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At least 73 records · Page 4

A detailed study of the barium central star of the planetary nebula Abell 70

ABSTRACT We present a detailed study of the barium star at the heart of the planetary nebula Abell 70. Time-series photometry obtained over a period of more than 10 yr demonstrates that the barium-contaminated companion is a rapid rotator with temporal variability due to spots. The amplitude and phasing of the photometric variability change abruptly; however, there is no evidence for a change in the rotation period (P = 2.06 d) over the course of the observations. The co-addition of 17 high-resolution spectra obtained with Ultraviolet and Visual Échelle Spectrograph mounted on the Very Large Telescope allows us to measure the physical and chemical properties of the companion, confirming it to be a chromospherically active, late G-type sub-giant with more than +1 dex of barium enhancement. We find no evidence of radial velocity variability in the spectra, obtained over the course of approximately 130 d with a single additional point some 8 yr later, with the radial velocities of all epochs approximately −10 km s −1 from the previously measured systemic velocity of the nebula. This is perhaps indicative that the binary has a relatively long period (P ≳ 2 yr) and high eccentricity (e ≳ 0.3), and that all the observations were taken around radial velocity minimum. However, unless the binary orbital plane is not aligned with the waist of the nebula or the systemic velocity of the binary is not equal to the literature value for the nebula, this would imply an unfeasibly large mass for the nebular progenitor.

Jones, David (ORCID:0000000339475946)↗

Wavelength Dependence of Activity-induced Photometric Variations for Young Cool Stars in Hyades

We investigate photometric variations due to stellar activity that induce systematic radial-velocity errors (so-called “jitter”) for the four targets in the Hyades open cluster observed by the K2 mission (EPIC 210721261, EPIC 210923016, EPIC 247122957, and EPIC 247783757). Applying Gaussian process regressions to the K2 light curves and the near-infrared (NIR) light curves observed with the IRSF 1.4 m telescope, we derive the wavelength dependences of the photometric signals due to stellar activity. To estimate the temporal variations in the photometric variability amplitudes between the two observation periods of K2 and IRSF, separated by more than 2 yr, we analyze a number of K2 targets in Hyades that have also been observed in Campaigns 4 and 13 and find a representative variation rate over 2 yr of 38% ± 71%. Taking this temporal variation into account, we constrain projected sizes and temperature contrast properties of the starspots in the stellar photosphere to be approximately 10% and 0.95%, respectively. These starspot properties can induce relatively large differences in the variability amplitude over different observational passbands, and we find that radial-velocity jitter may be more suppressed in the NIR than previously expected. Our result supports profits of ongoing exoplanet search projects that are attempting to detect or confirm young planets in open clusters via radial-velocity measurements in the NIR.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Measuring the mass of the black widow PSR J1555-2908

ABSTRACT Accurate measurements of the masses of neutron stars are necessary to test binary evolution models, and to constrain the neutron star equation of state. In pulsar binaries with no measurable post-Keplerian parameters, this requires an accurate estimate of the binary system’s inclination and the radial velocity of the companion star by other means than pulsar timing. In this paper, we present the results of a new method for measuring this radial velocity using the binary synthesis code Icarus. This method relies on constructing a model spectrum of a tidally distorted, irradiated star as viewed for a given binary configuration. This method is applied to optical spectra of the newly discovered black widow PSR J1555–2908. By modeling the optical spectroscopy alongside optical photometry, we find that the radial velocity of the companion star is 397 ± 4 km s−1 (errors quoted at 95 per cent confidence interval), as well as a binary inclination of >75°. Combined with γ-ray pulsation timing information, this gives a neutron star mass of 1.67$^{+0.15}_{-0.09}$ M⊙ and a companion mass of 0.060$^{+0.005}_{-0.003}$ M⊙, placing PSR J1555–2908 at the observed upper limit of what is considered a black widow system.

Kennedy, M. R.↗

Filamentary velocity scaling validation and spin dynamics in the DIII-D tokamak

Measured filament velocities in the DIII-D tokamak are compared against theoretical scalings, finding that the latter often represents an upper limit on experimental velocity distributions with most filaments possessing lower velocity. Filament spin from internal E × B drift is experimentally demonstrated to alter filament radial velocity. A critical spin velocity, where filament radial velocity peaks, is observed and corresponds to approximately 5 km/s. This transition is corroborated using a less direct measure of filament spin in the form of a temperature ratio. These techniques are combined to find that the critical spin velocity closely aligns with transport times along and across filaments becoming comparable. The normalized filament size distribution is consistent with the most stable size as dictated by Kelvin–Helmholtz and curvature-driven instabilities. Overall, the findings suggest filament stability and spin alter filamentary transport that may threaten the integrity of first walls in fusion devices.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Ion temperature measurements from tomographic reconstruction of Doppler spectra in the presence of multi-component flow in two dimensions

A new ion Doppler diagnostic has been constructed to measure ion temperature profiles in the presence of multi-component flow during magnetic reconnection experiments. The inversion technique and diagnostic setup are applicable to axisymmetric plasmas with two-component flow across the measurement cross section, which occurs during magnetic reconnection. The particular design discussed here is optimized for operation on the Magnetic Reconnection eXperiment (MRX) at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. To prove the viability of this diagnostic for MRX and the future Facility for Laboratory Reconnection Experiments, measurements have been taken and ion temperature and perpendicular flow profiles have been obtained. The radial velocity on MRX does not contribute to the Doppler shift of the measured spectra but does contribute to the broadening of the spectra, while toroidal flow contributes to both. It is shown that neglecting the radial velocity for vR = 20 km/s leads to an error in the ion temperature inversion of 20%. Results from MRX discharges are shown, and the impact of radial velocity on ion temperature inversions is discussed.

Goodman, A. (ORCID:0000000336396572)↗

TOI-824 b: A New Planet on the Lower Edge of the Hot Neptune Desert

We report the detection of a transiting hot Neptune exoplanet orbiting TOI-824 (SCR J1448-5735), a nearby (d = 64 pc) K4V star, using data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite. The newly discovered planet has a radius R {sub p} = 2.93 ± 0.20 R{sub ⊕} and an orbital period of 1.393 days. Radial velocity measurements using the Planet Finder Spectrograph and the High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher spectrograph confirm the existence of the planet, and we estimate its mass to be 18.47 ± 1.84 M{sub ⊕}. The planet’s mean density is ρ{sub p} = 4.03{sub −0.78}{sup +0.98} g cm{sup −3}, making it more than twice as dense as Neptune. TOI-824 b's high equilibrium temperature makes the planet likely to have a cloud-free atmosphere, and thus it is an excellent candidate for follow-up atmospheric studies. The detectability of TOI-824 b’s atmosphere from both ground and space is promising and could lead to the detailed characterization of the most irradiated small planet at the edge of the hot Neptune desert that has retained its atmosphere to date.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

dlmcfpt.c1

The DLMC VAP uses inertial data from the ARM NAV system to transform the Doppler lidar beam angles (az and el) from the lidar's frame of reference to an Earth-fixed frame such the azimuth angle is measured clockwise from true north and the elevation angle is measured from the local horizon. Additionally, the VAP compensates the observed radial (air) velocity data for the effects of the platform velocity (i.e. corrected_radial_velocity = observed_radial_velocity-platform_radial_velocity). The VAP was developed specifically for MOSAiC. The dlmcfpt.c1 product contains the fixed point, or staring data. The dlmcusr.c1 product contains a user defined scan which is anything the operator wants it to be.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

dlmcusr.c1

The DLMC VAP uses inertial data from the ARM NAV system to transform the Doppler lidar beam angles (az and el) from the lidar's frame of reference to an Earth-fixed frame such the azimuth angle is measured clockwise from true north and the elevation angle is measured from the local horizon. Additionally, the VAP compensates the observed radial (air) velocity data for the effects of the platform velocity (i.e. corrected_radial_velocity = observed_radial_velocity-platform_radial_velocity). The VAP was developed specifically for MOSAiC. The dlmcfpt.c1 product contains the fixed point, or staring data. The dlmcusr.c1 product contains a user defined scan which is anything the operator wants it to be.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

A numerical study of particle jetting in a dense particle bed driven by an air-blast

In this work, the particle jetting behavior in a blast-driven dense particle bed is studied at early times. Four-way coupled Euler–Lagrange simulations are performed using a high-order discontinuous Galerkin spectral element solver coupled with a high-order Lagrangian particle solver, wherein the inter-particle collisions are resolved using a discrete element method collision model. Following the experiments of Rodriguez et al. [“Formation of particle jetting in a cylindrical shock tube,” Shock Waves 23(6), 619–634 (2013)] and the simulations of Osnes et al. [“Numerical simulation of particle jet formation induced by shock wave acceleration in a Hele-Shaw cell,” Shock Waves 28(3), 451–461 (2018)], the simulations are performed in a quasi-two-dimensional cylindrical geometry (Hele-Shaw cell). Parametric studies are carried out to assess the impact of the coefficient of restitution and the strength of the incident shock on the particle jetting behavior. The deposition of vorticity through a multiphase (gas–particle) analog of Richtmyer–Meshkov instability is observed to play a crucial role in channeling the particles into well-defined jets at the outer edge of the particle bed. This is confirmed by the presence of vortex pairs around the outer jets. Furthermore, the effect of the relaxation of the relative velocity between the two phases on the vorticity generation is explored by analyzing the correlation between the radial velocity of particles and the radial velocity of the gas at the particle location.

42 ENGINEERING↗

The DESI Y1 RR Lyrae catalog I: Empirical modeling of the cyclic variation of spectroscopic properties and a chemodynamical analysis of the outer halo

We present the catalog of RR Lyrae stars observed in the first year of operations of the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) survey. This catalog contains 6,240 RR Lyrae stars out to $\sim100$ kpc from the Galactic center and over 12,000 individual epochs with homogeneously-derived stellar atmospheric parameters. We introduce a novel methodology to model the cyclical variation of the spectroscopic properties of RR Lyrae from single-epoch measurements. We employ this method to infer the radial velocity and effective temperature variation of fundamental mode and first-overtone RR Lyrae stars and to determine their systemic velocities and mean temperatures. For fundamental mode pulsators, we obtain radial velocity curves with amplitudes of $\sim$30--50 km s$^{-1}$ and effective temperature curves with 300--1,000 K variations, whereas for first-overtone pulsators these amplitudes are $\sim20$ km s$^{-1}$ and $\sim 600$ K, respectively. We use our sample to study the metallicity distribution of the halo and its dependence on Galactocentric distance ($R_{\rm GC}$). Using a radius-dependent mixture model, we split the data into chemodynamically distinct components and find that our inner halo sample ($R_{\rm GC}\lesssim50$ kpc) is predominantly composed of stars with [Fe/H] $\sim-1.5$ dex and largely radial orbits (with an anisotropy parameter $\beta\sim0.94$), that we associate with the Gaia-Sausage-Enceladus merger event. Stars in the outer halo field exhibit a broader and more metal-poor [Fe/H] distribution with more circular orbits ($\beta\sim0.39$). The metallicity gradient of the metal-rich and the metal-poor components is found to be $0.005$ and $0.010$ dex kpc$^{-1}$, respectively. Our catalog highlights DESI's tantalizing potential for studying the Milky Way and the pulsation properties of RR Lyrae stars in the era of large spectroscopic surveys.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Close substellar-mass companions in stellar wide binaries: discovery and characterization with APOGEE and Gaia DR2

We present a search for close, unresolved companions in a subset of spatially resolved Gaia wide binaries containing main-sequence stars within 200 pc of the Sun, utilizing the APOGEE–Gaia Wide Binary Catalog. A catalogue of 37 wide binaries was created by selecting pairs of stars with nearly identical Gaia positions, parallaxes, and proper motions, and then confirming candidates to be gravitationally bound pairs using APOGEE radial velocities. We identify close, unresolved stellar and substellar candidate companions in these multiple systems using (1) the Gaia binary main sequence and (2) observed periodic radial velocity variations in APOGEE measurements due to the influence of a close substellar-mass companion. The studied wide binary pairs reveal a total of four stellar-mass close companions in four different wide binaries, and four substellar-mass close companion candidates in two wide binaries. The latter are therefore quadruple systems, with one substellar-mass companion orbiting each wide binary component in an S-type orbit. Taken at face value, these candidate systems represent an enhancement of an order of magnitude over the expected occurrence rate of ~2 percent of stars having substellar companions >2 M Jup within ~100-d orbits; we discuss implications and possible explanations for this result. Finally, we compare chemical differences between the components of the wide binaries and the components of the candidate higher-order systems and find that any chemical influence or correlation due to the presence of close companions to wide binary stars is not discernible.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Moderate-resolution K-band Spectroscopy of Substellar Companion κ Andromedae b

We present moderate-resolution (R ∼ 4000) K-band spectra of the “super-Jupiter,” κ Andromedae b. The data were taken with the OSIRIS integral field spectrograph at Keck Observatory. The spectra reveal resolved molecular lines from H{sub 2}O and CO, and are compared to a custom PHOENIX atmosphere model grid appropriate for young planetary-mass objects. We fit the data using a Markov chain Monte Carlo forward-modeling method. Using a combination of our moderate-resolution spectrum and low-resolution, broadband data from the literature, we derive an effective temperature of T {sub eff} = 1950–2150 K, a surface gravity of logg=3.5--4.5, and a metallicity of [M/H] = −0.2–0.0. These values are consistent with previous estimates from atmospheric modeling and the currently favored young age of the system (<50 Myr). We derive a C/O ratio of 0.70{sub −0.24}{sup +0.09} for the source, broadly consistent with the solar C/O ratio. This, coupled with the slightly subsolar metallicity, implies a composition consistent with that of the host star, and is suggestive of formation by a rapid process. The subsolar metallicity of κ Andromedae b is also consistent with predictions of formation via gravitational instability. Further constraints on formation of the companion will require measurement of the C/O ratio of κ Andromedae A. We also measure the radial velocity of κ Andromedae b for the first time, with a value of −1.4 ± 0.9 km s{sup −1} relative to the host star. We find that the derived radial velocity is consistent with the estimated high eccentricity of κ Andromedae b.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Overview of the DESI Milky Way Survey

Abstract We describe the Milky Way Survey (MWS) that will be undertaken with the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) on the Mayall 4 m telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory. Over the next 5 yr DESI MWS will observe approximately seven million stars at Galactic latitudes ∣ b ∣ > 20°, with an inclusive target selection scheme focused on the thick disk and stellar halo. MWS will also include several high-completeness samples of rare stellar types, including white dwarfs, low-mass stars within 100 pc of the Sun, and horizontal branch stars. We summarize the potential of DESI to advance understanding of the Galactic structure and stellar evolution. We introduce the final definitions of the main MWS target classes and estimate the number of stars in each class that will be observed. We describe our pipelines for deriving radial velocities, atmospheric parameters, and chemical abundances. We use ≃500,000 spectra of unique stellar targets from the DESI Survey Validation program (SV) to demonstrate that our pipelines can measure radial velocities to ≃1 km s −1 and [Fe/H] accurate to ≃0.2 dex for typical stars in our main sample. We find the stellar parameter distributions from ≈100 deg 2 of SV observations with ≳90% completeness on our main sample are in good agreement with expectations from mock catalogs and previous surveys.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

The Multiplanet System TOI-421: A Warm Neptune and a Super Puffy Mini-Neptune Transiting a G9 V Star in a Visual Binary

We report the discovery of a warm Neptune and a hot sub-Neptune transiting TOI-421 (BD-14 1137, TIC 94986319), a bright (V = 9.9) G9 dwarf star in a visual binary system observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) space mission in Sectors 5 and 6. We performed ground-based follow-up observations—comprised of Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope transit photometry, NIRC2 adaptive optics imaging, and FIbre-fed Echellé Spectrograph, CORALIE, High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher, High Resolution Échelle Spectrometer, and Planet Finder Spectrograph high-precision Doppler measurements—and confirmed the planetary nature of the 16 day transiting candidate announced by the TESS team. We discovered an additional radial velocity signal with a period of five days induced by the presence of a second planet in the system, which we also found to transit its host star. We found that the inner mini-Neptune, TOI-421 b, has an orbital period of P{sub b} = 5.19672 ± 0.00049 days, a mass of M{sub b} = 7.17 ± 0.66 M{sub ⊕}, and a radius of R{sub b} = 2.68{sub −0.18}{sup +0.19} R{sub ⊕}, whereas the outer warm Neptune, TOI-421 c, has a period of P{sub c} = 16.06819 ± 0.00035 days, a mass of M{sub c} = 16.42{sub −1.04}{sup +1.06} M{sub ⊕}, a radius of R{sub c} = 5.09{sub −0.15}{sup +0.16} R{sub ⊕}, and a density of ρ{sub c} = 0.685{sub −0.072}{sup +0.080} g cm{sup −3}. With its characteristics, the outer planet (ρ{sub c} = 0.685{sub −0.072}{sup +0.080} g cm{sup −3}) is placed in the intriguing class of the super-puffy mini-Neptunes. TOI-421 b and TOI-421 c are found to be well-suited for atmospheric characterization. Our atmospheric simulations predict significant Lyα transit absorption, due to strong hydrogen escape in both planets, as well as the presence of detectable CH{sub 4} in the atmosphere of TOI-421 c if equilibrium chemistry is assumed.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Internal rotation of ELM filaments on NSTX

Edge localized modes (ELMs) are a threat to tokamaks due to their high heat and particle loads on plasma facing components. A significant portion of this energy is carried and deposited by the emerging ELM filaments, whose dynamics are directly connected to their impact. Therefore, understanding their underlying physics is important for the operation of future fusion reactors. Our paper extends our knowledge of ELM filaments by reporting on their internal rotation (spinning) around the magnetic field lines along which they are extended. Our analysis of gas-puff imaging data on National Spherical Torus Experiment shows that ELM filaments are characterized by internal rotation in the direction of the ion-gyromotion with ω = 15:2 krad/s median angular velocity, which is approximately three times faster than the blob rotation in the background turbulence. The characteristic size of the ELM filament was also assessed and found to be similar to the blobs. A nearly linear trend was found between the angular velocity and the radial velocity of the ELM filament. The angular velocity was found to be linearly dependent on the distance of the filament from the separatrix, as well. An analytical model called the shear-induced rotation model was identified as a candidate for explaining the physics of the observations. Our results show that the modeled mechanism could significantly influence the rotation of the ELM filament; however, it cannot be a sole contributor.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

The Baryonic Content of Galaxies Mapped by MaNGA and the Gas Around Them

We analyze the cool gas in and around 14 nearby galaxies (at z < 0.1) mapped with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV MaNGA survey by measuring absorption lines produced by gas in spectra of background quasars/active galactic nuclei at impact parameters of 0–25 effective radii from the galactic centers. Using Hubble Space Telescope/Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, we detect absorption at the galactic redshift and measure or constrain column densities of neutral (H I, N I, O I, and Ar I), low-ionization (Si II, S II, C II, N II, and Fe II), and high-ionization (Si III, Fe III, N v, and O vI) species for 11 galaxies. We derive the ionization parameter and ionization-corrected metallicity using cloudy photoionization models. The H i column density ranges from ~1013 to ~1020 cm-2 and decreases with impact parameter for r ≳ Re. Galaxies with higher stellar mass have weaker H I absorption. Comparing absorption velocities with MaNGA radial velocity maps of ionized gas line emissions in galactic disks, we find that the neutral gas seen in absorption corotates with the disk out to ~10 R e . Sight lines with lower elevation angles show lower metallicities, consistent with the metallicity gradient in the disk derived from MaNGA maps. Higher-elevation angle sight lines show higher ionization, lower H I column density, supersolar metallicity, and velocities consistent with the direction of galactic outflow. Our data offer the first detailed comparisons of circumgalactic medium (CGM) properties (kinematics and metallicity) with extrapolations of detailed galaxy maps from integral field spectroscopy; similar studies for larger samples are needed to more fully understand how galaxies interact with their CGM.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

ARMADA. I. Triple Companions Detected in B-type Binaries α Del and ν Gem

Ground-based optical long-baseline interferometry has the power to measure the orbits of close binary systems at ∼10 μas precision. This precision makes it possible to detect “wobbles” in the binary motion due to the gravitational pull from additional short-period companions. We started the ARrangement for Micro-Arcsecond Differential Astrometry (ARMADA) survey with the Michigan Infra-Red Combiner (MIRC)/MIRC-X instrument at the Center for High Angular Resoloution Astronomy (CHARA) array for the purpose of detecting giant planets and stellar companions orbiting individual stars in binary systems. We describe our observations for the survey, and introduce the wavelength calibration scheme that delivers precision at the tens of microarcseconds level for <02 binaries. We test our instrument performance on a known triple system, κ Peg, and show that our survey is delivering a factor of 10 better precision than previous similar surveys. We present astrometric detections of tertiary components to two B-type binaries: a 30 day companion to α Del, and a 50 day companion to ν Gem. We also collected radial velocity data for α Del with the Tennessee State University Automated Spectroscopic Telescope at Fairborn Observatory. We are able to measure the orbits and masses of all three components in these systems. We find that the previously published radial velocity orbit for the inner pair of ν Gem is not consistent with our visual orbit. The precision achieved for these orbits suggests that our ARMADA survey will be successful at discovering new compact triple systems to A/B-type binary systems, leading to better statistics of hierarchical system architectures and formation history.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

A Mini-Neptune and a Radius Valley Planet Orbiting the Nearby M2 Dwarf TOI-1266 in Its Venus Zone: Validation with the Habitable-zone Planet Finder

We report on the validation of two planets orbiting the nearby (36 pc) M2 dwarf TOI-1266 observed by the TESS mission. This system is one of a few M dwarf multiplanet systems with close-in planets where the inner planet is substantially larger than the outer planet. The inner planet is sub-Neptune-sized (R = 2.46 ± 0.08 R ⊕ ) with an orbital period of 10.9 days, while the outer planet has a radius of 1.67 -0.11 +0.09 R ⊕ and resides in the exoplanet radius valley—the transition region between rocky and gaseous planets. With an orbital period of 18.8 days, the outer planet receives an insolation flux of 2.4 times that of Earth, similar to the insolation of Venus. Using precision near-infrared radial velocities with the Habitable-zone Planet Finder Spectrograph, we place upper mass limits of 15.9 and 6.4 M ⊕ at 95% confidence for the inner and outer planet, respectively. A more precise mass constraint of both planets, achievable with current radial velocity instruments given the host star brightness (V = 12.9, J = 9.7), will yield further insights into the dominant processes sculpting the exoplanet radius valley.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗