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Recent work on metal-intermediate globular clusters (GCs) with [Fe/H]=$-1.5$ and $-0.75$ has illustrated the theoretical behavior of multiple populations in photometric diagrams obtained with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). These results are confirmed by observations of multiple populations among M-dwarfs of 47 Tucanae. Here, we explore the multiple populations in metal-poor GCs with [Fe/H]=$-$2.3. We take advantage of synthetic spectra and isochrones that account for the chemical composition of multiple populations to identify photometric diagrams that separate the distinct stellar populations of GCs. We derived high-precision photometry and proper motion for main-sequence stars in the metal-poor GC M 92 from JWST and Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images. We identified a first generation (1G) and two main groups of second-generation stars (2G$_{\rm A}$ and 2G$_{\rm B}$) and investigated their kinematics and chemical composition. We find isotropic motions with no differences among the distinct populations. The comparison between the observed colors of M 92 stars and the colors derived by synthetic spectra reveals that helium abundance of 2G$_{\rm A}$ and 2G$_{\rm B}$ stars are higher than that of the 1G by $\Delta Y \sim 0.01$ and $0.04$, respectively. The $m_{\rm F090W}$ vs. $m_{\rm F090W}-m_{\rm F277W}$ color-magnitude diagram shows that below the knee, MS stars exhibit a wide color broadening due to multiple populations. We constrain the amount of oxygen variation needed to reproduce the observed MS width, which is consistent with results on red-giant branch stars. We conclude that multiple populations with masses of $\sim$0.1-0.8$M_{\odot}$ share similar chemical compositions., Comment: 15 pages, 9 figures. Submitted to ApJ on April 6th, 2023

We present a multi-zone galactic chemical evolution (GCE) model for the Milky Way that takes the most recently updated yields of major nucleosynthesis channels into account. It incorporates physical processes commonly found in previous GCE models like supernova and star formation feedback, the radial flow of gas in the disk, and the infall of fresh gas, along with stellar scattering processes like radial migration. We individually analyse the effect of different physical processes present in our model on the observed properties of the Galaxy. The radial flow of gas in the disk plays an important role in establishing the radial gradient for \feh{} in the low-\alphafe{} sequence. Our model with one episode of smooth gas infall and constant star formation efficiency is capable of reproducing the observed \fehalpha{} distribution of stars at different ($R$, $|z|$) positions in the Milky Way. Our results point to the rapid evolution of \alphafe{} after the onset of Type Ia supernovae and a high star formation rate during the formation of the high-\alphafe{} sequence as the origin of dual peaks in \alphafe{}. A secondary infall is unnecessary to reproduce the \alphafe{}-gap and chemical spread in the disk in our model. We additionally compare the median age for various mono-abundance populations and the age-metallicity relation at different ($R$, $|z|$) positions from our fiducial model to observations. We discuss our results in relation to other related work in detail., Comment: 27 pages, 15 figures, submitted to MNRAS

The Barium (Ba) star phenomenon is unmissable from the study and understanding of nucleosynthetic processes occuring in AGB stars. Ba stars belong to binary systems, where the former AGB polluted the companion, a less evolved star, which became enriched with material produced through the slowneuton capture process (sprocess). While the AGB has evolved to a white dwarf, the currently observed Ba star preserves the abundance pattern of the AGB, allowing us to test the imprints of the $s$ process. Comparing different AGB nucleosynthetic models and Ba star abundances, we are able to constrain the effect of the rotation velocity or the neutron source in the interior of the AGB star. The trend in the Ba star observations is predicted by non-rotating AGB models where 13C is the main neutron source. The results of the comparison of models with initial AGB masses from an independent source and the analysis of 28 Ba giant star abundances confirm that the polluting AGBs are of low mass.

Barium (Ba) stars are polluted by material enriched in the slow neutron capture (s-process) elements synthesised in the interior of their former asymptotic giant branch (AGB) companion star, which is now a white dwarf. We compare individual Ba star abundance patterns to AGB nucleosynthesis models to verify if the AGB model mass is compatible with independently derived AGB mass. We selected a sample of 28 Ba stars for which both self-consistent spectroscopic observation and analysis are available and stellar mass determinations, via positioning the star on the HR diagram and comparing with evolutionary tracks. For this sample stars we considered both previously and recently derived elemental abundances. Then, we performed a detailed comparison of these s-process elemental abundances to different AGB nucleosynthesis models from the Monash and the FRUITY theoretical data sets. We simplified the binary mass transfer by calculating dilution factors to match the [Ce/Fe] value of each star when using different AGB models, and we then compared the diluted model abundances to the complete Ba-star abundance pattern. Our comparison confirms that low mass, non-rotating AGB stellar models with 13C as the main neutron source are the polluters of the vast majority of the considered Ba stars. Out of the 28 stars, in 21 cases the models are in good agreement with both the determined abundances and the independently derived AGB mass, although in 16 cases higher observed abundances of Nb, Ru, Mo and/or Nd, Sm than predicted. For 3 stars we obtain a match to the abundances only by considering models with masses lower than those independently determined. Finally, 4 stars show much higher first s-process peak abundance values than the model predictions, which may represent the signature of a physical and/or nucleosynthetic process that is not represented in the set of models considered here., Comment: accepted for publication in A&A

To reach a deeper understanding of the origin of elements in the periodic table, we construct Galactic chemical evolution (GCE) models for all stable elements from C (A=12) to U (A=238) from first principles, i.e., using theoretical nucleosynthesis yields and event rates of all chemical enrichment sources. This enables us to predict the origin of elements as a function of time and environment. In the solar neighborhood, we find that stars with initial masses of M>30M_\odot can become failed supernovae if there is a significant contribution from hypernovae (HNe) at M~20-50M_\odot. The contribution to GCE from super asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars (with M~8-10M_\odot at solar metallicity) is negligible, unless hybrid white dwarfs from low-mass super-AGB stars explode as so-called Type Iax supernovae, or high-mass super-AGB stars explode as electron-capture supernovae (ECSNe). Among neutron-capture elements, the observed abundances of the second (Ba) and third (Pb) peak elements are well reproduced with our updated yields of the slow neutron-capture process (s-process) from AGB stars. The first peak elements, Sr, Y, and Zr, are sufficiently produced by ECSNe together with AGB stars. Neutron star mergers can produce rapid neutron-capture process (r-process) elements up to Th and U, but the timescales are too long to explain observations at low metallicities. The observed evolutionary trends, such as for Eu, can well be explained if ~3% of 25-50 M_\odot hypernovae are magneto-rotational supernovae producing r-process elements. Along with the solar neighborhood, we also predict the evolutionary trends in the halo, bulge, and thick disk for future comparison with galactic archaeology surveys., 40 pages, 41 figures, Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal

The paper focuses on the seismic responses of a hyperbolic cooling tower resting on soil foundation represented by the three-parameter Vlasov elastic soil model. The three-parameter soil model eliminates the necessity of field testing to determine soil parameters such as reaction modulus and shear parameter. These parameters are calculated using an iterative procedure depending on the soil surface vertical deformation profile in the model. The soil and tower system are modeled in SAP2000 structural analysis program using a computing tool coded in MATLAB. The tool provides a two-way data transfer between SAP2000 and MATLAB with the help of Open Application Programming Interface (OAPI) feature of SAP2000. The response spectrum analyses of the tower system with circular V-shaped supporting columns and annular raft foundation on elastic soil are conducted thanks to the coded tool. The shell and column forces and displacements are presented for different soil conditions and fixed raft base condition to investigate the effects of soil-structure interaction. Numerical results indicate that the flexibility of soil foundation leads to an increase in displacements but a decrease in shell membrane and column forces. Therefore, it can be stated that the consideration of soil-structure interaction in the seismic response analysis of the cooling tower system provides an economical design process.

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Stardust grains recovered from meteorites provide high-precision snapshots of the isotopic compositions resulting from nuclear reactions in the stars in which they formed. Establishing their stellar sites of origin, however, often proves difficult. One long-standing problem is that a large fraction of meteoritic stardust is predicted to have originated from the late evolutionary phase of stars with initial mass between roughly 4 and 8 solar masses, however, no grains have been found with an isotopic composition that matches that expected in these stars. This problem points to serious gaps in our understanding of the lifecycle of stars and dust in the Galaxy. Here we show that the new, increased rate of the 17O + p → 14N + α nuclear reaction, based on a recent underground experiment, produces 17O/16O isotopic ratios that match those observed in a population of stardust grains, provided that the burning occurs at relatively high temperatures (60–80 million K). These are the temperatures achieved at the base of the convective envelope during the late evolutionary phase of 4 to 8 solar mass stars, which reveals them as the site of origin of the grains. This result provides the first direct evidence that these stars contributed to the dust inventory from which the Solar System formed.

We present a summary of current research on planetary nebulae and their central stars, and related subjects such as atomic processes in ionized nebulae, AGB and post-AGB evolution. Future advances are discussed that will be essential to substantial improvements in our knowledge in the field., accepted for publication in RMxAA; 37 pages

We present nucleosynthesis predictions for massive (5-7 solar masses) asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars of solar metallicity where we delay the onset of the superwind to pulsation periods of P =700-800 days. We found that delaying the superwind in solar metallicity massive AGB stars results in a larger production of s-process elements, something that would be also expected at lower metallicities. These new models and the available observations show that massive C-O core AGB stars in our Galaxy and in the Magellanic Clouds experience considerable third dredge-up (TDU). Thus, if massive AGB stars at the metallicities of the Globular Clusters (GCs) also experience deep TDU, then these stars would not be good candidates to explain the abundance anomalies observed in most GCs. However, more massive AGB stars (e.g., near the limit of C-O core production) or super-AGB stars with O-Ne cores may not experience very efficient TDU, producing the high He abundances needed to explain the multiple populations observed in some GCs., Comment: To appear in the conference proceedings of "Reading the book of globular clusters with the lens of stellar evolution", Mem. S. A. It. Eds. P. Ventura, C. Charbonnel, M. Castellani and M. Di Criscienzo (in press; 4 pages and 2 figures)

The composition of the most primitive solar system condensates, such as calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) and micron-sized corundum grains, show that short-lived radionuclides (SLR), e.g. 26Al, were present in the early solar system. Their abundances require a local or stellar origin, which, however, is far from being understood. We present for the first time the abundances of several SLR up to 60Fe predicted from stars with initial mass in the range approximately 7-11M⊙. These stars evolve through core H, He, and C burning. After core C burning they go through a "Super"-asymptotic giant branch (Super-AGB) phase, with the H and He shells activated alternately, episodic thermal pulses in the He shell, a very hot temperature at the base of the convective envelope (approximately 108K), and strong stellar winds driving the H-rich envelope into the surrounding interstellar medium. The final remnants of the evolution of Super-AGB stars are mostly O-Ne white dwarfs. Our Super-AGB models produce 26Al/27Al yield ratios approximately 0.02-0.26. These models can account for the canonical value of the 26Al/27Al ratio using dilutions with the solar nebula of the order of 1 part of Super-AGB mass per several 102 to several 103 of solar nebula mass, resulting in associated changes in the O-isotope composition in the range Δ17O from 3 to 20‰. This is in agreement with observations of the O isotopic ratios in primitive solar system condensates, which do not carry the signature of a stellar polluter. The radionuclides 41Ca and 60Fe are produced by neutron captures in Super-AGB stars and their meteoritic abundances are also matched by some of our models, depending on the nuclear and stellar physics uncertainties as well as the meteoritic experimental data. We also expect and are currently investigating Super-AGB production of SLR heavier than iron, such as 107Pd. © 2012 The Meteoritical Society., SCOPUS: ar.j, FLWIN, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

The 22Ne({\alpha},n)25Mg reaction is an important source of neutrons for the s-process. In massive stars responsible for the weak component of the s-process, 22Ne({\alpha},n)25Mg is the dominant source of neutrons, both during core helium burning and in shell carbon burning. For the main s-process component produced in Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars, the 13C({\alpha},n)16O reaction is the dominant source of neutrons operating during the interpulse period, with the 22Ne+{\alpha} source affecting mainly the s-process branchings during a thermal pulse. Rate uncertainties in the competing 22Ne({\alpha},n)25Mg and 22Ne({\alpha},{\gamma})26Mg reactions result in large variations of s-process nucleosynthesis. Here, we present up-to-date and statistically rigorous 22Ne+{\alpha} reaction rates using recent experimental results and Monte Carlo sampling. Our new rates are used in post-processing nucleosynthesis calculations both for massive stars and AGB stars. We demonstrate that the nucleosynthesis uncertainties arising from the new rates are dramatically reduced in comparison to previously published results, but several ambiguities in the present data must still be addressed. Recommendations for further study to resolve these issues are provided., Comment: 23 Pages, 8 figures. Accepted to Phys. Rev. C

The 22Ne(��,n)25Mg reaction is an important source of neutrons for the s-process. In massive stars responsible for the weak component of the s-process, 22Ne(��,n)25Mg is the dominant source of neutrons, both during core helium burning and in shell carbon burning. For the main s-process component produced in Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars, the 13C(��,n)16O reaction is the dominant source of neutrons operating during the interpulse period, with the 22Ne+�� source affecting mainly the s-process branchings during a thermal pulse. Rate uncertainties in the competing 22Ne(��,n)25Mg and 22Ne(��,��)26Mg reactions result in large variations of s-process nucleosynthesis. Here, we present up-to-date and statistically rigorous 22Ne+�� reaction rates using recent experimental results and Monte Carlo sampling. Our new rates are used in post-processing nucleosynthesis calculations both for massive stars and AGB stars. We demonstrate that the nucleosynthesis uncertainties arising from the new rates are dramatically reduced in comparison to previously published results, but several ambiguities in the present data must still be addressed. Recommendations for further study to resolve these issues are provided., 23 Pages, 8 figures. Accepted to Phys. Rev. C

We calculate the evolution of fluorine in the solar neighborhood with the \nu-process of core-collapse supernovae, the results of which are in good agreement with the observations of field stars. The \nu-process operating in supernovae causes the [F/O] ratio to plateau at [O/H] < -1.2, followed by a rapid increase toward [O/H] ~ -0.5 from the contribution of Asymptotic Giant Branch stars. The plateau value of [F/O] depends on the neutrino luminosity released by core-collapse supernovae and may be constrained by using future observations of field stars at low metallicities. For globular clusters, the handful of [F/O] measurements suggest that the relative contribution from low-mass supernovae is smaller in these systems than in the field., Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure, Accepted for publication in ApJL

Isotope ratios have opened a new window into the study of the details of stellar evolution, supernovae, and galactic chemical evolution. We present the evolution of the isotope ratios of elemental abundances (from C to Zn) in the solar neighbourhood, bulge, halo, and thick disk, using chemical evolution models with updated yields of Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars and core-collapse supernovae. The evolutionary history of each element is different owing to the effects of the initial progenitor mass and metallicity on element production. In the bulge and thick disk the star formation timescale is shorter than in the solar neighbourhood, leading to higher [alpha/Fe] ratios. Likewise, the smaller contribution from Type Ia supernovae in these regions leads to lower [Mn/Fe] ratios. Also in the bulge, the abundances of [(Na, Al, P, Cl, K, Sc, Cu, Zn)/Fe] are higher because of the effect of metallicity on element production from core-collapse supernovae. According to our predictions, it is possible to find metal-rich stars ([Fe/H]>-1) that formed in the early Universe as a result of rapid star formation. The chemical enrichment timescale of the halo is longer than in the solar neighbourhood, and consequently the ratios of [(C, F)/Fe] and 12C/13C are higher owing to a significant contribution from low-mass AGB stars. While the [alpha/Fe] and [Mn/Fe] ratios are the same as in the solar neighbourhood, the [(Na, Al, P, Cl, K, Sc, Cu, Zn)/Fe] ratios are predicted to be lower. Furthermore, we predict that isotope ratios such as 24Mg/25,26Mg are larger because of the contribution from low-metallicity supernovae. Using isotopic ratios it is possible to select stars that formed in a system with a low chemical enrichment efficiency such as the satellite galaxies that were accreted onto our own Milky Way Galaxy., 22 pages, 19 figures, accepted to MNRAS

We present stellar evolutionary sequences for asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars in the Magellanic Cloud clusters NGC 1978, NGC 1846 and NGC 419. The new stellar models for the three clusters match the observed effective temperatures on the giant branches, the oxygen-rich to carbon-rich transition luminosities, and the AGB-tip luminosities. A major finding is that a large amount of convective overshoot (up to 3 pressure scale heights) is required at the base of the convective envelope during third dredge-up in order to get the correct oxygen-rich to carbon-rich transition luminosity. The stellar evolution sequences are used as input for detailed nucleosynthesis calculations. For NGC 1978 and NGC 1846 we compare our model results to the observationally derived abundances of carbon and oxygen. We find that additional mixing processes (extra-mixing) are required to explain the observed abundance patterns. For NGC 1846 we conclude that non-convective extra-mixing processes are required on both the RGB and the AGB, in agreement with previous studies. For NGC 1978 it is possible to explain the C/O and 12C/13C abundances of both the O-rich and the C-rich AGB stars by assuming that the material in the intershell region contains high abundances of both C and O. This may occur during a thermal pulse when convective overshoot at the inner edge of the flash-driven convective pocket dredges C and O from the core to the intershell. For NGC 419 we provide our predicted model abundance values although there are currently no published observed abundance studies for the AGB stars in this cluster., Comment: 16 figures, 3 tables, Accepted for publication in ApJ

In the first paper in this series, we proposed a new framework in which to model the chemical evolution of globular clusters. This model, is predicated upon the assumption that clusters form within an interstellar medium enriched locally by the ejecta of a single Type Ia supernova and varying numbers of asymptotic giant branch stars, superimposed on an ambient medium pre-enriched by low-metallicity Type II supernovae. Paper I was concerned with the application of this model to the observed abundances of several reactive elements and so-called non-metals for three classical intermediate-metallicity clusters, with the hallmark of the work being the successful recovery of many of their well-known elemental and isotopic abundance anomalies. Here, we expand upon our initial analysis by (a) applying the model to a much broader range of metallicities (from the factor of three explored in Paper I, to now, a factor of ~50; i.e., essentially, the full range of Galactic globular cluster abundances, and (b) incorporating a broader suite of chemical species, including a number of iron-peak isotopes, heavier alpha-elements, and fluorine. While most empirical globular cluster abundance trends are reproduced, our model would suggest the need for a higher production of Ca, Si, and Cu in low-metallicity (or so-called "prompt") Type Ia supernovae than predicted in current stellar models in order to reproduce the observed trends in NGC 6752, and a factor of two reduction in carbon production from asymptotic giant branch stars to explain the observed trends between carbon and nitrogen. Observations of heavy-element isotopes produced primarily by Type Ia supernovae, including those of titanium, iron, and nickel, could support/refute unequivocally our proposed framework. Hydrodynamical simulations would be necessary to study its viability from a dynamical point of view., Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS, 15 pages, 10 figures

We calculate the evolution of fluorine in the solar neighborhood with the ��-process of core-collapse supernovae, the results of which are in good agreement with the observations of field stars. The ��-process operating in supernovae causes the [F/O] ratio to plateau at [O/H] < -1.2, followed by a rapid increase toward [O/H] ~ -0.5 from the contribution of Asymptotic Giant Branch stars. The plateau value of [F/O] depends on the neutrino luminosity released by core-collapse supernovae and may be constrained by using future observations of field stars at low metallicities. For globular clusters, the handful of [F/O] measurements suggest that the relative contribution from low-mass supernovae is smaller in these systems than in the field., 4 pages, 1 figure, Accepted for publication in ApJL

Type I planetary nebulae (PNe) have high He/H and N/O ratios and are thought to be descendants of stars with initial masses of ~3-8Msun. These characteristics indicate that the progenitor stars experienced proton-capture nucleosynthesis at the base of the convective envelope, in addition to the slow neutron capture process operating in the He-shell (the s-process). We compare the predicted abundances of elements up to Sr from models of intermediate-mass asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars to measured abundances in Type I PNe. In particular, we compare predictions and observations for the light trans-iron elements Se and Kr, in order to constrain convective mixing and the s-process in these stars. A partial mixing zone is included in selected models to explore the effect of a 13C pocket on the s-process yields. The solar-metallicity models produce enrichments of [(Se, Kr)/Fe] < 0.6, consistent with Galactic Type I PNe where the observed enhancements are typically < 0.3 dex, while lower metallicity models predict larger enrichments of C, N, Se, and Kr. O destruction occurs in the most massive models but it is not efficient enough to account for the > 0.3 dex O depletions observed in some Type I PNe. It is not possible to reach firm conclusions regarding the neutron source operating in massive AGB stars from Se and Kr abundances in Type I PNe; abundances for more s-process elements may help to distinguish between the two neutron sources. We predict that only the most massive models would evolve into Type I PNe, indicating that extra-mixing processes are active in lower-mass stars (3-4Msun), if these stars are to evolve into Type I PNe., 39 pages, accepted for publication in ApJ

The recent experimental evaluation of the 18F(a,p)21Ne reaction rate, when considering its associated uncertainties, presented significant differences compared to the theoretical Hauser-Feshbach rate. This was most apparent at the low temperatures relevant for He-shell burning in asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. Investigations into the effect on AGB nucleosynthesis revealed that the upper limit resulted in an enhanced production of 19F and 21Ne in carbon-rich AGB models, but the recommended and lower limits presented no differences from using the theoretical rate. This was the case for models spanning a range in metallicity from solar to [Fe/H] ~ -2.3. The results of this study are relevant for observations of F and C-enriched AGB stars in the Galaxy, and to the Ne composition of mainstream silicon carbide grains, that supposedly formed in the outflows of cool, carbon-rich giant stars. We discuss the mechanism that produces the extra F and summarize our main findings., Comment: Proceedings of the 10th Symposium on Nuclei in the Cosmos, NIC X - Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA (5 pages, 1 figure)

Context. Stardust is a class of presolar grains each of which presents an ideally uncontaminated stellar sample. Mainstream silicon carbide (SiC) stardust formed in the extended envelopes of carbon-rich asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars and incorporated the radioactive nucleus 26Al as a trace element.Aims.The aim of this paper is to analyse in detail the effect of nuclear uncertainties, in particular the large uncertainties of up to four orders of magnitude related to the 26Alg($p,\gamma$)27Si reaction rate, on the production of 26Al in AGB stars and compare model predictions to data obtained from laboratory analysis of SiC stardust grains. Stellar uncertainties are also briefly discussed.Methods.We use a detailed nucleosynthesis postprocessing code to calculate the 26Al/27Al ratios at the surface of AGB stars of different masses (M = 1.75, 3, and 5 M$_{\odot}$) and metallicities (Z = 0.02, 0.012, and 0.008).Results.For the lower limit and recommended value of the 26Alg($p,\gamma$)27Si reaction rate, the predicted 26Al/27Al ratios replicate the upper values of the range of the 26Al/27Al ratios measured in SiC grains. For the upper limit of the 26Alg($p,\gamma$)27Si reaction rate, instead, the predicted 26Al/27Al ratios are ≈100 times lower and lie below the range observed in SiC grains. When considering models of different masses and metallicities, the spread of more than an order of magnitude in the 26Al/27Al ratios measured in stellar SiC grains is not reproduced.Conclusions. We propose two scenarios to explain the spread of the 26Al/27Al ratios observed in mainstream SiC, depending on the choice of the 26Al$_{\rm g} +p$ reaction rate. One involves different times of stardust formation, the other involves extra-mixing processes. Stronger conclusions on the interpretation of the Al composition of AGB stardust will be possible after more information is available from future nuclear experiments on the 26Al$_{\rm g} +p$ reaction.

In order to understand the composition of planetary nebulae we first need to study the nucleosynthesis occurring in the progenitor star during the thermally-pulsing Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) phase. I present an overview of single AGB evolution, with an emphasis on the mixing processes that alter the envelope composition, followed by a discussion of the stellar yields available from single AGB stellar models., Comment: 8 pages. To appear in "Asymmetrical Planetary Nebulae IV," eds. R. L. M. Corradi, A. Manchado & N. Soker

Context. We test the effect of proton-capture reaction rate uncertainties on the abundances of the Ne, Na, Mg and Al isotopes processed by the NeNa and MgAl chains during hot bottom burning (HBB) in asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars of intermediate mass between 4 and 6 M-circle dot and metallicities between Z = 0.0001 and 0.02. Aims. We provide uncertainty ranges for the AGB stellar yields, for inclusion in galactic chemical evolution models, and indicate which reaction rates are most important and should be better determined. Methods. We use a fast synthetic algorithm based on detailed AGB models. We run a large number of stellar models, varying one reaction per time for a very fine grid of values, as well as all reactions simultaneously. Results. We show that there are uncertainties in the yields of all the Ne, Na, Mg and Al isotopes due to uncertain proton-capture reaction rates. The most uncertain yields are those of Al-26 and Na-23 (variations of two orders of magnitude), Mg-24 and Al-27 ( variations of more than one order of magnitude), Ne-20 and Ne-22 (variations between factors 2 and 7). In order to obtain more reliable Ne, Na, Mg and Al yields from IM-AGB stars the rates that require more accurate determination are: Ne-22( p,.) 23Na, 23Na( p,gamma) Mg-24, Mg-25(p,gamma)Al-26, Mg-26(p,gamma)Al-27 and Al-26(p,gamma)Si-27. Conclusions. Detailed galactic chemical evolution models should be constructed to address the impact of our uncertainty ranges on the observational constraints related to HBB nucleosynthesis, such as globular cluster chemical anomalies.

We analyze the O, Mg, Al, Cr and Fe compositions predicted by detailed models of AGB stars of different masses and metallicities and discuss them in the light of the precise measurements of the composition of a single extraordinary presolar spinel grain, named OC2. Large excesses of the heavy Mg isotopes are present in this grain and thus an origin from an intermediate-mass (IM) asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star was previously proposed for it. Our IM-AGB models with temperatures at the base of the convective envelope ≃ 80 - 85 million degrees produce a good match to the composition of OC2 within the uncertainties related to reaction rates. This solution is possible if, in particular, we take the lower limit and the upper limit for the 16O(p,γ )17F and the 17O(p,α) 14N reaction rates, respectively.

We present nucleosynthesis calculations and the resulting 19F stellar yields for a large set of models with different masses and metallicity. We find that the production of fluorine depends on the temperature of the convective pulses, the amount of primary 12C mixed into the envelope by third dredge up and the extent of the partial mixing zone. Then we perform a detailed analysis of the reaction rates involved in the production of 19F and the effects of their uncertainties. We find that the major uncertainties are associated with the 14C(alpha,gamma)18O and the 19F(alpha,p)22Ne reaction rates. For these two reactions we present new estimates of the rates and their uncertainties. The importance of the partial mixing zone is reduced when using our estimate for the 14C(alpha,gamma)18O rate. Taking into account both the uncertainties related to the partial mixing zone and those related to nuclear reactions, the highest values of 19F enhancements observed in AGB stars are not matched by the models. This is a problem that will have to be revised by providing a better understanding of the formation and nucleosynthesis in the partial mixing zone, also in relation to reducing the uncertainties of the 14C(alpha,gamma)18O reaction rate. At the same time the possible effect of Cool Bottom Processing at the base of the convective envelope should be included in the computation of AGB nucleosynthesis. This process could in principle help matching the highest 19F abundances observed by decreasing the C/O ratio at the surface of the star, while leaving the 19F abundance unchanged., 40 pages, 8 figures, accepted for publication on the Astrophysical Journal

A self-consistent model of the chemical evolution of the globular cluster NGC 6752 is presented to test a popular theory that observed abundance anomalies are due to ``internal pollution'' from intermediate mass asymptotic giant branch stars. We simulated the chemical evolution of the intracluster medium under the assumption that the products of Type II SNe are completely expelled from the globular cluster, whereas material ejected from stars with m < 7 M_sun is retained, due to their weak stellar winds. By tracing the chemical evolution of the intracluster gas, we tested an internal pollution scenario in which the Na- and Al-enhanced ejecta from intermediate mass stars is either accreted onto the surfaces of other stars, or goes toward forming new stars. The observed spread in Na and Al was reproduced, but not the O-Na and Mg-Al anticorrelations. In particular, neither O nor Mg are sufficiently depleted to account for the observations. We predict that the Mg content of Na-rich cluster stars should be overwhelmingly dominated by the 25,26Mg isotopes, whereas the latest data shows only a mild 26Mg enhancement and no correlation with 25Mg. Furthermore, stars bearing the imprint of intermediate mass stellar ejecta are predicted to be strongly enhanced in both C and N, in conflict with the empirical data. We find that while standard AGB stellar models do show the hot H burning that seems required to explain the observations, this is accompanied by He burning, producing primary C, N, Mg and Na (via HBB) which do not match the observations. (Abridged), 7 pages. Accepted for publication in MNRAS

We investigate the production of aluminium and the heavy magnesium isotopes in asymptotic giant branch models. We evolve models with a wide range in initial mass (between 1 and 6Msun), and composition (Z=0.02, 0.008, 0.004). We evolve the models from the pre-main sequence, through all intermediate stages including the core helium flash, to near the end of the thermally-pulsing AGB phase. We performed detailed nucleosynthesis calculations from which we determine for the first time, the production of the magnesium and aluminium isotopes as a function of the stellar mass and composition. From our models, we calculate stellar yields suitable for galactic chemical evolution models. The most massive AGB models produce the neutron-rich magnesium isotopes, and also produce Al-26 in substantial quantities via hot bottom burning. We note that the calculations are subject to many uncertainties, such as the modelling of the third dredge up, mass-loss and nuclear reaction rates., Comment: 10 pages, contribued paper for the Carnegie Observatories Centennial Symposium IV: Origin and evolution of the element

We investigate the impact of the new LUNA rate for the nuclear reaction Ne-22(p, gamma) Na-23 on the chemical ejecta of intermediate-mass stars, with particular focus on the thermally pulsing asymptotic giant branch (TP-AGB) stars that experience hot-bottom burning. To this aim, we use the PARSEC and COLIBRI codes to compute the complete evolution, from the premain sequence up to the termination of the TP-AGB phase, of a set of stellar models with initial masses in the range 3.0-6.0M(circle dot) and metallicities Z(i) = 0.0005, 0.006 and 0.014. We find that the new LUNA measures have much reduced the nuclear uncertainties of the Ne-22 and Na-23 AGB ejecta that drop from factors of similar or equal to 10 to only a factor of few for the lowest metallicity models. Relying on the most recent estimations for the destruction rate of Na-23, the uncertainties that still affect the Ne-22 and Na-23 AGB ejecta are mainly dominated by the evolutionary aspects (efficiency of mass-loss, third dredge-up, convection). Finally, we discuss how the LUNA results impact on the hypothesis that invokes massive AGB stars as the main agents of the observed O-Na anticorrelation in Galactic globular clusters. We derive quantitative indications on the efficiencies of key physical processes (mass-loss, third dredgeup, sodium destruction) in order to simultaneously reproduce both the Na-rich, O-poor extreme of the anticorrelation and the observational constraints on the CNO abundance. Results for the corresponding chemical ejecta are made publicly available.

Context. Strontium has proven itself to be one of the most important neutron-capture elements in the study of metal-poor stars. Th anks to the strong absorption lines of Sr, they can be detected eve n in the most metal-poor stars and also in low-resolution spe ctra. However, we still cannot explain the large star-to-star abundance sc atter we derive for metal-poor stars. Aims. Here we compare Galactic chemical evolution (GCE) predictions with improved abundances for Sri and Srii, including updated atomic data, to evaluate possible explanations for the larg e star-to-star scatter at low metallicities. Methods. We have derived abundances under both local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) and non-LTE (NLTE) for stars spanning a large interval of metallicities, as well as a broad range of other stellar parameters. Gravities and metallicities are also determined in NLTE. We employed MARCS stellar atmospheres and MOOG for theLTE spectrum synthesis, while MAFAGS and DETAIL were used to derive the NLTE abundances. We verified the consisten cy of the two methods in LTE. Results. We confirm that the ionisation equilibrium between Sr I and Sr II is satisfied under NLTE but not LTE, where the di fference between neutral and ionised Sr is on average ∼ 0.3 dex. We show that the NLTE corrections are of increasing importance as the metallicity decreases. For the stars with [Fe/H] > −3, the Sri NLTE correction is∼ 0.35/0.55 dex in dwarfs/giants, while the Srii NLTE correction is

This is the second paper of a series which aims at quantifying the uncertainties in chemical evolution model predictions related to the underlying model assumptions. Specifically, it deals with the uncertainties due to the choice of the stellar yields. We adopt a widely used model for the chemical evolution of the Galaxy and test the effects of changing the stellar nucleosynthesis prescriptions on the predicted evolution of several chemical species. We find that, except for a handful of elements whose nucleosynthesis in stars is well understood by now, large uncertainties still affect the model predictions. This is especially true for the majority of the iron-peak elements, but also for much more abundant species such as carbon and nitrogen. The main causes of the mismatch we find among the outputs of different models assuming different stellar yields and among model predictions and observations are: (i) the adopted location of the mass cut in models of type II supernova explosions; (ii) the adopted strength and extent of hot bottom burning in models of asymptotic giant branch stars; (iii) the neglection of the effects of rotation on the chemical composition of the stellar surfaces; (iv) the adopted rates of mass loss and of (v) nuclear reactions, and (vi) the different treatments of convection. Our results suggest that it is mandatory to include processes such as hot bottom burning in intermediate-mass stars and rotation in stars of all masses in accurate studies of stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis. In spite of their importance, both these processes still have to be better understood and characterized. As for massive stars, presupernova models computed with mass loss and rotation are available in the literature, but they still wait for a self-consistent coupling with the results of explosive nucleosynthesis computations., Comment: 28 pages, 23 figures. Accepted for publication in A&A

Stars in globular clusters are generally believed to have all formed at the same time, early in the Galaxy's history. 'Blue stragglers' are stars massive enough that they should have evolved into white dwarfs long ago. Two possible mechanisms have been proposed for their formation: mass transfer between binary companions and stellar mergers resulting from direct collisions between two stars. Recently, the binary explanation was claimed to be dominant. Here we report that there are two distinct parallel sequences of blue stragglers in M30. This globular cluster is thought to have undergone 'core collapse', during which both the collision rate and the mass transfer activity in binary systems would have been enhanced. We suggest that the two observed sequences arise from the cluster core collapse, with the bluer population arising from direct stellar collisions and the redder one arising from the evolution of close binaries that are probably still experiencing an active phase of mass transfer., Published on the 24th December 2009 issue of Nature