The WR+OB Progenitor RY Scuti: Intensive Spectroscopy of Its Compact Double-Ring Nebula
We present a detailed spectroscopic analysis of the peculiar nebulaaround RY Scuti using data from the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph(STIS) and various ground-based observatories. This massive contactbinary may represent a rapid evolutionary phase in transition to ashort-period WR+OB system, and it is surrounded by a young nebula withunusual geometry. The ionized nebula is only about 1" across, so STIShas allowed us to spatially resolve the spectrum of the star from itscircumstellar nebula for the first time. Combining STIS data withground-based spectra at optical and infrared wavelengths solves somegeometric ambiguities posed by previous images and reveals the kinematicrelationship between the nebular geometry and RY Scuti's complexemission-line profiles. We offer a new determination of the systemicvelocity of 20+/-3 km s-1, and we estimate the distance to RYScuti as 1.8+/-0.1 kpc. Nebular lines show subtle phase-dependentvariability in addition to expected changes in equivalent width due toeclipses of stellar continuum. These changes in equivalent width yieldan updated ephemeris, but a previously suggested period change is stilluncertain after considering these new data. The nebula contains roughly0.003 Msolar of material that is He- and N-rich and probablyO-deficient compared to solar abundances, indicating that CNO-processedmaterial has reached the surface in at least one component of the binarysystem. Diagnostic line ratios suggest that the electron density andtemperature in the nebula are 2×105 cm-3 and~9500 K, respectively. There are concentrated regions of higher densityas well; emission knots seen around the rings suggest that commonenvelope mass loss during massive contact binary evolution may becharacterized by strong azimuthal asymmetry and sporadic mass ejectionevents. Based on observations made with the NASA/ESA Hubble SpaceTelescope, obtained at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which isoperated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy,Inc., under NASA contract NAS 5-26555.
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Rotational velocities of A-type stars in the northern hemisphere. II. Measurement of v sin i
This work is the second part of the set of measurements of v sin i forA-type stars, begun by Royer et al. (\cite{Ror_02a}). Spectra of 249 B8to F2-type stars brighter than V=7 have been collected at Observatoirede Haute-Provence (OHP). Fourier transforms of several line profiles inthe range 4200-4600 Å are used to derive v sin i from thefrequency of the first zero. Statistical analysis of the sampleindicates that measurement error mainly depends on v sin i and thisrelative error of the rotational velocity is found to be about 5% onaverage. The systematic shift with respect to standard values fromSlettebak et al. (\cite{Slk_75}), previously found in the first paper,is here confirmed. Comparisons with data from the literature agree withour findings: v sin i values from Slettebak et al. are underestimatedand the relation between both scales follows a linear law ensuremath vsin inew = 1.03 v sin iold+7.7. Finally, thesedata are combined with those from the previous paper (Royer et al.\cite{Ror_02a}), together with the catalogue of Abt & Morrell(\cite{AbtMol95}). The resulting sample includes some 2150 stars withhomogenized rotational velocities. Based on observations made atObservatoire de Haute Provence (CNRS), France. Tables \ref{results} and\ref{merging} are only available in electronic form at the CDS viaanonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.125.5) or viahttp://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cgi-bin/qcat?J/A+A/393/897
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Catalogue of Apparent Diameters and Absolute Radii of Stars (CADARS) - Third edition - Comments and statistics
The Catalogue, available at the Centre de Données Stellaires deStrasbourg, consists of 13 573 records concerning the results obtainedfrom different methods for 7778 stars, reported in the literature. Thefollowing data are listed for each star: identifications, apparentmagnitude, spectral type, apparent diameter in arcsec, absolute radiusin solar units, method of determination, reference, remarks. Commentsand statistics obtained from CADARS are given. The Catalogue isavailable in electronic form at the CDS via anonymous ftp tocdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or viahttp://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cgi-bin/qcar?J/A+A/367/521
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The proper motions of fundamental stars. I. 1535 stars from the Basic FK5
A direct combination of the positions given in the HIPPARCOS cataloguewith astrometric ground-based catalogues having epochs later than 1939allows us to obtain new proper motions for the 1535 stars of the BasicFK5. The results are presented as the catalogue Proper Motions ofFundamental Stars (PMFS), Part I. The median precision of the propermotions is 0.5 mas/year for mu alpha cos delta and 0.7mas/year for mu delta . The non-linear motions of thephotocentres of a few hundred astrometric binaries are separated intotheir linear and elliptic motions. Since the PMFS proper motions do notinclude the information given by the proper motions from othercatalogues (HIPPARCOS, FK5, FK6, etc.) this catalogue can be used as anindependent source of the proper motions of the fundamental stars.Catalogue (Table 3) is only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp tocdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or viahttp://cdsweb.u-strastg.fr/cgi-bin/qcat?J/A+A/365/222
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Two-colour photometry for 9473 components of close Hipparcos double and multiple stars
Using observations obtained with the Tycho instrument of the ESAHipparcos satellite, a two-colour photometry is produced for componentsof more than 7 000 Hipparcos double and multiple stars with angularseparations 0.1 to 2.5 arcsec. We publish 9473 components of 5173systems with separations above 0.3 arcsec. The majority of them did nothave Tycho photometry in the Hipparcos catalogue. The magnitudes arederived in the Tycho B_T and V_T passbands, similar to the Johnsonpassbands. Photometrically resolved components of the binaries withstatistically significant trigonometric parallaxes can be put on an HRdiagram, the majority of them for the first time. Based on observationsmade with the ESA Hipparcos satellite.
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The ROSAT all-sky survey catalogue of optically bright main-sequence stars and subgiant stars
We present X-ray data for all main-sequence and subgiant stars ofspectral types A, F, G, and K and luminosity classes IV and V listed inthe Bright Star Catalogue that have been detected as X-ray sources inthe ROSAT all-sky survey; several stars without luminosity class arealso included. The catalogue contains 980 entries yielding an averagedetection rate of 32 percent. In addition to count rates, sourcedetection parameters, hardness ratios, and X-ray fluxes we also listX-ray luminosities derived from Hipparcos parallaxes. The catalogue isalso available in electronic form via anonymous ftp tocdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or viahttp://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/Abstract.html
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X-ray/optical observations of stars with shallow convection zones (A8-G2 V)
We present Walraven photometry and ROSAT All-Sky Survey data for asample of 173 bright main-sequence stars with spectral types between A8Vand G2V\@. These observations are part of a study of the onset ofmagnetic surface activity along the main sequence. Values for theeffective temperature, surface gravity and interstellar reddening havebeen obtained from a comparison of the observed Walraven colours withtheoretical values. These parameters have been used to derive accurateX-ray\ surface flux densities.
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The Tokyo PMC catalog 90-93: Catalog of positions of 6649 stars observed in 1990 through 1993 with Tokyo photoelectric meridian circle
The sixth annual catalog of the Tokyo Photoelectric Meridian Circle(PMC) is presented for 6649 stars which were observed at least two timesin January 1990 through March 1993. The mean positions of the starsobserved are given in the catalog at the corresponding mean epochs ofobservations of individual stars. The coordinates of the catalog arebased on the FK5 system, and referred to the equinox and equator ofJ2000.0. The mean local deviations of the observed positions from theFK5 catalog positions are constructed for the basic FK5 stars to comparewith those of the Tokyo PMC Catalog 89 and preliminary Hipparcos resultsof H30.
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The Angular Momentum of Main Sequence Stars and Its Relation to Stellar Activity
Rotational velocities are reported for intermediate-mass main sequencestars it the field. The measurements are based on new, high S/N CCDspectra from the Coudé Feed Telescope of the Kitt Peak NationalObservatory. We analyze these rotation rates for a dependence on bothmass and age. We compare the average rotation speeds of the field starswith mean velocities for young stars in Orion, the Alpha Persei cluster,the Pleiades, and the Hyades. The average rotation speeds of stars moremassive than $\sim1.6$ \msun\experience little or no change during theevolutionary lifetimes of these stars on the zero age main sequence orwithin the main sequence band. Less massive stars in the range betwee n1.6\msun\ and 1.3\msun\ also show little decline in mean rotation ratewhile they are on the main sequence, and at most a factor of 2 decreasein velocity as they evolve off the main sequence. The {\it e}-foldingtime for the loss of angular momentum b y the latter group of stars isat least 1--2 billion years. This inferred characteristic time scale forspindown is far longer than the established rotational braking time forsolar-type stars with masses below $\sim1.3$ \msun. We conclude from acomparison of the trends in rotation with trends in chromospheric andcoronal activity that the overall decline in mean rotation speed alongthe main sequence, from $\sim2$ \msun\ down to $\sim1.3$ \msun, isimposed during the pre-main sequence phase of evolution, and that thispattern changes little thereafter while the star resides on the mainsequence. The magnetic activity implicated in the rotational spindown ofthe Sun and of similar stars during their main sequence lifetimes mus ttherefore play only a minor role in determining the rotation rates ofthe intermediate mass stars, either because a solar-like dynamo is weakor absent, or else the geometry of the magnetic field is appreciablyless effective in removing angular momentu m from these stars. (SECTION:Stars)
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Systematic Errors in the FK5 Catalog as Derived from CCD Observations in the Extragalactic Reference Frame.
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1997AJ....114..850S&db_key=AST
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The Relation between Rotational Velocities and Spectral Peculiarities among A-Type Stars
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1995ApJS...99..135A&db_key=AST
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Ca II H and K Filter Photometry on the UVBY System. II. The Catalog of Observations
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1995AJ....109.2828T&db_key=AST
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The position corrections of 1400 stars observed with PA II in San Juan.
Not Available
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The local distribution of NA I interstellar gas
We present high-resolution absorption measurements (lambda/Delta lambdaapproximately 75,000) of the interstellar Na I D lines at 5890 A toward80 southern hemisphere early-type stars located in the localinterstellar medium (LISM). Combining these results with other sodiummeasurements taken from the literature, we produce galactic maps of thedistribution of neutral sodium column density for a total of 293 starsgenerally lying within approximately 250 pc of the Sun. These mapsreveal the approximate shape of the mid-plane contours of the rarefiedregion of interstellar space termed the Local Bubble. Its shape is seenas highly asymmetric, with a radius ranging from 30 to 300 pc, and withan average radius of 60 pc. Similar plots of the Galactic mid-planedistribution of sources emitting extreme ultraviolet radiation show thatthey also trace out similar contours of the Local Bubble derived from NaI absorption measurements. We conclude that the Local Bubble absorptioninterface can be represented by a hydrogen column density,NuETA = 2 x 1019 cm-2, which explainsboth the local distribution of Na I absorption and the observed galacticdistribution of extreme ultraviolet sources. The derived mid-planecontours of the Bubble generally reproduce the large-scale featurescarved out in the interstellar medium by several nearby galactic shellstructures.
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Optical Polarization of 1000 Stars Within 50-PARSECS from the Sun
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1993A&AS..101..551L&db_key=AST
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A Polarimetric Investigation on Interstellar Dust Within 50-PARSECS from the Sun
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1993A&A...274..203L&db_key=AST
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The kinematics of young disk population supercluster members
A discussion of the total space motions of early-type members of youngdisk population superclusters, derived from distances based on aphotometric calibration of four-color and H-beta photometry, shows anincrease in total velocity with increasing radial distance from the sun,within each supercluster. The rate of increase with distance varies fromsupercluster to supercluster because it results from the interaction oftwo effects - an 'expansion' that involves the total space motion and a'rotation' that involves only the V-velocity because it arises from therequirement that supercluster members have isoperiodic, galactic orbits.The ratio of the velocity in the direction of galactic rotation(V-velocity) to the total space motion determines the size of theresultant effect from the contradictory 'rotation' and 'expansion'terms. The expansion term is 40 to 45 km's/kpc in the superclustersdiscussed, whereas the rotation term is dV/dX = -(b-A) = 26 km/s/kpc,where B and A are the constants of galactic rotation.
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The Pleiades supercluster in FK 5
The age distribution of the early-type supercluster members whichdominate FK 5 is studied by means of the proper motions derived byFricke et al. (1988). The main values of the total space velocity of themembers and their dependence on radial distance from the sundemonstrates the characteristic dependence of isoperiodic galacticorbits. Models incorporating convective overshoot yield a wide range ofages, and dual epochs of star formation are identified for someindividual clusters. The results of the analysis include three widepairs of premain-sequence stars, three late-type supergiants, and oneevolved close visual binary. Recent speckle observations can be utilizedto determine the orbit of the latter binary and to determine thestructure of a potential equal-component binary comprising twomain-sequence stars. Orbital and stellar parameters are listed for theclusters which make up the Pleiades supercluster including periods,cluster parallaxes, and individual masses.
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Physical data of the fundamental stars.
Not Available
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A catalogue of right ascensions and declinations of FK4 stars
The position parameters of 578 stars from the fundamental catalog FK4are determined on the basis of 3-4-h meridian-circle observationsobtained by the differential method at Belgrade Astronomical Observatoryduring 1981-1987. The observation method and data-reduction proceduresare explained, and the results are compiled in extensive tables. Theaverage mean-square errors per observation are found to beepsilon(alpha) cos delta = + or - 0.022 sec and epsilon(delta) = + or -0.32 arcsec.
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ICCD speckle observations of binary stars. I - A survey for duplicity among the bright stars
A survey of a sample of 672 stars from the Yale Bright Star Catalog(Hoffleit, 1982) has been carried out using speckle interferometry onthe 3.6-cm Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope in order to establish thebinary star frequency within the sample. This effort was motivated bythe need for a more observationally determined basis for predicting thefrequency of failure of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) fine-guidancesensors to achieve guide-star lock due to duplicity. This survey of 426dwarfs and 246 evolved stars yielded measurements of 52 newly discoveredbinaries and 60 previously known binary systems. It is shown that thefrequency of close visual binaries in the separation range 0.04-0.25arcsec is 11 percent, or nearly 3.5 times that previously known.
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AB stars in the southern galactic halo. II - Spectroscopy and radial velocities
A spectroscopic study of over two hundred high latitude stars ofspectral types A and B which compromise a sample of in situ halo fieldstars selected without kinematic bias is discussed. Results arepresented and discussed in detail for the radial velocities and spectralline measurements of the interstellar K lines, weak metallic lines, CaII line equivalent widths, and hydrogen lines. Stellar Ca II K linestrengths are found to correlate quite well with overall metallicity forall cases except Am stars and high luminosity stars. The K lineequivalent widths for all but about five percent of the sample AB starsare normal for metal-poor Population II stars. A few AB stars have nearsolar metallicities and relatively high radial velocities, but no suchstars are found beyond 2-3 kpc from the plane. The large majority of thestars with V = 13.5-15.5 are Population II field blue horizontal branchstars.
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Prediction of spectral classification from photometric observations - Application of the UVBY beta photometry and the MK spectra classification. II - General case
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1980A&A....85...93M&db_key=AST
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Prediction of spectral classification from photometric observations-application to the UVBY beta photometry and the MK spectral classification. I - Prediction assuming a luminosity class
An algorithm based on multiple stepwise and isotonic regressions isdeveloped for the prediction of spectral classification from photometricdata. The prediction assumes a luminosity class with reference touvbybeta photometry and the MK spectral classification. The precisionattained is about 90 percent and 80 percent probability of being withinone spectral subtype respectively for luminosity groups I and V and forluminosity groups III and IV. A list of stars for which discrepanciesappear between photometry and spectral classification is given.
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Four-colour and H BET photometry of some bright southern stars- II.
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1972MNRAS.160..155S&db_key=AST
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Rotation of evolving A and F stars.
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1972A&A....18..428D&db_key=AST
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Spectral types and luminosities of B, A and F southern stars
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1957MNRAS.117..449D&db_key=AST
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INHABITED SKY
