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This paper presents an analysis that searched for systematic effects within the CoRoT exoplanet field light curves. The analysis identified a systematic effect that modified the zero point of most CoRoT exposures as a function of stellar magnitude. We could find this effect only after preparing a set of learning light curves that were relatively free of stellar and instrumental noise. Correcting for this effect, rejecting outliers that appear in almost every exposure, and applying SysRem, reduced the stellar RMS by about 20 %, without attenuating transit signals., Accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics

CoRoT is a space telescope which aims at studying internal structure of stars and detecting extrasolar planets. We present here a list of transits detected in the light curves of stars observed by CoRoT in two fields in the anti-center direction: the LRa03 one observed during 148 days from 3 October 2009 to 1 March 2010 followed by the SRa03 one from the 5 March 2010 to the 29 March 2010 during 25 days. 5329 light curves for the LRa03 field and 4169 for the SRa03 field were analyzed by the detection team of CoRoT. Then some of the selected exoplanetary candidates have been followed up from the ground. In the LRa03 field, 19 exoplanet candidates have been found, 8 remain unsolved. No secured planet has been found yet. In the SRa03 field, there were 11 exoplanetary candidates among which 6 cases remain unsolved and 3 planets have been found: CoRoT-18b, CoRoT-19b, CoRoT-20b. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

Context. HD 49434 is a bright (V = 5ṃ75) and multiperiodic γ Dor-type pulsator that has been selected for the asteroseismic core programme of the CoRoT satellite.Aims. An extensive and detailed study has been carried out to investigate the pulsational content of this object on the basis of the 136.9 d (331291 useful datapoints) time series collected by the CoRoT satellite during the long-run LRa01 (October 2007–March 2008).Methods. The frequency analysis was carried out using the recently available software package SigSpec and Period04.Results. The results confirm HD 49434 as a complex pulsator with a very dense pulsation spectrum. A total of 1686 significant peaks are formally detected, essentially in the region below 15 d-1 . No significant pulsation peaks are detected for frequencies higher than 30 d-1 . Solar-type oscillations are not detected in this star. The reliability of such a high number of detected peaks has been investigated on the basis of two independent methods. As a result, we propose a total of 840 frequencies that can be assumed to be intrinsic to the star. Conclusions. The CoRoT mission provides very high-quality light curves and datasets, which are excellent for asteroseismic studies of complex pulsating stars beacause they allow investigation of the frequency content down to amplitude levels of a few μ mag, unattainable with ground-based observations. In this way, hundreds of excited modes were detected in HD 49434. This is the first time that so many frequencies have been found in a γ Dor-type pulsator.

The CoRoT satellite is revolutionizing the photometric study of massive O-type and B-type stars. During its long runs, CoRoT observed the entire main sequence B star domain, from typical hot β Cep stars, via cooler hybrid p- and g-mode pulsators to the SPB stars near the edge of the instability strip. CoRoT lowers the sensitivity barrier from the typical mmagprecision reached from the ground, to the µ mag-level reached from space. Within the wealth of detected and identified pulsation modes, relations have been found in the form of multiplets, combination of frequencies, and frequency- and period spacings. This wealth of observational evidence is finally providing strong constraints to test current models of the internal structure and pulsations of hot stars. Aside from the expected opacity driven modes with infinite lifetime, other unexpected types of variability are detected in massive stars, such as modes of stochastic nature. The simultaneous observation of all these light curve characteristics implies a challenge for both observational asteroseismology and stellar modelling (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

International audience; Context: The estimate of solar-like oscillation properties, such as their frequencies, amplitudes and lifetimes, is challenging because of their low amplitudes and will benefit from long and uninterrupted observing runs. The space telescope CoRoT allows us to obtain high-performance photometric data over a long and quasi continuous period. Among its main targets are stars for which we expect solar-like oscillations. Aims: HD 181420, an F2 main sequence star, has been observed by CoRoT during its first long run covering about 156 days. With this unprecedently high-quality set of data, our aim is to derive the p-mode parameters that can be used to probe the stellar interior. Methods: The CoRoT data obtained on HD 181420 is analysed using a classical Fourier approach for the search for the p mode signature. The p-mode parameters are then derived using global fitting of the power spectrum by a Lorentzian model, as used widely in the solar case. Results: From the p-mode frequencies, the mean value of the large spacing is estimated to be 75 {mu Hz}. The p-mode amplitudes are slightly less than 4 ppm with a line width of about 8 {mu Hz} at the maximum of the p modes. The inclination angle is estimated to be around 45 °. The large mode line-width combined with the observed mode spacing make it difficult to identify the l=2 modes and to estimate the rotational splitting. We explore two scenarios for the identification of the modes.

International audience; Context: The origin of the short-term variability in Be stars remains a matter of controversy. Pulsations and rotational modulation are the components of the favored hypothesis. Aims: We present our analysis of CoRoT data of the B8IIIe star HD 175869 observed during the first short run in the center direction (SRC1). Methods: We review both the instrumental effects visible in the CoRoT light curve and the analysis methods used by the CoRoT Be team. We applied these methods to the CoRoT light curve of the star HD 175869. A search for line-profile variations in the spectroscopic data was also performed. We also searched for a magnetic field, by applying the LSD technique to spectropolarimetric data. Results: The light curve exhibits low-amplitude variations of the order of 300 mumag with a double wave shape. A frequency within the range determined for the rotational frequency and 6 of its harmonics are detected. The main frequency and its first harmonic exhibit amplitude variations of a few days. Other significant frequencies of low-amplitude from 25 to a few mumag are also found. The analysis of line profiles from ground-based spectroscopic data does not detect any variation. In addition, no Zeeman signature was found. Conclusions: Inhomogeneities caused by stellar activity in or just above the photosphere are proposed to produce the photometric variability detected by CoRoT in the Be star HD 175869. The hypothesis that non-radial pulsations are the origin of these variations cannot be excluded.

International audience; Context: Aims: This work presents the results obtained by CoRoT on HD 50844, the only delta Sct star observed in the CoRoT initial run (57.6 d). The aim of these CoRoT observations was to investigate and characterize for the first time the pulsational behaviour of a delta Sct star, when observed at a level of precision and with a much better duty cycle than from the ground. Methods: The 140 016 datapoints were analysed using independent approaches (SigSpec software and different iterative sine-wave fittings) and several checks performed (splitting of the timeseries in different subsets, investigation of the residual light curves and spectra). A level of 10-5 mag was reached in the amplitude spectra of the CoRoT timeseries. The space monitoring was complemented by ground-based high-resolution spectroscopy, which allowed the mode identification of 30 terms. Results: The frequency analysis of the CoRoT timeseries revealed hundreds of terms in the frequency range 0-30 d-1. All the cross-checks confirmed this new result. The initial guess that delta Sct stars have a very rich frequency content is confirmed. The spectroscopic mode identification gives theoretical support since very high-degree modes (up to l=14) are identified. We also prove that cancellation effects are not sufficient in removing the flux variations associated to these modes at the noise level of the CoRoT measurements. The ground-based observations indicate that HD 50844 is an evolved star that is slightly underabundant in heavy elements, located on the Terminal Age Main Sequence. Probably due to this unfavourable evolutionary status, no clear regular distribution is observed in the frequency set. The predominant term (f_1=6.92 d-1) has been identified as the fundamental radial mode combining ground-based photometric and spectroscopic data. Conclusions

Led by the CNES space agency the CoRoT mission is born from a joint effort of France, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Germany, Spain and ESA. In orbit around the Earth, CoRoT started its first observations in February 2007 and is, now, regularly producing ten thousand light-curves with a very high accuracy. Performances are better than expected and some Hot Jupiters have already been detected in the raw data. Once the fully corrected data will be delivered, much smaller transits should be detected giving access to the hot Neptunes and the big Terrestrial planet families. We briefly describes the status of the mission, the inflight performance and the ground based program follow up strategy. We also present some preliminary results issued from a first analysis of the data.

At the time to submit papers for these proceedings, CoRoT will be launched in less than one month. The scientific programme, the instrument and the mission profile have been described in several places recently (e.g., Baglin et al. 2006, Michel et al. 2006a) and a dedicated volume (Fridlund et al. 2006) has been published, where these aspects are commented on in detail. In the present paper, we focus on a description of the nature and quality of the data expected from the CoRoT seismology observational programme. We thus first review a few specific aspects of the CoRoT instrument and mission profile necessary to have a clear idea of the nature and quantity of the data to come. Then, we produce data simulations for selected targets to illustrate the expected performance. In particular, we consider classical pulsators, extending the work initiated by Michel et al. (2006a) with solar-like pulsators.

The original publication is available at http://iopscience.iop.org/1538-3881/; International audience; We report here the first detection of hectometer-size objects by the method of serendipitous stellar occultation. This method consists of recording the diffraction shadow created when an object crosses the observer's line of sight and occults the disk of a background star. One of our detections is most consistent with an object between Saturn and Uranus. The two other diffraction patterns detected are caused by Kuiper Belt objects beyond 100 AU from the Sun and hence are the farthest known objects in the solar system. These detections show that the Kuiper Belt is much more extended than previously believed and that the outer part of the disk could be composed of smaller objects than the inner part. This gives critical clues to understanding the problem of the formation of the outer planets of the solar system.

International audience; Context: .Fitting photometry algorithms can be very effective provided that an accurate model of the instrumental point spread function (PSF) is available. When high-precision time-resolved photometry is required, however, the use of point-source star images as empirical PSF models can be unsatisfactory, due to the limits in their spatial resolution. Theoretically-derived models, on the other hand, are limited by the unavoidable assumption of simplifying hypothesis, while the use of analytical approximations is restricted to regularly-shaped PSFs. Aims: .This work investigates an innovative technique for space-based fitting photometry, based on the reconstruction of an empirical but properly-resolved PSF. The aim is the exploitation of arbitrary star images, including those produced under intentional defocus. The cases of both MOST and COROT, the first space telescopes dedicated to time-resolved stellar photometry, are considered in the evaluation of the effectiveness and performances of the proposed methodology. Methods: .PSF reconstruction is based on a set of star images, periodically acquired and presenting relative subpixel displacements due to motion of the acquisition system, in this case the jitter of the satellite attitude. Higher resolution is achieved through the solution of the inverse problem. The approach can be regarded as a special application of super-resolution techniques, though a specialised procedure is proposed to better meet the PSF determination problem specificities. The application of such a model to fitting photometry is illustrated by numerical simulations for COROT and on a complete set of observations from MOST. Results: .We verify that, in both scenarios, significantly better resolved PSFs can be estimated, leading to corresponding improvements in photometric results. For COROT, indeed, subpixel reconstruction enabled the successful use of fitting algorithms despite its rather complex PSF profile, which could hardly be modeled otherwise. For MOST, whose direct-imaging PSF is closer to the ordinary, comparison to other models or photometry techniques were carried out and confirmed the potential of PSF reconstruction in real observational conditions.

CoRoT (Convection, Rotation and Transit) is a mission of high-accuracy photometry with two scientific programmes: asteroseismology and planet finding, using CCDs as detectors. Ten 2048×4096 CCDs manufactured by E2V (42-80) were calibrated on Meudon test bench in order to choose the best ones for flight. A very high instrument stability is needed. Taking into account the environmental perturbations (temperature, attitude control system jitter, radiations, etc.) we studied sensitivity of CCD gain and quantum efficiency to temperature and sensitivity of the output signal to bias voltages. Special attention was paid to pixel capacity and noise sources coming from dark current and pixel response non-uniformity. The calibration results together with the expected voltages and temperature fluctuations are compared with the specifications.

The COROT project has been developed in the framework of the CNES small satellite programme, with European and Brazilian cooperation. It will be launched in 2006. It is dedicated to seismology and detection of telluric planets. It will perform relative broad-band photometry in visible light during very long (150 d) observing runs in the same direction, plus a number of short (10-20 d) observing runs. Both programmes will work simultaneously on the same region of the sky. The seismology programme aims to map the HR diagram and study in detail approximately 50 targets brighter than magnitude 9. The exoplanet programme will search for telluric planets slightly larger than the Earth orbiting around stars of magnitude 12 to 16, located in the habitable zone and closer. The data collected will also allow valuable seismic studies. A number of additional scientific programmes will also be conducted. The mission characteristics derived from the scientific objectives, the instrument and its performances for seismology, as well as preliminary observing plans, are presented.

The COROT project, developed in the framework of the CNES small satellite programme with a wide European cooperation, will be launched in 2004. It is dedicated to seismology and the detection of telluric planets. It will perform relative broad-band photometry in visible light, during very long (150 days) observing runs in the same direction. Both programmes are working simultaneously on the same region of the sky. The seismology programme aims at mapping the HR diagram and study in detail 50 targets brighter than 9th magnitude. Another 50 will also be observed with a lower accuracy. The exoplanet programme will search for telluric planets slightly larger than the Earth, in the habitable zone and closer. Its data will also address many seismology problems.

EVRIS is the first space experiment dedicated to asteroseismology. It is designed to measure the relative time variations of the flux of several bright stars and to detect their modes of pulsation. As the amplitudes of these oscillations should be very small (a few ppm), the instrument has to perform relative photometry with an extremely high accuracy, i.e. hundred times better than the classical accuracy reached from the ground. The experiment is composed of a star tracker and a photometer, mounted on a pointing platform PAIS. This paper describes the mechanical and optical design and the performance of EVRIS, as well as the properties of the pointing system. It is shown that the EVRIS/PAIS complex meets the scientific specifications for a list of targets well suited for asteroseismology. The EVRIS collaboration is composed of: G. Epstein, J.P. Michel, F. Rakotoarivelo, F. Roubaud and A. Mangeney Observatoire de Paris (DESPA) 92195 Meudon, France

The scientific objectives and the observational strategy of asteroseismology from space are presented. The projects proposed in different contexts are briefly reviewed, with a particular emphasis on the COROT experiment, now accepted for a launch in 2001 in the framework of the french “Petites Missions” program.

We report the discovery of two transiting exoplanets, CoRoT-25b and CoRoT-26b, both of low density, one of which is in the Saturn mass-regime. For each star, ground-based complementary observations through optical photometry and radial velocity measurements secured the planetary nature of the transiting body and allowed us to fully characterize them. For CoRoT-25b we found a planetary mass of 0.27 ± 0.04 M Jup , a radius of 1.08-0.10 +0.3 R Jup and hence a mean density of 0.15-0.06 +0.15 g cm-3 . The planet orbits an F9 main-sequence star in a 4.86-day period, that has a V magnitude of 15.0, solar metallicity, and an age of 4.5-2.0 +1.8 -Gyr. CoRoT-26b orbits a slightly evolved G5 star of 9.06 ± 1.5-Gyr age in a 4.20-day period that hassolar metallicity and a V magnitude of 15.8. With a mass of 0.52 ± 0.05 M Jup , a radius of 1.26-0.07 +0.13 R Jup , and a mean density of 0.28-0.07 +0.09 g cm-3 , it belongs to the low-mass hot-Jupiter population. Planetary evolution models allowed us to estimate a core mass of a few tens of Earth mass for the two planets with heavy-element mass fractions of 0.52-0.15 +0.08 and 0.26-0.08 +0.05 , respectively, assuming that a small fraction of the incoming flux is dissipated at the center of the planet. In addition, these models indicate that CoRoT-26b is anomalously large compared with what standard models could account for, indicating that dissipation from stellar heating could cause this size.

The CoRoT short asteroseismic runs give us the opportunity to observe a large variety of late-type stars through their solar-like oscillations. We report the observation and modeling of the F5V star HD 175272. Our aim is to define a method for extracting as much information as possible from a noisy oscillation spectrum. We followed a differential approach that consists of using a well-known star as a reference to characterize another star. We used classical tools such as the envelope autocorrelation function to derive the global seismic parameters of the star. We compared HD 175272 with HD 181420 through a linear approach, because they appear to be asteroseismic twins. The comparison with the reference star enables us to substantially enhance the scientific output for HD 175272. First, we determined its global characteristics through a detailed seismic analysis of HD 181420. Second, with our differential approach, we measured the difference of mass, radius and age between HD 175272 and HD 181420. We have developed a general method able to derive asteroseismic constraints on a star even in case of low-quality data. %This method is based on the comparison to a star with common seismic and classical properties. Seismic data allow accurate measurements of radii and masses differences between the two stars. This method can be applied to stars with interesting properties but low signal-to-noise ratio oscillation spectrum, such as stars hosting an exoplanet or members of a binary system., Comment: Accepted in A&A

This paper reports on the fifth STEPHI multi-site photometric campaign in 1993 devoted to the δ Scuti star BDS 1269A (VW Ari). The observation yielded a data set of 150.7 hours. Our analysis has resulted in 7 identified frequencies. These frequencies exhibit three couple-frequency character, and also fit the previous investigations quite well. An attempt to identify the pulsation modes is made, but no equidistant evidence can be detected, and a second-order effect for rotational splitting has to be considered to explain the complicated nature of BDS 1269A.

B-type stars are promising targets for asteroseismic modelling, since their frequency spectrum is relatively simple. We deduce and summarise observational constraints for the hybrid pulsator, HD50230, earlier reported to have deviations from a uniform period spacing of its gravity modes. The combination of spectra and a high-quality light curve measured by the CoRoT satellite allow a combined approach to fix the position of HD50230 in the HR diagram. To describe the observed pulsations, classical Fourier analysis was combined with short-time Fourier transformations and frequency spacing analysis techniques. Visual spectra were used to constrain the projected rotation rate of the star and the fundamental parameters of the target. In a first approximation, the combined information was used to interpret multiplets and spacings to infer the true surface rotation rate and a rough estimate of the inclination angle. We identify HD50230 as a spectroscopic binary and characterise the two components. We detect the simultaneous presence of high-order g modes and low-order p and g-modes in the CoRoT light curve, but were unable to link them to line profile variations in the spectroscopic time series. We extract the relevant information from the frequency spectrum, which can be used for seismic modelling, and explore possible interpretations of the pressure mode spectrum., Comment: 26 pages, 12+6 figures, accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Aims. We report the discovery of CoRoT-16b, a low density hot jupiter that orbits a faint G5V star (mV = 15.63) in 5.3523 ± 0.0002 days with slight eccentricity. A fit of the data with no a priori assumptions on the orbit leads to an eccentricity of 0.33 ± 0.1. We discuss this value and also derive the mass and radius of the planet.Methods. We analyse the photometric transit curve of CoRoT-16 given by the CoRoT satellite, and radial velocity data from the HARPS and HIRES spectrometers. A combined analysis using a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm is used to get the system parameters.Results. CoRoT-16b is a 0.535 −0.083/+0.085 MJ, 1.17 −0.14/+0.16 RJ hot Jupiter with a density of 0.44 −0.14/+0.21 g cm-3. Despite its short orbital distance (0.0618 ± 0.0015 AU) and the age of the parent star (6.73 ± 2.8 Gyr), the planet orbit exhibits significantly non-zero eccentricity. This is very uncommon for this type of objects as tidal effects tend to circularise the orbit. This value is discussed taking into account the characteristics of the star and the observation accuracy. Aims: We report the discovery of CoRoT-16b, a low density hot jupiter that orbits a faint G5V star (mV = 15.63) in 5.3523 ± 0.0002 days with slight eccentricity. A fit of the data with no a priori assumptions on the orbit leads to an eccentricity of 0.33 ± 0.1. We discuss this value and also derive the mass and radius of the planet. Methods: We analyse the photometric transit curve of CoRoT-16 given by the CoRoT satellite, and radial velocity data from the HARPS and HIRES spectrometers. A combined analysis using a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm is used to get the system parameters. Results: CoRoT-16b is a 0.535 -0.083/+0.085 MJ, 1.17 -0.14/+0.16 RJ hot Jupiter with a density of 0.44 -0.14/+0.21 g cm-3. Despite its short orbital distance (0.0618 ± 0.0015 AU) and the age of the parent star (6.73 ± 2.8 Gyr), the planet orbit exhibits significantly non-zero eccentricity. This is very uncommon for this type of objects as tidal effects tend to circularise the orbit. This value is discussed taking into account the characteristics of the star and the observation accuracy. The CoRoT space mission, launched on December 27, 2006, has been developed and is operated by the CNES with the contribution of Austria, Belgium, Brasil, ESA, Germany, and Spain.Observations made with the HARPS spectrograph at ESO La Silla Observatory (HARPS programs 083.C-0186 and 184.C-0639) and the HIRES spectrograph at the Keck Observatory (NASA-Keck programs N035Hr, N143Hr and N095Hr).

Tentatives to detect chaos in variable stars are presented. Constraints on the accuracy on individual measurements and length of the records, necessary to obtain defenitive conclusions, are discussed. Some directions for future improvements are sketched.

By a large number of high-precision photoelectric photometry data obtained in three sites, making use of the method of Fourier Period Analysis, the multiple frequencies of HD213534 have been obtained. Five frequencies have been definitely detected. Through the discussion of the pulsation modes of the star, we tended to believe that it is a multiple frequency pulsation variable and the nonradial pulsation is the main pulsation mode.

The predictive power of current stellar evolution models is limited by the fact that little is known about the mixing process occurring at the stellar core. In theory, massive stars such as HD 50230 — seven times the mass of the Sun — should be ideal models for seismic probing of the stellar core via the distinct signature they leave in the gravity mode spectrum as it propagates from the core to the stellar surface. These gravity modes have now been detected observationally, in a continuous photometric light curve for HD 50230 collected with the CoRoT satellite. The data make it possible to estimate the extent of the convective core and constrain the location of the chemical transition zone at about 10% of the stellar radius. Measuring the oscillations of a star can allow the various mixing processes in its interior to be disentangled, through the signature they leave on period spacings in the gravity mode spectrum. Here numerous gravity modes in a young star of about seven solar masses are reported: the mean period spacing enables the extent of the convective core to be determined, and the clear periodic deviation from the mean constrains the location of the chemical transition zone — at about 10 per cent of the radius. The life of a star is dominantly determined by the physical processes in the stellar interior. Unfortunately, we still have a poor understanding of how the stellar gas mixes near the stellar core, preventing precise predictions of stellar evolution1. The unknown nature of the mixing processes as well as the extent of the central mixed region is particularly problematic for massive stars2. Oscillations in stars with masses a few times that of the Sun offer a unique opportunity to disentangle the nature of various mixing processes, through the distinct signature they leave on period spacings in the gravity mode spectrum3. Here we report the detection of numerous gravity modes in a young star with a mass of about seven solar masses. The mean period spacing allows us to estimate the extent of the convective core, and the clear periodic deviation from the mean constrains the location of the chemical transition zone to be at about 10 per cent of the radius and rules out a clear-cut profile.

We aim to interpret the photometric and spectroscopic variability of the luminous blue variable supergiant HD\,50064 ($V=8.21$).CoRoT space photometry and follow-up high-resolution spectroscopy, with a time base of 137\,d and 169\,d, respectively, was gathered, analysed and interpreted using standard time series analysis and light curve modelling methods as well as spectral line diagnostics.The space photometry reveals one period of 37\,d, which undergoes a sudden amplitude change with a factor 1.6. The pulsation period is confirmed in the spectroscopy, which additionally reveals metal line radial velocity values differing by $\sim 30\,$km\,s$^{-1}$ depending on the spectral line and on the epoch. We estimate \teff$\sim$13\,500\,K, \logg$\sim$1.5 from the equivalent width of Si lines. The Balmer lines reveal that the star undergoes episodes of changing mass loss on a time scale similar to the changes in the photometric and spectroscopic variability, with an average value of $\log\dot{\rm M}\simeq-5$ (in M$_\odot$\,yr$^{-1}$). We tentatively interpret the 37\,d period as due to a strange mode oscillation., Comment: 4 pages, accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics Letters

The CoRoT and Kepler satellites have provided thousands of red-giant oscillation spectra. The analysis of these spectra requires efficient methods for identifying all eigenmode parameters. The assumption of new scaling laws allows us to construct a theoretical oscillation pattern. We then obtain a highly precise determination of the large separation by correlating the observed patterns with this reference. We demonstrate that this pattern is universal and are able to unambiguously assign the eigenmode radial orders and angular degrees. This solves one of the current outstanding problems of asteroseismology hence allowing precise theoretical investigation of red-giant interiors., Comment: Accepted in A&A letters

It has been suggested that the detection of a wealth of very low amplitude modes in Delta Sct stars was only a matter of signal--to--noise ratio. Access to this treasure, impossible from the ground, is one of the scientific aims of the space mission CoRoT, developed and operated by CNES. This work presents the results obtained on HD 50844: the 140,016 datapoints allowed us to reach the level of 10^{-5} mag in the amplitude spectra. The frequency analysis of the CoRoT timeseries revealed hundreds of terms in the frequency range 0--30 d^{-1}. The initial guess that Delta Sct stars have a very rich frequency content is confirmed. The spectroscopic mode identification gives theoretical support since very high--degree modes (up to ell=14) are identified. We also prove that cancellation effects are not sufficient in removing the flux variations associated to these modes at the noise level of the CoRoT measurements. The ground--based observations indicate that HD 50844 is an evolved star that is slightly underabundant in heavy elements, located on the Terminal Age Main Sequence. The predominant term (f_1=6.92 d^{-1}) has been identified as the fundamental radial mode combining ground-based photometric and spectroscopic data. This work is based on observations made with ESO telescopes under the Large Programme LP 178.D-0361., Comment: Proceedings of the International Conference "Stellar Pulsation: Challenges for Theory and Observation", AIP, Vol.1170, p. 435

Context. The CoRoT short runs give us the opportunity to observe a large variety of late-type stars through their solar-like oscillations. We report observations of the star HD175726 that lasted for 27 days during the first short run of the mission. The time series reveals a high-activity signal and the power spectrum presents an excess due to solar-like oscillations with a low signal-to-noise ratio. Aims. Our aim is to identify the most efficient tools to extract as much information as possible from the power density spectrum. Methods. The most productive method appears to be the autocorrelation of the time series, calculated as the spectrum of the filtered spectrum. This method is efficient, very rapid computationally, and will be useful for the analysis of other targets, observed with CoRoT or with forthcoming missions such as Kepler and Plato. Results. The mean large separation has been measured to be 97.2+-0.5 microHz, slightly below the expected value determined from solar scaling laws.We also show strong evidence for variation of the large separation with frequency. The bolometric mode amplitude is only 1.7+-0.25 ppm for radial modes, which is 1.7 times less than expected. Due to the low signal-to-noise ratio, mode identification is not possible for the available data set of HD175726. Conclusions. This study shows the possibility of extracting a seismic signal despite a signal-to-noise ratio of only 0.37. The observation of such a target shows the efficiency of the CoRoT data, and the potential benefit of longer observing runs., Comment: 8 pages. Accepted in A&A

Aims. The CoRoT space mission continues to photometrically monitor about 12 000 stars in its field-of-view for a series of target fields to search for transiting extrasolar planets ever since 2007. Deep transit signals can be detected quickly in the "alarm-mode" in parallel to the ongoing target field monitoring. CoRoT's first planets have been detected in this mode. Methods. The CoRoT raw lightcurves are filtered for orbital residuals, outliers, and low-frequency stellar signals. The phase folded lightcurve is used to fit the transit signal and derive the main planetary parameters. Radial velocity follow-up observations were initiated to secure the detection and to derive the planet mass. Results. We report the detection of CoRoT-5b, detected during observations of the LRa01 field, the first long-duration field in the galactic anticenter direction. CoRoT-5b is a "hot Jupiter-type" planet with a radius of 1.388(+0.046, -0.047) R_Jup, a mass of 0.467(+0.047, -0.024) M_Jup, and therefore, a mean density of 0.217(+0.031, -0.025) g cm-3. The planet orbits an F9V star of 14.0 mag in 4.0378962 +/- 0.0000019 days at an orbital distance of 0.04947(+0.00026, -0.00029) AU., 6 pages, 6 figures, 4 tables, accepted at A&A

Fractals are encountered in stellar pulsation theory as attractors, resulting from chaotic dynamics of pulsating stars. We review observational and theoretical investigations of chaotic stellar pulsations with particular emphasis on the physical information they provide about stellar interiors.

The CoRoT satellite has announced its fourth transiting planet (Aigrain et al. 2008) with space photometry. We describe and analyse complementary observations of this system performed to establish the planetary nature of the transiting body and to estimate the fundamental parameters of the planet and its parent star. We have analysed high precision radial-velocity data, ground-based photometry, and high signal-to-noise ratio spectroscopy. The parent star CoRoT-Exo-4 (2MASS 06484671-0040219) is a late F-type star of mass of 1.16 Msun and radius of 1.17 Rsun. The planet has a circular orbit with a period of 9.20205d. The planet radius is 1.19 Rjup and the mass is 0.72 Mjup. It is a gas-giant planet with a ''normal'' internal structure of mainly H and He. CoRoT-Exo-4b has the second longest period of the known transiting planets. It is an important discovery since it occupies an empty area in the mass-period diagram of transiting exoplanets., accepted in A&AL

This paper describes STARDUST, a new Monte Carlo code dedicated to the simulation of particle tracks on imaging detector arrays. The geometrical detector model, the particle parameters sampling method, the particle tracking and energy deposition and, finally, the carrier collection by diffusion currents in the substrate are described in detail. Some examples of simulations are given at the end, together with a comparison between COROT satellite data and simulation results.

The CoRoT project, developed in the framework of the CNES small satellite programme with a wide european cooperation, has been set up in the early nineties, and will be launched in december 2006. It is dedicated to seismology and detection of rocky planets. In both domains it is a precursor and a pathfinder. Though the programmatic framework imposes quite strong limitations, it is possible to perform both a seismology and an exoplanet finder programme of prime scientific interest.We recall here the scientific specifications, written first in 1998 and upgraded till 2002, which have driven the concept of the instrument and its realisation.The knowledge on ultra‐high precision photometry from space acquired in building CoRoT, and its scientific results, will certainly be very helpful in the definition and preparation of the next generation missions.

Contains fulltext : 34576.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) We demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of photometric correction algorithms for satellite pointing jitter in the upcoming space mission COROT, which will study asteroseismology and search for exoplanets. Two algorithms based on model-based estimation and decorrelation are tested in two ways: (1) with artificial light sources in the COROT CCD test bench, and (2) with on-orbit photometry from the Canadian MOST (Microvariability and Oscillations of Stars) satellite. Both algorithms effectively correct for pointing jitter to yield the expected results based on the inputs. The test with MOST data on a multiperiodic pulsating star demonstrates that the model-based estimation method recovers the oscillation signals better, while the decorrelation technique is more reliable if a poor model of the point-spread function is applied to the data. Therefore, the two algorithms complement one another and should both be applied to COROT photometry.

COROT is a mission of the CNES space agency, to be launched in 2005 in a Polar orbit. Its main goals are the search of stellar oscillation and the exoplanet detection. Five star fields chosen close to the galactic plane and in the opposite direction will be observed with an high photometric stability. Four 2048x2048 CCD detectors cover two detection areas one for asteroseismology and the other for exoplanets detection. To avoid the saturation risk the seismology area is just in front of focal plane; in the exoplanet area a low power prism disperses the images to get color information about each observed star. This paper presents the procedure used to deduce the polychromatic PSFs for both the seismology and the exoplanets detection areas depending on position and star color indexes. The use of standard optical packages, the expected inaccuracies and performances are discussed.

We present the discovery of a candidate multiply-transiting system, the first one found in the CoRoT mission. Two transit-like features with periods of 5.11 and 11.76d are detected in the CoRoT light curve, around a main sequence K1V star of r=15.1. If the features are due to transiting planets around the same star, these would correspond to objects of 3.7$\pm$0.4 and 5.0$\pm$0.5 R_earth respectively. Several radial velocities serve to provide an upper limit of 5.7 M_earth for the 5.11~d signal, and to tentatively measure a mass of 28$^{+11}_{-11}$ M_earth for the object transiting with a 11.76~d period. These measurements imply low density objects, with a significant gaseous envelope. The detailed analysis of the photometric and spectroscopic data serve to estimate the probability that the observations are caused by transiting Neptune-sized planets as $>$26$\times$ higher than a blend scenario involving only one transiting planet, and $>$900$\times$ higher than a scenario involving two blends and no planets. The radial velocities show a long term modulation that might be attributed to a 1.5 M_jup planet orbiting at 1.8~A.U. from the host, but more data are required to determine the precise orbital parameters of this companion., 13 pages, 13 figures, accepted to A&A, minor typos corrected

Two scientific programs will work simultaneously on adjacent regions of the sky: Asteroseismology and Exoplanet Detection. Ultra high photometry, good stability and a wide field are the main goals. We explain the requirements and the definition of the payload and we present the focal box with four EEV 42-80 CCDs. The last section is dedicated to the special CCD calibration for highly stable stellar photometry.

The aim of this work was to use a multi-approach technique to derive the most accurate values possible of the physical parameters of the \delta Sct star HD174966. In addition, we searched for a periodic pattern in the frequency spectra with the goal of using it to determine the mean density of the star. First, we extracted the frequency content from the CoRoT light curve. Then, we derived the physical parameters of HD174966 and carried a mode identification out from the spectroscopic and photometric observations. We used this information to look for the models fulfilling all the conditions and discussed the inaccuracies of the method because of the rotation effects. In a final step, we searched for patterns in the frequency set using a Fourier transform, discussed its origin and studied the possibility of using the periodicity to obtain information about the physical parameters of the star. A total of 185 peaks were obtained from the Fourier analysis of the CoRoT light curve, being almost all reliable pulsating frequencies. From the spectroscopic observations, 18 oscillation modes were detected and identified, and the inclination angle ($62.5^{\circ}$$^{+7.5}_{-17.5}$) and the rotational velocity of the star (142 km/s) were estimated. From the multi-colour photometric observations, 3 frequencies were detected, which correspond to the main ones in the CoRoT light curve. We looked for periodicities within the 185 frequencies and found a periodic pattern ~64 \mu Hz. Using the inclination angle, the rotational velocity and an Echelle diagram, showing a double comb outside the asymptotic regime, we concluded that the periodicity corresponds to a large separation structure. The periodic pattern allowed us to discriminate models from a grid, finding that the value of the mean density is achieved with a 6% uncertainty. So, the pattern could be used as a new observable for A-F type stars., Comment: 15 pages, 10 figures, 6 tables

The high accuracy of space data increased the number of the periodicities determined for pulsating variable stars, but the mode identification is still a critical point in the non-asymptotic regime. We use regularities in frequency spacings for identifying the pulsation modes of the recently discovered delta Sct star ID 102749568. In addition to analysing CoRoT light curves (15252 datapoints spanning 131 days), we obtained and analysed both spectroscopic and extended multi-colour photometric data. We applied standard tools (MUFRAN, Period04, SigSpec, and FAMIAS) for time-series analysis. A satisfactory light-curve fit was obtaining by means of 52 independent modes and 15 combination terms. The frequency spacing revealed distinct peaks around large (25.55-31.43 microHz), intermediate (9.80, 7.66 microHz), and low (2.35 microHz) separations. We directly identified 9 modes, and the l and n values of other three modes were extrapolated. The combined application of spectroscopy, multi-colour photometry, and modelling yielded the precise physical parameters and confirmed the observational mode identification. The large separation constrained the log g and related quantities. The dominant mode is the radial first overtone., Comment: 13 pages, 8 figures, accepted for publication in A&A

Context. OB stars are important building blocks of the Universe, but we have only a limited sample of them well understood enough from an asteroseismological point of view to provide feedback on the current evolutionary models. Our study adds one special case to this sample, with more observational constraints than for most of these stars. Aims. Our goal is to analyse and interpret the pulsational behaviour of the B3 IV star HD 43317 using the CoRoT light curve along with the ground-based spectroscopy gathered by the Harps instrument. This way we continue our efforts to map the Beta Cep and SPB instability strips. Methods. We used different techniques to reveal the abundances and fundamental stellar parameters from the newly-obtained high-resolution spectra. We used various time-series analysis tools to explore the nature of variations present in the light curve. We calculated the moments and used the pixel-by-pixel method to look for line profile variations in the high-resolution spectra. Results. We find that HD 43317 is a single fast rotator (v_rot ~ 50% v_crit) and hybrid SPB/Beta Cep-type pulsator with Solar metal abundances. We interpret the variations in photometry and spectroscopy as a result of rotational modulation connected to surface inhomogeneities, combined with the presence of both g and p mode pulsations. We detect a series of ten consecutive frequencies with an almost constant period spacing of 6339 s as well as a second shorter sequence consisting of seven frequencies with a spacing of 6380 s. The dominant frequencies fall in the regime of gravito-inertial modes., Accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics on 21/03/2012, 13 pages, 10 figures, 6 tables

We report on the discovery of a hot Jupiter-type exoplanet, CoRoT-17b, detected by the CoRoT satellite. It has a mass of $2.43\pm0.30$\Mjup and a radius of $1.02\pm0.07$\Rjup, while its mean density is $2.82\pm0.38$ g/cm$^3$. CoRoT-17b is in a circular orbit with a period of $3.7681\pm0.0003$ days. The host star is an old ($10.7\pm1.0$ Gyr) main-sequence star, which makes it an intriguing object for planetary evolution studies. The planet's internal composition is not well constrained and can range from pure H/He to one that can contain $\sim$380 earth masses of heavier elements., Published (A&A 531, A41, 2011)

Context. The CoRoT – Convection Rotation and planetary Transits – space mission provides a unique opportunity to monitor RR Lyrae stars with excellent time-sampling, unprecedented photometric precision, and a long time base of 150 days.Aims. The pulsation characteristics of RR Lyrae stars rely on robust physics, but we still lack a firm quantitative understanding of the physical mechanisms driving the Blazhko modulation and the long-term changes in their pulsation behavior. We use the high-precision space data of an unknown RR Lyrae star CoRoT ID 0105288363 observed during a second long run centered on the Galaxy – LRc02 –, to improve our understanding of the pulsation properties of RR Lyrae stars. Methods. The CoRoT data were corrected using a jump and trend filtering code. We applied different period-finding techniques including Period04, MuFrAn, PDM, and SigSpec. Amplitude and phase modulation were investigated using an analytical function method as well as traditional O−C diagrams.Results. For the first time, we detect significant cycle-to-cycle changes in the Blazhko modulation, which appear to be analogous to those predicted by Stothers – owing to the suppression of turbulent convection – to explain this phenomenon. We discuss the clear correlations between the phase and the amplitude of the bump, and the skewness and acuteness of the light curve during different Blazhko cycles. We find that these quantities are strongly anticorrelated with the fundamental pulsation period. This provides a strong support to the slow convective cycle model suggested by Stothers. We also detect a long-term modulation period in the maximum brightness spectrum. A more extended coverage of the long-term modulation is required to constrain its period. Seventh-order side peaks of the pulsation multiplet structure are also visible with the left-side peak amplitudes being higher than those of the right. This has never previously been detected. Future theoretical investigations are required to understand on a quantitative basis the complex behavior of the Blazhko effect. In particular, we still lack firm constraints of the physical mechanisms driving both phase and amplitude modulations during consecutive Blazhko cycles and their correlation, if any, with the long-term modulation.

COROT is a high precision wide field photometry experiment from space, funded in the framework of the CNES “Petites Missions” program (the PI is A. Baglin). It will observe approximately 30000 objects with mV between 4.5 and 15.5 over long observational periods (up to 150 d), with a time sampling between 1 s and 16 min, a precision of the order of 10−4 per measurement. The scientific objectives are stellar seismology and the search for telluric planets. The instrument and the core program have already been presented in several places. We here focus on a description of the characteristics of the data to be obtained with COROT. The large amount of high quality data collected by COROT will constitute rich material for several research programs beyond the core program as already defined (http://www.astrsp-mrs.fr/www/corot.html). A call for proposal of additional programs will be made during Northern Spring 2000.

In order to investigate nonlinear effects at work in the pulsations of a ZZ Ceti star, G191 16, a wavelet analysis is carried out on a part of its light curve. Results show that its pulsations are strongly nonlinear and cannot be interpreted in a linear framework, in which nonlinearities, apart from generating finite oscillation amplitudes, only act as small perturbations.

It is shown that the transitions induced in a two-state quantum system by a time-dependent stochastic coupling leads to mean-population equipartition. The relaxation time is evaluated when the coupling is a Poisson flip-flop process.

Several authors have recently applied incoherent-to-coherent conversion and optical information processing, to harmonic analysis of random spatial structures (speckle interferometry [1] analysis of shadow patterns associated with stellar scintillation [2]). Spatial power spectra are obtained by adding on a single photographic plate the intensity of the diffraction patterns produced by a large number of statistically independant images recorded on a photographic film. On the other hand, incoherent-to-coherent conversion has been performed using the dynamic scattering mode in nematic liquid crystals as an image storing device [6], [7], [8]. Such a device meets the needs for a real time statistical analysis of random structures. It is shown that temporal filtering (modulation) can be combined with spatial harmonic analysis in order to obtain three dimensional power spectra W(k, ω) of evolving random structures, as a function of the wave number k and of the temporal frequency ω. An experiment has been performed in which a random distribution of light dots in uniform motion is analysed. The diffraction pattern, recorded on a photographic plate with a 2s integration time, shows clearly interference fringes out of the noise(fig. 4). The separation of adjacent fringes is proportionnal to the modulation frequency and to the inverse of the speed of motion. Application such as the continuous monitoring of the velocity of a flow or the identification of atmospheric turbulent layers from the analysis of the motion of the shadow patterns associated with stellar scintillation, can be anticipated.