The role of thermal instabilities in star formation
Thermal and magnetic effects on uniform medium stability in study of thermal instability role in star formation
THERMAL EFFECT↗
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Results for “MAGNETIC STARS”
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EFFECTS OF RESISTIVITY ON MAGNETIZED CORE-COLLAPSE SUPERNOVAE
We studied the role of turbulent resistivity in the core-collapse of a strongly magnetized massive star, carrying out two-dimensional resistive-MHD simulations. Three cases with different initial strengths of magnetic field and rotation are investigated: (1) a strongly magnetized rotating core, (2) a moderately magnetized rotating core, and (3) a very strongly magnetized non-rotating core. In each case, one ideal-MHD model and two resistive-MHD models are computed. As a result of these computations, each model shows an eruption of matter assisted by magnetic acceleration (and also by centrifugal acceleration in the rotating cases). We found that resistivity attenuates the explosion in cases 1 and 2, while it enhances the explosion in case 3. We also found that in the rotating cases, the main mechanisms for the amplification of a magnetic field in the post-bounce phase are an outward advection of the magnetic field and a twisting of poloidal magnetic field lines by differential rotation, which are somewhat dampened down with the presence of resistivity. Although magnetorotational instability seems to occur in the rotating models, it plays only a minor role in magnetic field amplification. Another impact of resistivity is that on the aspect ratio. In the rotating cases, a large aspect ratio of the ejected matter, >2.5, attained in an ideal-MHD model is reduced to some extent in a resistive model. These results indicate that resistivity possibly plays an important role in the dynamics of strongly magnetized supernovae.
79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
EQUATION OF STATE FOR NUCLEONIC AND HYPERONIC NEUTRON STARS WITH MASS AND RADIUS CONSTRAINTS
We obtain a new equation of state for the nucleonic and hyperonic inner core of neutron stars that fulfils the 2 M {sub ⊙} observations as well as the recent determinations of stellar radii below 13 km. The nucleonic equation of state is obtained from a new parameterization of the FSU2 relativistic mean-field functional that satisfies these latest astrophysical constraints and, at the same time, reproduces the properties of nuclear matter and finite nuclei while fulfilling the restrictions on high-density matter deduced from heavy-ion collisions. On the one hand, the equation of state of neutron star matter is softened around saturation density, which increases the compactness of canonical neutron stars leading to stellar radii below 13 km. On the other hand, the equation of state is stiff enough at higher densities to fulfil the 2 M {sub ⊙} limit. By a slight modification of the parameterization, we also find that the constraints of 2 M {sub ⊙} neutron stars with radii around 13 km are satisfied when hyperons are considered. The inclusion of the high magnetic fields present in magnetars further stiffens the equation of state. Hyperonic magnetars with magnetic fields in the surface of ∼10{sup 15} G and with values of ∼10{sup 18} G in the interior can reach maximum masses of 2 M {sub ⊙} with radii in the 12–13 km range.
79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
Ultra high energy gamma rays, cosmic rays and neutrinos from accreting degenerate stars
Super-Eddington accretion for a recently proposed unipolar induction model of cosmic ray acceleration in accreting binary star systems containing magnetic white dwarfs or neutron stars is considered. For sufficiently high accretion rates and low magnetic fields, the model can account for: (1) acceleration of cosmic ray nuclei up to energies of 10 to the 19th power eV; (2) production of more or less normal solar cosmic ray composition; (3) the bulk of cosmic rays observed with energies above 1 TeV, and probably even down to somewhat lower energies as well; and (4) possibly the observed antiproton cosmic ray flux. It can also account for the high ultra high energy (UHE) gamma ray flux observed from several accreting binary systems (including Cygnus X-3), while allowing the possibility of an even higher neutrino flux from these sources, with L sub nu/L sub gamma is approximately 100.
Brecher, K.↗
On the evolution of slowly accreting neutron stars
In the light of recent calculations of pycnonuclear reaction rates for light elements, we consider the problem of slow interstellar accretion onto old, possibly magnetized neutron stars. We argue that accretion will occur at the Hoyle-Lyttleton rate after the star has spun down in less than about 10 exp 9 yr. A deep ocean of liquid hydrogen and helium, extending down to depths about 100 m, will cover the surface of the star once it has accreted about 10 exp 25 g of gas. Beneath the ocean will be a layer of almost pure solid O-16 which undergoes two-stage electron capture to C-16 above a pressure 2.7 x 10 exp 28 dyne/sq cm, corresponding to an accreted mass of about 10 exp 27 g. Taking into account the presence of multiple layers of distinct chemical composition, we conclude that the crust will be stable to small perturbations under the conditions envisaged for instellar accretion. A thick layer of up to 10 exp 27 g of metastable C-16 will then accumulate. We discuss the implications of these results to old Galactic neutron stars as sources of gamma-ray bursts.
Blaes, O. M.↗
Potential drops above pulsar polar caps - Ultrarelativistic particle acceleration along the curved magnetic field
The paper calculates the acceleration of a nonneutral stream of charged particles from the surface of an isolated rotating magnetized neutron star in the case where the particle stream flows along the open field lines of a curved poloidal magnetic field. It is shown that very large electrostatic potential drops can occur in steady unidirectional space-charge-limited flow along the curved open field lines. The explicit incorporation of magnetic field line curvature is the essential element leading to this new result, assuming that all the charges are supplied by emission from the surface. It is emphasized that the current flow and charge density are unique if all of the assumptions are met, with the result that the accelerating electric field near the stellar surface is quite small compared to the vacuum field.
Scharlemann, E. T.↗
Identification of a Local Sample of Gamma-Ray Bursts Consistent with a Magnetar Giant Flare Origin
Cosmological gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are known to arise from distinct progenitor channels: short GRBs mostly from neutron star mergers and long GRBs from a rare type of core-collapse supernova (CCSN) called collapsars. Highly magnetized neutron stars called magnetars also generate energetic, short-duration gamma-ray transients called magnetar giant flares (MGFs). Three have been observed from the Milky Way and its satellite galaxies, and they have long been suspected to constitute a third class of extragalactic GRBs. We report the unambiguous identification of a distinct population of four local (<5 Mpc) short GRBs, adding GRB 070222 to previously discussed events. While identified solely based on alignment with nearby star-forming galaxies, their rise time and isotropic energy release are independently inconsistent with the larger short GRB population at >99.9% confidence. These properties, the host galaxies, and non-detection in gravitational waves all point to an extragalactic MGF origin. Despite the small sample, the inferred volumetric rates for events above 4 × 10(exp 44) erg of R(sub MGF) =3.8(sup +4.0)(sub -3.1) ×10(exp 5) Gpc(exp -3) yr(exp -1) make MGFs the dominant gamma-ray transient detected from extragalactic sources. As previously suggested, these rates imply that some magnetars produce multiple MGFs, providing a source of repeating GRBs. The rates and host galaxies favor common CCSN as key progenitors of magnetars.
Gamma-ray bursts↗
Generation of magnetic field on the accretion disk around a proto-first-star
The generation process of a magnetic field around a proto-first-star is studied. Utilizing the recent numerical results of proto-first-star formation based on radiation hydrodynamics simulations, we assess the magnetic field strength generated by the radiative force and the Biermann battery effect. We find that a magnetic field of ∼10{sup –9} G is generated on the surface of the accretion disk around the proto-first-star. The field strength on the accretion disk is smaller by two orders of magnitude than the critical value, above which the gravitational fragmentation of the disk is suppressed. Thus, the generated seed magnetic field hardly affect the dynamics of on-site first star formation directly, unless an efficient amplification process is taken into consideration. We also find that the generated magnetic field is continuously blown out from the disk on the outflows to the poles, that are driven by the thermal pressure of photoheated gas. The strength of the diffused magnetic field in low-density regions is ∼10{sup –14}-10{sup –13} G at n {sub H} = 10{sup 3} cm{sup –3}, which could play an important role in the next generation star formation, as well as the seeds of the magnetic field in the present-day universe.
79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
Magnetic inhibition of convection and the fundamental properties of low-mass stars. II. Fully convective main-sequence stars
We examine the hypothesis that magnetic fields are inflating the radii of fully convective main-sequence stars in detached eclipsing binaries (DEBs). The magnetic Dartmouth stellar evolution code is used to analyze two systems in particular: Kepler-16 and CM Draconis. Magneto-convection is treated assuming stabilization of convection and also by assuming reductions in convective efficiency due to a turbulent dynamo. We find that magnetic stellar models are unable to reproduce the properties of inflated fully convective main-sequence stars, unless strong interior magnetic fields in excess of 10 MG are present. Validation of the magnetic field hypothesis given the current generation of magnetic stellar evolution models therefore depends critically on whether the generation and maintenance of strong interior magnetic fields is physically possible. An examination of this requirement is provided. Additionally, an analysis of previous studies invoking the influence of star spots is presented to assess the suggestion that star spots are inflating stars and biasing light curve analyses toward larger radii. From our analysis, we find that there is not yet sufficient evidence to definitively support the hypothesis that magnetic fields are responsible for the observed inflation among fully convective main-sequence stars in DEBs.
79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
Effects of magnetic fields on lithium evolution in F and G stars
To study the effects of magnetic fields on lithium depletion and to explain the characteristics of lithium evolution in F- and G-type stars in open clusters, we construct a stellar model that includes a Tayler-Spruit dynamo-type field. Through examining the features of extra-mixing caused by magnetic fields in stellar interiors and the relationship between lithium depletion and the input parameters (i.e., mass, metallicity, and the initial rotational condition), we find that the magnetic model produces extra-mixing processes different from other models. During pre-main sequence, the model exhibits very efficient extra-mixing, resulting in strong lithium depletion. As a star evolves, the efficiency of extra-mixing rapidly decreases and lithium depletion slows down at old ages. By setting up different initial rotating conditions, the model predicts dispersions of lithium abundance in both main sequence and pre-main sequence stages. The dispersion begins when a radiative core forms in the interior. The number sees a rapid growth afterward, reaching 0.1-0.5 dex at zero age main sequence in G and late-F stars. The increase of dispersion continues in the main sequence, which is slight in G and late-F stars while significant in mid-F stars. Finally, a comparison is carried out between the theoretical results and the observed data in four open clusters. Good agreements are obtained.
79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
A test of the millisecond magnetar central engine model of gamma-ray bursts with swift data
A rapidly spinning, strongly magnetized neutron star (magnetar) has been proposed as one possible candidate of the central engine of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). We systematically analyze the Swift/XRT light curves of long GRBs detected before 2013 August, and characterize them into four categories based on how likely they may harbor a magnetar central engine: Gold, Silver, Aluminum, and Non-magnetar. We also independently analyze the data of short GRBs with a putative magnetar central engine. We then perform a statistical study of various properties of the magnetar samples and the non-magnetar sample, and investigate whether the data are consistent with the hypothesis that there exist two types of central engines. By deriving the physical parameters of the putative magnetars, we find that the observations of the Gold and Silver samples are generally consistent with the predictions of the magnetar model. For a reasonable beaming factor for long GRBs, the derived magnetar surface magnetic field B{sub p} and initial spin period P {sub 0} fall into the reasonable range. Magnetar winds in short GRBs, on the other hand, are consistent with being isotropic. No GRB in the magnetar sample has a beam-corrected total energy exceeding the maximum energy budget defined by the initial spin energy of the magnetar, while some non-magnetar GRBs do violate such a limit. With beaming correction, on average the non-magnetar sample is more energetic and luminous than the magnetar samples. Our analysis hints that millisecond magnetars are likely operating in a good fraction, but probably not all, GRBs.
79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
Magnetic inhibition of convection and the fundamental properties of low-mass stars. I. Stars with a radiative core
Magnetic fields are hypothesized to inflate the radii of low-mass stars—defined as less massive than 0.8 M {sub ☉}—in detached eclipsing binaries (DEBs). We investigate this hypothesis using the recently introduced magnetic Dartmouth stellar evolution code. In particular, we focus on stars thought to have a radiative core and convective outer envelope by studying in detail three individual DEBs: UV Psc, YY Gem, and CU Cnc. Our results suggest that the stabilization of thermal convection by a magnetic field is a plausible explanation for the observed model-radius discrepancies. However, surface magnetic field strengths required by the models are significantly stronger than those estimated from observed coronal X-ray emission. Agreement between model predicted surface magnetic field strengths and those inferred from X-ray observations can be found by assuming that the magnetic field sources its energy from convection. This approach makes the transport of heat by convection less efficient and is akin to reduced convective mixing length methods used in other studies. Predictions for the metallicity and magnetic field strengths of the aforementioned systems are reported. We also develop an expression relating a reduction in the convective mixing length to a magnetic field strength in units of the equipartition value. Our results are compared with those from previous investigations to incorporate magnetic fields to explain the low-mass DEB radius inflation. Finally, we explore how the effects of magnetic fields might affect mass determinations using asteroseismic data and the implication of magnetic fields on exoplanet studies.
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OBSERVATION AND SIMULATION OF THE VARIABLE GAMMA-RAY EMISSION FROM PSR J2021+4026
Pulsars are rapidly spinning and highly magnetized neutron stars, with highly stable rotational periods and a gradual spin-down over a long timescale due to the loss of radiation. Glitches refer to events that suddenly increase the rotational speed of a pulsar. The exact causes of glitches and the resulting processes are not fully understood. It is generally believed that couplings between the normal matter and superfluid components, and starquakes, are the common causes of glitches. In this study, one famous glitching pulsar, PSR J2021+4026, is investigated. PSR J2021+4026 is the first variable gamma-ray pulsar observed by Fermi . From gamma-ray observations, it is found that the pulsar experienced a significant flux drop, an increase in the spin-down rate, a change in the pulse profile and a shift in the spectral cut-off to a lower energy, simultaneously around 2011 October 16. To explain these effects on high-energy emissions by the glitch of PSR J2021+4026, we hypothesized the glitch to be caused by the rearrangement of the surface magnetic field due to crustal plate tectonic activities on the pulsar, which was triggered by a starquake. In this glitch event, the inclination angle of the magnetic dipole axis was slightly shifted. This proposition is then tested by numerical modeling using a three-dimensional two-layer outer gap model. The simulation results indicate that a modification of the inclination angle can affect the pulse profile and the spectral properties, which can explain the observation changes after the glitch.
79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
Magnetic field observations of evolved stars
A search has been made for Zeeman broadening in high resolution spectra of eight G and K type, evolved stars which have active chromospheres and coronae. No Zeeman broadening was found. It is likely that the fraction of the stellar surface that contains magnetic fields is similar in active giants and dwarfs, based on their comparable chromospheric line strengths and plage surface brightnesses (deduced from Mg II/C IV ratios) and on their comparable requirements for coronal confinement. Thus, since Zeeman broadening is detectable on active dwarfs, the nondetections of Zeeman broadening on these evolved stars are probably due to systematically lower field strengths. That the lower field strengths do not result in lower chromospheric surface brightnesses on giants is consistent with the theoretial 'slow mode' MHD wave generation rates of Ulmschneider and Stein (1982). The low field strengths can be explained by requiring that the fields be in equipartition with either the thermal or turbulent energy densities, both of which are reduced in late-type evolved stars compared with the sun.
Marcy, G. W.↗
Recent developments in the theory of AM Her and DQ Her stars
Recent advances in the theory of accreting magnetic white dwarf stars are described and several of the unresolved issues concerning them are discussed. Recently reported Einstein satellite observations are examined and the possibility is considered that the 'soft X-ray puzzle' in the AM Her stars may have disappeared. Based on these observations, the evidence is considered that the region emitting the polarized optical light is separate from the X-ray emission region. Among the theoretical advances described are extensive new calculations of the X-ray emission from accreting magnetic white dwarfs, including soft and hard X-ray pulse profiles and time-dependent behavior; improvements in the treatment of cyclotron emission and the transfer of radiation in magnetoactive plasmas, with application to the polarized optical light from the AM Her stars; new ideas about the stream-magnetosphere interaction region that produces the forest of strong emission lines in the AM Her stars; explanation of the synchronization of the white dwarf in the AM Her stars in terms of an MHD torque; and determination of the magnetic fields in the AM Her and DQ Her stars through analysis of their spin-up behavior.
Lamb, D. Q.↗
GAMMA-RAY AND HARD X-RAY EMISSION FROM PULSAR-AIDED SUPERNOVAE AS A PROBE OF PARTICLE ACCELERATION IN EMBRYONIC PULSAR WIND NEBULAE
It has been suggested that some classes of luminous supernovae (SNe) and gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are driven by newborn magnetars. Fast-rotating proto-neutron stars have also been of interest as potential sources of gravitational waves (GWs). We show that for a range of rotation periods and magnetic fields, hard X-rays and GeV gamma rays provide us with a promising probe of pulsar-aided SNe. It is observationally known that young pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe) in the Milky Way are very efficient lepton accelerators. We argue that, if embryonic PWNe satisfy similar conditions at early stages of SNe (in ∼1–10 months after the explosion), external inverse-Compton emission via upscatterings of SN photons is naturally expected in the GeV range as well as broadband synchrotron emission. To fully take into account the Klein–Nishina effect and two-photon annihilation process that are important at early times, we perform detailed calculations including electromagnetic cascades. Our results suggest that hard X-ray telescopes such as NuSTAR can observe such early PWN emission by follow-up observations in months to years. GeV gamma-rays may also be detected by Fermi for nearby SNe, which serve as counterparts of these GW sources. Detecting the signals will give us an interesting probe of particle acceleration at early times of PWNe, as well as clues to driving mechanisms of luminous SNe and GRBs. Since the Bethe–Heitler cross section is lower than the Thomson cross section, gamma rays would allow us to study subphotospheric dissipation. We encourage searches for high-energy emission from nearby SNe, especially SNe Ibc including super-luminous objects.
79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
Evolution of the innermost stable orbits around accreting neutron stars
The surface of most neutron stars with 'soft' equations of state lies within the innermost stable circular orbit predicted by general relativity. In disk accretion onto a weakly magnetized neutron star, the disk will reach the stellar surface for 'stiff' equations of state, but for soft equations of state the matter will hit the surface in free fall at an angle of about 0.001 to 0.1 radians. All calculations are carried out through first order in the angular momentum of the star.
Kluzniak, W.↗
Spin-up and magnetic fields in DQ Her stars
A detailed comparison of the spin-up behavior of the recently discovered faint long-period X-ray sources, using the accretion torque theory of Ghosh and Lamb has been carried out. It is confirmed that these sources are degenerate dwarfs. It is found that they have magnetic fields B about 1 billion G, an order of magnitude smaller than those of AM Her stars. On this basis, it is predicted that they will show significant polarization in the infrared.
Lamb, D. Q.↗