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Context. The instability strip (IS) of classical Cepheids has been extensively studied theoretically. Comparing the theoretical IS edges with those obtained empirically, using the most recent Cepheids catalogs available, can provide us with insights into the physical processes that determine the position of the IS boundaries. Aims. We aim to investigate the empirical positions of the IS of the classical Cepheids in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), considering any effect that increases its width, to obtain intrinsic edges that can be compared with theoretical models. Methods. We used data of classical fundamental-mode (F) and first-overtone (1O) LMC Cepheids from the OGLE-IV variable star catalog, together with a recent high-resolution reddening map from the literature. Our final sample includes 2058 F and 1387 1O Cepheids. We studied their position on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and determined the IS borders by tracing the edges of the color distribution along the strip. Results. We obtained the blue and red edges of the IS in V- and I-photometric bands, in addition to log Teff and log L. The results obtained show a break located at the Cepheids' period of about three days, which was not reported before. We compared our empirical borders with theoretical ones published in the literature, obtaining a good agreement for specific parameter sets. Conclusions. The break in the IS borders is most likely explained by the depopulation of second- and third-crossing classical Cepheids in the faint part of the IS, since blue loops of evolutionary tracks in this mass range do not extend blueward enough to cross the IS at the LMC metallicity. Results from the comparison of our empirical borders with theoretical ones prove that our empirical IS is a useful tool for constraining theoretical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present distance determinations to the LMC and SMC based on long period eclipsing binary systems composed of giants. Our LMC distance provides the best zero point for the whole extragalactic distance scale, while the precise relative distance between the LMC and SMC offers unique opportunity to study populational effects on the stellar distance indicators. Apart from distances, analysis of these systems allowed us to measure with a very good accuracy basic stellar parameters (1-2% radii, masses, effective temperature, etc.) of relatively large sample of giants. This catalog provides unique opportunity to calibrate evolutionary models of giant stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. Our aim is to obtain high-accuracy measurements of the physical and orbital parameters of two evolved eclipsing binary systems, and to use these measurements to study their evolutionary status. We also aim to derive the distances to the systems by using a surface brightness–colour relation and compare these distances with the measurements provided by Gaia. Methods. We measured the physical and orbital parameters of both systems based on V-band and I-band photometry from OGLE, near-infrared photometry obtained with the NTT telescope and the instrument SOFI, as well as high-resolution spectra obtained at ESO 3.6m/HARPS and Clay 6.5/MIKE spectrographs. The light curves and radial-velocity curves were analysed with the Wilson–Devinney code. Results. We analysed two double-lined eclipsing binary systems OGLE-BLG-ECL-123903 and OGLE-BLG-ECL-296596 from the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE) catalogue. Both systems have a configuration of two well-detached giants stars. The masses of the components of OGLE-BLG-ECL-123903 are M1 = 2.045 ± 0.027 and M2 = 2.074 ± 0.023 M⊙ and the radii are R1 = 9.540 ± 0.049 and R2 = 9.052 ± 0.060 R⊙. For OGLE-BLG-ECL-296596, the masses are M1 = 1.093 ± 0.015 and M2 = 1.125 ± 0.014 M⊙, while the radii are R1 = 18.06 ± 0.28 and R2 = 29.80 ± 0.33 R⊙. Evolutionary status was discussed based on the isochrones and evolutionary tracks from PARSEC and MESA codes. The ages of the systems were established to be around 1.3 Gyr for the OGLE-BLG-ECL-123903 and 7.7 Gyr for the OGLE-BLG-ECL-296596. We also determined the distance to both systems. For OGLE-BLG-ECL-123903 this is equal to d = 2.95 ± 0.06 (stat.) ±0.07 (syst.) kpc, while for the OGLE-BLG-ECL-296596 it is d = 5.68 ± 0.07 (stat.) ±0.14 (syst.) kpc. This is the first analysis of its kind for these unique evolved eclipsing binary systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The Baade-Wesselink (BW) method of distance determination of Cepheids is used to calibrate the distance scale. Various versions of this method are mainly based on interferometry and/or the surface-brightness color relation (SBCR). Aims. We quantify the impact of the SBCR, its slope, and its zero point on the projection factor. This quantity is used to convert the pulsation velocity into the radial velocity in the BW method. We also study the impact of extinction and of a potential circumstellar environment on the projection factor. Methods. We analyzed HARPS-N spectra of η Aql to derive its radial velocity curve using different methods. We then applied the inverse BW method using various SBCRs in the literature in order to derive the BW projection factor. Results. We find that the choice of the SBCR is critical: a scatter of about 8% is found in the projection factor for different SBCRs in the literature. The uncertainty on the coefficients of the SBCR affects the statistical precision of the projection factor only little (1–2%). Confirming previous studies, we find that the method with which the radial velocity curve is derived is also critical, with a potential difference on the projection factor of 9%. An increase of 0.1 in E(B − V) translates into a decrease in the projection factor of 3%. A 0.1 mag effect of a circumstellar envelope (CSE) in the visible domain is rather small on the projection factor, about 1.5%. However, we find that a 0.1 mag infrared excess in the K band due to a CSE can increase the projection factor by about 6%. Conclusions. The impact of the surface-brightness color relation on the BW projection factor is found to be critical. Efforts should be devoted in the future to improve the SBCR of Cepheids empirically, but also theoretically, taking their CSE into account as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. Our aim is to precisely measure the physical parameters of the eclipsing binary IO Aqr and derive a distance to this system by applying a surface brightness -- colour relation. Our motivation is to combine these parameters with future precise distance determinations from the Gaia space mission to derive precise surface brightness -- colour relations for stars. Methods. We extensively used photometry from the Super-WASP and ASAS projects and precise radial velocities obtained from HARPS and CORALIE high-resolution spectra. We analysed light curves with the code JKTEBOP and radial velocity curves with the Wilson-Devinney program. Results. We found that IO Aqr is a hierarchical triple system consisting of a double-lined short-period (P = 2.37 d) spectroscopic binary and a low-luminosity and low-mass companion star orbiting the binary with a period of ≳25 000 d (≳70 yr) on a very eccentric orbit. We derive high-precision (better than 1%) physical parameters of the inner binary, which is composed of two slightly evolved main-sequence stars (F5 V-IV + F6 V-IV) with masses of M1 = 1.569 ± 0.004 and M2 = 1.655 ± 0.004 M⊙ and radii R1 = 2.19 ± 0.02 and R2 = 2.49 ± 0.02 R⊙. The companion is most probably a late K-type dwarf with mass ≈0.6 M⊙. The distance to the system resulting from applying a () surface brightness -- colour relation is 255 ± 6 (stat.) ± 6 (sys.) pc, which agrees well with the HIPPARCOS value of 270+91-55 pc, but is more precise by a factor of eight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The status of our work on binary classical cepheid systems in the Large Magellanic Cloud is presented. We report on results from our follow up of two eclipsing binary cepheids OGLE-LMC-CEP-0227 and OGLE-LMC-CEP-1812. Here we presented for the first time confirmation that a third cepheid OGLE-LMC-CEP-2532 is a true eclipsing binary cepheid with a period of 800 days. Two other very good candidates for eclipsing binaries detected during OGLE-IV survey are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Accurate radial velocities (vrad) of Cepheids are mandatory within the context of Cepheid distance measurements using the Baade-Wesselink technique. The most common vrad derivation method consists in cross-correlating the observed stellar spectra with a binary template and measuring a velocity on the resulting mean profile. Nevertheless, for Cepheids and other pulsating stars, the spectral lines selected within the template as well as the way of fitting the cross-correlation function (CCF) have a direct and significant impact on the measured vrad. Aims. Our first aim is to detail the steps to compute consistent CCFs and vrad of Cepheids. Next, this study aims at characterising the impact of Cepheid spectral properties and vrad computation methods on the resulting line profiles and vrad time series. Methods. We collected more than 3900 high-resolution spectra from seven different spectrographs of 64 Classical Milky Way (MW) Cepheids. These spectra were normalised and standardised using a single custom-made process on pre-defined wavelength ranges. We built six tailored correlation templates selecting unblended spectral lines of different depths based on a synthetic Cepheid spectrum, on three different wavelength ranges from 3900 to 8000 Å. Each observed spectrum was cross-correlated with these templates to build the corresponding CCFs, adopted as the proxy for the spectrum mean line profile. We derived a set of line profile observables as well as three different vrad measurements from each CCF and two custom proxies for the CCF quality and amount of signal. Results. This study presents a large catalogue of consistent Cepheid CCFs and vrad time series. It confirms that each step of the process has a significant impact on the deduced vrad: the wavelength, the template line depth and width, and the vrad computation method. The way towards more robust Cepheid vrad time series seems to go through steps that minimise the asymmetry of the line profile and its impact on the vrad. Centroid or first-moment vrad, that exhibit slightly smaller amplitudes but significantly smaller scatter than Gaussian or biGaussian vrad, should therefore be favoured. Stronger or deeper spectral lines also tend to be less asymmetric and lead to more robust vrad than weaker lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The Baade-Wesselink (BW) method, which combines linear and angular diameter variations, is the most common method to determine the distances to pulsating stars. However, the projection factor, p-factor, used to convert radial velocities into pulsation velocities, is still poorly calibrated. This parameter is critical on the use of this technique, and often leads to 5-10% uncertainties on the derived distances. Aims. We focus on empirically measuring the p-factor of a homogeneous sample of 29 LMC and 10 SMC Cepheids for which an accurate average distances were estimated from eclipsing binary systems. Methods. We used the SPIPS algorithm, which is an implementation of the BW technique. Unlike other conventional methods, SPIPS combines all observables, i.e. radial velocities, multi-band photometry and interferometry into a consistent physical modelling to estimate the parameters of the stars. The large number and their redundancy insure its robustness and improves the statistical precision. Results. We successfully estimated the p-factor of several Magellanic Cloud Cepheids. Combined with our previous Galactic results, we find the following P-p relation: -0:08±0:04(log P - 1:18) + 1:24±0:02. We find no evidence of a metallicity dependent p-factor. We also derive a new calibration of the period-radius relation, log R = 0:684±0:007(log P-0:517)+1:489±0:002, with an intrinsic dispersion of 0.020. We detect an infrared excess for all stars at 3:6 μm and 4:5 μm, which might be the signature of circumstellar dust. We measure a mean offset of Δm3.6 = 0:057 ± 0:006 mag and Δm4.5 = 0:065 ± 0:008 mag. Conclusions. We provide a new P-p relation based on a multi-wavelength fit that can be used for the distance scale calibration from the BW method. The dispersion is due to the LMC and SMC width we took into account because individual Cepheids distances are unknown. The new P-R relation has a small intrinsic dispersion: 4.5% in radius. This precision will allow us to accurately apply the BW method to nearby galaxies. Finally, the infrared excesses we detect again raise the issue of using mid-IR wavelengths to derive period-luminosity relation and to calibrate the Hubble constant. These IR excesses might be the signature of circumstellar dust, and are never taken into account when applying the BW method at those wavelengths. Our measured offsets may give an average bias of ~2:8% on the distances derived through mid-IR P-L relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The eclipsing binary method for determining distance in the local group is based on the surface brightness-color relation (SBCR), and early-type stars are preferred targets because of their intrinsic brightness. However, this type of star exhibits wind, massloss, pulsation, and rotation, which may generate bias on the angular diameter determination. An accurate calibration of the SBCR relation thus requires careful analysis. Aims. In this paper we aim to quantify the impact of stellar rotation on the SBCR when the calibration of the relation is based on interferometric measurements of angular diameters. Methods. Six stars with V - K color indices ranging between -1 and 0.5 were modeled using the code for high angular resolution of rotating objects in nature (CHARRON) with various rotational velocities (0, 25, 50, 75, and 95% of the critical rotational velocity) and inclination (0, 25, 50, 75, and 90 degrees). All these models have their equatorial axis aligned in an east-west orientation in the sky. We then simulated interferometric observations of these theoretical stars using three representative sets of the CHARA baseline configurations. The simulated data were then interpreted as if the stars were non-rotating to determine an angular diameter and estimate the surface-brightness relation. The V - K color of the rotating star was calculated directly from the CHARRON code. This provides an estimate of the intrinsic dispersion of the SBCR relation when the rotation e ects of flattening and gravity darkening are not considered in the analysis of interferometric data. Results. We find a clear relation between the rotational velocity and (1) the shift in zero point (Δa0) of the SBCR (compared to the static relation) and (2) its dispersion (σ). When considering stars rotating at less than 50% of their critical velocity, Δa0 and σ have about 0.01 mag, while these quantities can reach 0.08 and 0.04 mag, respectively, when the rotation is larger than 75% of the critical velocity. Besides this, the inclination angle mostly has an impact on the V - K color: i < 50° (resp. i > 50°) makes the star redder (resp. bluer). When considering the 150 models, Δa0 and σ have 0.03 and 0.04 mag, respectively. These values are slightly but not significantly modified (about 0.03 and 0.01 mag in Δa0 and σ, respectively) when considering di erent CHARA configurations. Interestingly, these 150 models, regardless of the interferometric configuration, are consistent with the empirical SBCR, which is within its dispersion of 0:16 mag. In addition, if one only considers projected rotational velocity Vrot sin i lower than 100 km s-1, then Δa0 and σ have 0.02 and 0.03 mag, respectively. Conclusions. To calibrate the SBCR interferometrically at the 0.02 mag precision (or lower), one should consider (1) a baseline configuration covering all directions of the (u, v) plan; (2) a sample of stars with rotational velocity lower than 50% of their critical velocity or, alternatively, stars with Vrot sin i lower than 100 km s-1; (3) homogeneous visible and infrared photometry precisely at the 0.02 mag level or lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Long-baseline interferometry is an important technique to spatially resolve binary or multiple systems in close orbits. By combining several telescopes together and spectrally dispersing the light, it is possible to detect faint components around bright stars in a few hours of observations. Aims. We provide a rigorous and detailed method to search for high-contrast companions around stars, determine the detection level, and estimate the dynamic range from interferometric observations. Methods. We developed the code CANDID (Companion Analysis and Non-Detection in Interferometric Data), a set of Python tools that allows us to search systematically for point-source, high-contrast companions and estimate the detection limit using all interferometric observables, i.e., the squared visibilities, closure phases and bispectrum amplitudes. The search procedure is made on a N × N grid of fit, whose minimum needed resolution is estimated a posteriori. It includes a tool to estimate the detection level of the companion in the number of sigmas. The code CANDID also incorporates a robust method to set a 3σ detection limit on the flux ratio, which is based on an analytical injection of a fake companion at each point in the grid. Our injection method also allows us to analytically remove a detected component to 1) search for a second companion; and 2) set an unbiased detection limit. Results.We used CANDID to search for the companions around the binary Cepheids V1334 Cyg, AX Cir, RT Aur, AWPer, SU Cas, and T Vul. First, we showed that our previous discoveries of the components orbiting V1334 Cyg and AX Cir were detected at >25σ and >13σ, respectively. The astrometric positions and flux ratios provided by CANDID for these two stars are in good agreement with our previously published values. The companion around AW Per is detected at more than 15σ with a flux ratio of f = 1:22 ± 0:30%, and it is located at ρ = 32:16 ± 0:29 mas and PA = 67:1 ± 0:3°. We made a possible detection of the companion orbiting RT Aur with f = 0:22 ± 0:11%, and at ρ = 2:10 ± 0:23 mas and PA = -136 ± 6°. It was detected at 3.8σ using the closure phases only, and so more observations are needed to confirm the dectection. No companions were detected around SU Cas and T Vul. We also set the detection limit for possible undetected companions around these stars. We found that there is no companion with a spectral type earlier than B7V, A5V, F0V, B9V, A0V, and B9V orbiting the Cepheids V1334 Cyg, AX Cir, RT Aur, AW Per, SU Cas, and T Vul, respectively. This work also demonstrates the capabilities of the MIRC and PIONIER instruments, which can reach a dynamic range of 1:200, depending on the angular distance of the companion and the (u, v) plane coverage. In the future, we plan to work on improving the sensitivity limits for realistic data through better handling of the correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The method of distance determination of eclipsing binaries consists in combining the radii of both components determined from spectro-photometric observations with their respective angular diameters derived from the surface brightness-color relation (SBC). However, the largest limitation of the method comes from the uncertainty on the SBC relation: about 2% for late-type stars (or 0.04 magnitude) and more than 10% for early-type stars (or 0.2 mag). Aims. The aim of this work is to improve the SBC relation for early-type stars in the -1 ⩽ V - K ⩽ 0 color domain, using optical interferometry. Methods. Observations of eight B- and A-type stars were secured with the VEGA/CHARA instrument in the visible. The derived uniform disk angular diameters were converted into limb darkened angular diameters and included in a larger sample of 24 stars, already observed by interferometry, in order to derive a revised empirical relation for O, B, A spectral type stars with a V - K color index ranging from -1 to 0. We also took the opportunity to check the consistency of the SBC relation up to V - K ≃ 4 using 100 additional measurements. Results. We determined the uniform disk angular diameter for the eight following stars: γ Ori, ζ Per, 8 Cyg, ι Her, λ Aql, ζ Peg, γ Lyr, and δ Cyg with V - K color ranging from -0.70 to 0.02 and typical precision of about 1.5%. Using our total sample of 132 stars with V - K colors index ranging from about -1 to 4, we provide a revised SBC relation. For late-type stars (0 ⩽ V - K ⩽ 4), the results are consistent with previous studies. For early-type stars (-1 ⩽ V - K ⩽ 0), our new VEGA/CHARA measurements combined with a careful selection of the stars (rejecting stars with environment or stars with a strong variability), allows us to reach an unprecedented precision of about 0.16 magnitude or ≃7% in terms of angular diameter. Conclusions. We derive for the first time a SBC relation for stars between O9 and A3, which provides a new and reliable tool for the distance scale calibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. High-resolution imaging in several photometric bands can provide color and astrometric information of the wide-orbit component of Cepheid stars. Such measurements are needed to understand the age and evolution of pulsating stars. In addition, binary Cepheids have the potential to provide direct and model-independent distances and masses. Methods. We used the NAOS-CONICA adaptive optics instrument (NACO) in the near-infrared to perform a deep search for wide components around the classical Cepheids, Y Oph, FF Aql, X Sgr,WSgr, and η Aql, within a field of view of 1.7" × 1.7" (3.4" × 3.4" for Aql). Results. We were able to reach contrast ΔH = 5-8 mag and ΔKs = 4-7 mag in the radius range r > 0.2", which enabled us to constrain the presence of wide companions. For Y Oph, FF Aql, X Sgr, W Sgr, and Aql at r > 0.2", we ruled out the presence of companions with a spectral type that is earlier than a B7V, A9V, A9V, A1V, and G5V star, respectively. For 0.1" < r < 0.2", no companions earlier than O9V, B3V, B4V, B2V, and B2V star, respectively, are detected. A component is detected close to Aql at projected separation ρ= 654.7 ± 0.9 mas and a position angle PA = 92.8 ± 0.1. We estimated its dereddened apparent magnitude to be mH0 = 9.34 ± 0.04 and derived a spectral type that ranges between an F1V and an F6V star. Additional photometric and astrometric measurements are necessary to better constrain this star and check its physical association to the η Aql system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a variability study of 4646 massive stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) with known spectral types from the catalog of Bonanos et al. (2010) using the light curves from the OGLE-III database. The goal is to exploit the time domain information available through OGLE-III to gain insight into the processes that govern the evolution of massive stars. This variability survey of massive stars with known spectral types is larger than any previous survey by a factor of 7. We find that 60% of our sample (2766 stars) show no significant variability and 40% (1880 stars) exhibit variability distributed as follows: 807 stars display low-amplitude stochastic variability with fluctuations in the I-band of up to 0.05 mag, 443 stars present irregular variability of higher amplitude (76% of these are reported as variables for the first time), 205 are eclipsing binaries (including 101 newly discovered systems), 50 are candidate rotating variables, 126 are classical Cepheids, 188 stars exhibit short-term sinusoidal periodicity (P < 3 days) making them candidate "slowly pulsating B stars" and non-radial Be pulsators, and 61 periodic stars exhibit longer periods. We demonstrate the wealth of information provided in the time domain, by doubling the number of known massive eclipsing binary systems and identifying 189 new candidate early-type Be and 20 Oe stars in the SMC. In addition, we find that ~80% of Be stars are photometrically variable in the OGLE-III time domain and provide evidence that short-term pulsating stars with additional photometric variability are rotating close to their break-up velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. We present the analysis of the gravitational microlensing event OGLE-2011-BLG-0251. This anomalous event was observed by several survey and follow-up collaborations conducting microlensing observations towards the Galactic bulge. Methods. Based on detailed modelling of the observed light curve, we find that the lens is composed of two masses with a mass ratio q = 1.9 × 10-3. Thanks to our detection of higher-order effects on the light curve due to the Earth?s orbital motion and the finite size of source, we are able to measure the mass and distance to the lens unambiguously. Results. We find that the lens is made up of a planet of mass 0.53 ± 0.21 MJ orbiting an M dwarf host star with a mass of 0.26 ± 0.11 M☉. The planetary system is located at a distance of 2.57 ± 0.61 kpc towards the Galactic centre. The projected separation of the planet from its host star is d = 1.408 ± 0.019, in units of the Einstein radius, which corresponds to 2.72 ± 0.75 AU in physical units. We also identified a competitive model with similar planet and host star masses, but with a smaller orbital radius of 1.50 ± 0.50 AU. The planet is therefore located beyond the snow line of its host star, which we estimate to be around ~1-1.5 AU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The quantitative study of the physical properties and chemical abundances of large samples of massive blue stars at different metallicities is a powerful tool to understand the nature and evolution of these objects. Their analysis beyond the Milky Way is challenging, nonetheless it is doable and the best way to investigate their behavior in different environments. Fulfilling this task in an objective way requires the implementation of automatic analysis techniques that can perform the analyses systematically, minimizing at the same time any possible bias. Aims. As part of the ARAUCARIA project we carry out the first quantitative spectroscopic analysis of a sample of 12 B-type supergiants in the galaxy NGC 55 at 1.94 Mpc away. By applying the methodology developed in this work, we derive their stellar parameters, chemical abundances and provide a characterization of the present-day metallicity of their host galaxy. Methods. Based on the characteristics of the stellar atmosphere/line formation code fastwind, we designed and created a grid of models for the analysis of massive blue supergiant stars. Along with this new grid, we implemented a spectral analysis algorithm. Both tools were specially developed to perform fully consistent quantitative spectroscopic analyses of low spectral resolution of B-type supergiants in a fast and objective way. Results. We present the main characteristics of our fastwind model grid and perform a number of tests to investigate the reliability of our methodology. The automatic tool is applied afterward to a sample of 12 B-type supergiant stars in NGC 55, deriving the stellar parameters, Si, C, N, O and Mg abundances. The results indicate that our stars are part of a young population evolving towards a red supergiant phase. For half of the sample we find a remarkable agreement between spectroscopic and evolutionary masses, whilst for the rest larger discrepancies are present, but still within the uncertainties. The derived chemical composition hints to an average metallicity similar to the one of the Large Magellanic Cloud, with no indication of a spatial trend across the galaxy. Conclusions. The consistency between the observed spectra and our stellar models supports the reliability of our methodology. This objective and fast approach allows us to deal with large samples in an accurate and more statistical way. These are two key issues to achieve an unbiased characterization of the stars and their host galaxies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]