shows no significant differences. The derived types are0.23 +/- 0.09 (rms error per measurement) subclasses later and 0.30 +/-0.08 luminosity classes more luminous than those of Abt & Morrell(\cite{Abt95}) based on a sample of 160 objects in common. The estimatederrors of the means are +/- 0.1 subclasses. The characteristics of oursample are discussed in respect to the distribution on the sky, apparentvisual magnitudes and Strömgren uvbybeta colors. Based onobservations from the Observatoire de Haute-Provence, OsservatorioAstronomico di Padova-Asiago, Observatório do Pico dosDias-LNA/CNPq/MCT, Chews Ridge Observatory (MIRA) and University ofToronto Southern Observatory (Las Campanas).
| A speckle interferometry survey of lambda Bootis stars
A search for duplicity of lambda Boo stars has been made by using thespeckle camera installed at the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo. Theoperation mode and the reduction procedure allow one to obtain not onlythe separation, but also the magnitude difference between thecomponents; the latter parameter is fundamental for determining thedegree of contamination from the secondary component of a binary systemand thus the importance of the veiling effect that produces absorptionlines weaker than normal. Two stars, HD 38545 and HD 290492, are closebinaries with values of the separation and of the magnitude differencesuch that only a composite spectrum can be observed. For another 15lambda Boo candidates, observed with negative results, the upper limitsof a possible companion separation are given. Based on observations madewith the Italian Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG) operated on theisland of La Palma by the Centro Galileo Galilei of the CNAA (ConsorzioNazionale per l'Astronomia e l'Astrofisica) at the Spanish Observatoriodel Roque de los Muchachos of the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias.
| How many lambda Bootis stars are binaries?
In the attempt to shed new light on the lambda Boo phenomenon weanalyzed the astrometric, photometric and spectroscopic characteristicsof stars out of a list of recently selected lambda Boo candidates. Weshow that the class is still ill-defined and discuss the possibilitythat some, if not most stars presently classified as lambda Boo, are infact binary pairs and that peculiar abundances may not correspond toactual values if the average values of the atmospheric parameters{Teff} and log g are assumed and the effect of veiling is nottaken into account. Partly based on data from the ESA Hipparcosastrometry satellite.
| Pulsation in lambda Bootis stars
In this paper we present a further step in applying asteroseismictechniques to the group of lambda Bootis stars which can becharacterized as nonmagnetic A to F-type Population I dwarfs withsignificant (surface) underabundances of Fe-peak elements. Since noconclusive theory explaining the origin of the observed abundanceanomalies exists, an extensive photometric survey for pulsation in thisgroup has been initiated. Knowledge about the pulsational properties(most members are located within the classical instability strip) couldhelp to establish constrains about the overall abundance of these starsas well as on the evolutionary status. New photometric observations werecarried out for eleven stars. Variability was detected in four stars(e.g. lambda Bootis itself) whereas the remaining seven objects areprobably constant. In total, 52 members of this group have beenphotometrically investigated so far. With 22 pulsating and 30``constant'' stars, we derive a ratio of at least 50 % for variable tononvariable members inside the classical instability strip. This resultis based on high quality Hipparcos and new photometric data. Theobserved log /lineρ//lineρ_ȯ and log P values for thepulsating members are compatible with standard (solar abundant) deltaScuti models supporting the hypothesis that the found abundanceanomalies are restricted to the surface only. Otherwise the pulsationalproperties of this group are not outstanding compared to ``normal''delta Scuti stars, indicating that the mechanism driving the pulsationsis very similar. Based on observations obtained at ESO-La\,Silla, CTIO,SAAO, McDonald Observatory, Instituto Astrofisica Andalucia Observatoryand with the Hipparcos satellite
| A spectroscopic survey for lambda Bootis stars. I. Strategy, techniques and first results
In recent years, the chemically peculiar (CP) stars of the upper mainsequence have become a fruitful field for the testing of astrophysicaltheories. Processes such as diffusion, convection and mass loss havebeen developed theoretically and introduced into models. The group oflambda Bootis stars, however, is remarkable among the chemicallypeculiar stars as they are nonmagnetic, Population I, A to F-type dwarfswhich show significant underabundances of metals (except for C, N, O andS). Unfortunately, the small number of confirmed members of the lambdaBootis class makes a sound statistical analysis of their propertiesimpossible. Thus, it is still difficult to decide between the twotheories - mass loss with diffusion and the accretion theory - whichhave been proposed to explain the origin of these stars. We thereforehave started a spectroscopic survey to find new lambda Bootis stars inthe field as well as in open clusters and associations. The presence oflambda Bootis stars in open clusters and associations would permit adetermination of the ages of these stars, and thus would yield animportant test for distinguishing between the two theories. In thispaper we describe the selection of candidates using photometriccriteria, the basic requirements, spectroscopic follow-up observationsand results from the first three observing runs. Special care was takento avoid misclassification of our programme stars (e.g. lambda Bootisstars are often confused with intermediate Population II, He-weak orhigh v sin i stars), using a refined MK system. The discovery of atleast six new lambda Bootis stars (including three in the Orion OB1association) shows the efficacy of our selection criteria. Based onobservations obtained at the Observatoire de Haute-Provence and the DarkSky Observatory.
| On the evolutionary status of λ Bootis stars using HIPPARCOS data.
We have used the Hipparcos data to derive absolute magnitudes and thusthe evolutionary status for the group of λ Bootis stars. Theorigin for this small group of nonmagnetic, chemically peculiar stars,still remains a matter of debate. Using new evolutionary tracks, we areable to provide an age determination to distinguish between the twoproposed theories - the diffusion/mass-loss and the accretion theory.Our results establish the member of this group as objects which are veryclose to the Main Sequence. This is also supported by Pre-Main Sequenceevolutionary tracks as well as by observational results. We thereforecontradict prior conclusions that most of these stars are in the middleof their Main Sequence lifetime. The new results strongly support thepredictions of the accretion theory.
| Four-colour and H beta photometry of southern B stars at high galactic latitudes
Four-color and H beta photometry has been obtained for 105 early-type HDstars with galactic latitudes less than -45 deg. They are mostly late Bstars of luminosity class V to III. Two new Am stars and several Ap orBp stars are detected photometrically. Absolute magnitudes aredetermined from the photometry and from MK types where available. Theinterstellar reddening of many of the more distant stars is very small,suggesting either the existence of undetected peculiar stars in thesample or that there are areas of effectively zero reddening at highsouthern galactic latitudes.
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Observation and Astrometry data
| Constellation: | Éridan |
| Right ascension: | 03h44m32.72s |
| Declination: | -08°35'12.5" |
| Apparent magnitude: | 8.244 |
| Distance: | 307.692 parsecs |
| Proper motion RA: | 8.2 |
| Proper motion Dec: | 0.3 |
| B-T magnitude: | 8.307 |
| V-T magnitude: | 8.25 |
Catalogs and designations:
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