Observational Evidence for a Correlation Between Macroturbulent Broadening and Line-profile Variations in OB Supergiants

Simón-Díaz, S.; Herrero, A.; Uytterhoeven, K.; Castro, N.; Aerts, C.; Puls, J.
Referencia bibliográfica

The Astrophysical Journal Letters, Volume 720, Issue 2, pp. L174-L178 (2010).

Fecha de publicación:
9
2010
Número de autores
6
Número de autores del IAC
3
Número de citas
84
Número de citas referidas
66
Descripción
The spectra of O and B supergiants (Sgs) are known to be affected by a significant form of extra line broadening (usually referred to as macroturbulence) in addition to that produced by stellar rotation. Recent analyses of high-resolution spectra have shown that the interpretation of this line broadening as a consequence of large-scale turbulent motions would imply highly supersonic velocity fields in photospheric regions, making this scenario quite improbable. Stellar oscillations have been proposed as a likely alternative explanation. As part of a long-term observational project, we are investigating the macroturbulent broadening in O and B Sgs and its possible connection with spectroscopic variability phenomena and stellar oscillations. In this Letter, we present the first encouraging results of our project, namely, firm observational evidence for a strong correlation between the extra broadening and photospheric line-profile variations in a sample of 13 Sgs with spectral types ranging from O9.5 to B8. Based on observations made with the Nordic Optical Telescope, operated on the island of La Palma jointly by Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, in the Spanish Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos of the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias.
Proyectos relacionados
Physical properties and evolution of massive stars
Propiedades Físicas y Evolución de Estrellas Masivas
Las estrellas masivas son objetos claves para la Astrofísica. Estas estrellas nacen con más de 8 masas solares, lo que las condena a morir como Supernovas. Durante su rápida evolución liberan, a través de fuertes vientos estelares, gran cantidad de material procesado en su núcleo y, en determinadas fases evolutivas, emiten gran cantidad de
Sergio
Simón Díaz