Search

Aims. In the framework of the GAPS project, we observed the planet-hosting star KELT-9 (A-type star, v sin i ~ 110 km s−1) with the HARPS-N spectrograph at the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo. In this work we analyse the spectra and the extracted radial velocities to constrain the physical parameters of the system and to detect the planetary atmosphere of KELT-9b. Methods. We extracted the mean stellar line profiles from the high-resolution optical spectra via an analysis based on the least-squares deconvolution technique. Then we computed the stellar radial velocities with a method optimised for fast rotators by fitting the mean stellar line profile with a purely rotational profile instead of using a Gaussian function. Results. The new spectra and analysis led us to update the orbital and physical parameters of the system, improving in particular the value of the planetary mass to Mp = 2.88 ± 0.35 MJup. We discovered an anomalous in-transit radial velocity deviation from the theoretical Rossiter-McLaughlin effect solution, calculated from the projected spin-orbit angle λ = −85.78 ± 0.46 degrees measured with Doppler tomography. We prove that this deviation is caused by the planetary atmosphere of KELT-9b, thus we call this effect Atmospheric Rossiter-McLaughlin effect. By analysing the magnitude of the radial velocity anomaly, we obtained information on the extension of the planetary atmosphere as weighted by the model used to retrieve the stellar mean line profiles, which is up to 1.22 ± 0.02 Rp. Conclusions. The Atmospheric Rossiter-McLaughlin effect will be observable for other exoplanets whose atmosphere has non-negligible correlation with the stellar mask used to retrieve the radial velocities, in particular ultra-hot Jupiters with iron in their atmospheres. The duration and amplitude of the effect will depend not only on the extension of the atmosphere, but also on the in-transit planetary radial velocities and on the projected rotational velocity of the parent star. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a detailed abundance study based on spectroscopic data obtained with HARPS of two solar-analogue main targets for the asteroseismology programme of the CoRoT satellite: HD42618 and HD43587. The atmospheric parameters and chemical composition are accurately determined through a fully differential analysis with respect to the Sun observed with the same instrumental set-up. Several sources of systematic errors largely cancel out with this approach, which allows us to narrow down the 1-σ error bars to typically 20 K in effective temperature, 0.04 dex in surface gravity, and less than 0.05 dex in the elemental abundances. Although HD42618 fulfils many requirements for being classified as a solar twin, its slight deficiency in metals and its possibly younger age indicate that, strictly speaking, it does not belong to this class of objects. On the other hand, HD43587 is slightly more massive and evolved. In addition, marked differences are found in the amount of lithium present in the photospheres of these two stars, which might reveal different mixing properties in their interiors. These results will put tight constraints on the forthcoming theoretical modelling of their solar-like oscillations and contribute to increase our knowledge of the fundamental parameters and internal structure of stars similar to our Sun. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The intrinsic variability due to the magnetic activity of young active stars is one of the main challenges in detecting and characterising exoplanets. The stellar activity is responsible for jitter effects observed both in photometric and spectroscopic observations that can impact our planetary detection sensitivity. Aims. We present a method able to model the stellar photosphere and its surface inhomogeneities (starspots) in young, active, and fast-rotating stars based on the cross-correlation function (CCF) technique, and we extract information about the spot configuration of the star. Methods. We developed Spot CCF, a tool able to model the deformation of the CCF profile due to the presence of multiple spots on the stellar surface. Within the Global Architecture of Planetary Systems (GAPS) Project at the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo, we analysed more than 300 spectra of the young planet-hosting star V1298 Tau provided by the HARPS-N high-resolution spectrograph. By applying the SpotCCF model to the CCFs, we extracted the spot configuration (latitude, longitude, and projected filling factor) of this star, and provide a new radial velocity (RV) time series for this target. Results. We find that the features identified in the CCF profiles of V1298 Tau are modulated by the stellar rotation, supporting our assumption that they are caused by starspots. The analysis suggests a differential rotation velocity of the star with lower rotation at higher latitudes. Also, we find that SpotCCF provides an improvement in RV extraction, with a significantly lower dispersion with respect to the commonly used pipelines. This allows mitigation of the stellar activity contribution modulated with stellar rotation. A detection sensitivity test, involving the direct injection of a planetary signal into the data, confirms that the SpotCCF model improves the sensitivity and ability to recover planetary signals. Conclusions. Our method enables us to model the stellar photosphere and extract the spot configuration of young, active, and rapidly rotating stars. It also allows the extraction of optimised RV time series, thereby enhancing our detection capabilities for new exoplanets and advancing our understanding of stellar activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Stellar activity is the most relevant types of astrophysical noise that affect the discovery and characterization of extrasolar planets. On the other hand, the amplitude of stellar activity could hint at an interaction between the star and a close-in giant planet. Progress has been made in recent years in understanding how to deal with stellar activity and search for observational evidence of star-planet interactions. Aims. The aim of this work is to characterize the chromospheric activity of stars hosting short-period exoplanets by studying the correlations between the chromospheric emission (CE) in the Ca II H&K and the planetary parameters. Methods. We measured CE in the Ca II H&K lines using more than 1900 high-resolution spectra of a sample composed of 76 targets, observed with the HARPS-N spectrograph between 2012 and 2020. We transformed the fluxes into bolometric- and photospheric-corrected chromospheric emission ratios, R′HK. Furthermore, we completed the sample of hosts digging for data in previous works. Stellar parameters Teff, B–V, and V were retrieved homogeneously from the Gaia DR3. Then, M★, R★, and ages were determined from isochrone fitting. We retrieved planetary data from the literature and catalogs. The search for correlations between the log(R′HK) and planetary parameters have been performed through both Spearman's rank and its statistics as well as the more sophisticated Gaussian mixture model method. Results. We found that the distribution of log(R′HK) for the transiting planet hosts is different from the distribution of field main-sequence and sub-giant stars. The log(R′HK) of planetary hosts is correlated with planetary parameters proportional to the planetary radius to the power of n (RPn, indicating a common origin for the correlations. The statistical analysis has also highlighted four clusters of host stars with different behavior in terms of their stellar activity with respect to the planetary surface gravity. Some of the host stars have a value of log(R′HK) that is lower than the basal level of activity for main sequence stars. The planets of these systems are very close to filling their Roche lobe, suggesting that they evaporate through hydrodynamic escape under the strong irradiation of the host star, creating shrouds that absorb the core of the chromospheric resonance lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. With the growth of comparative exoplanetology, it is increasingly clear that the relationship between inner and outer planets plays a key role in unveiling the mechanisms governing formation and evolution models. For this reason, it is important to probe the inner region of systems hosting long-period giants in search of undetected lower mass planetary companions. Aims. We aim to present the results of a high-cadence and high-precision radial velocity (RV) monitoring of three late-type dwarf stars hosting long-period giants with well-measured orbits in order to search for short-period sub-Neptunes (SN, M sin i < 30 M⊕). Methods. Building on the results and expertise of our previous studies, we carried out combined fits of our HARPS-N data with literature RVs. We used Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) analyses to refine the literature orbital solutions and search for additional inner planets, applying Gaussian process regression techniques to deal with the stellar activity signals where required. We then used the results of our survey to estimate the frequency of sub-Neptunes in systems hosting cold Jupiters, f(SN|CJ), and compared it with the frequency around field M dwarfs, f(SN). Results. We identify a new short-period, low-mass planet orbiting GJ 328, GJ 328 c, with Pc = 241.8-1.7+1.3 days and Mc sin i = 21.4-3.2+3.4M⊕. We moreover identify and model the chromospheric activity signals and rotation periods of GJ 649 and GJ 849, around which no additional planet is found. Then, taking into account also planetary system around the previously analysed low-mass star BD-11 4672, we derive an estimate of the frequencies of inner planets in such systems. In particular, f(SN|CJ) = 0.25-0.07+0.58 for mini-Neptunes (10 M⊕ < M sin i < 30 M⊕, P < 150 d), marginally larger than f(SN). For lower mass planets (M sin i < 10 M⊕) instead f(SN|CJ) < 0.69, which is compatible with f(SN). Conclusions. In light of the newly detected mini-Neptune, we find tentative evidence of a positive correlation between the presence of long-period giant planets and that of inner low-mass planets, f(SN|CJ) > f(SN). This might indicate that cold Jupiters have an opposite influence in the formation of inner sub-Neptunes around late-type dwarfs as opposed to their solar-type counterparts, boosting the formation of mini-Neptunes instead of impeding it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The population of close-in exoplanets features a desert of hot Neptunes whose origin remains uncertain. These planets may have lost their atmosphere, eroding into mini-Neptunes and rocky super-Earths below the desert. Direct observations of evaporating atmospheres are essential to derive mass-loss estimates and constrain this scenario. The metastable He I triplet at 1083.3 nm represents a powerful diagnostic of atmospheric evaporation because it traces the hot gas in extended exoplanet atmospheres while being observed from the ground. In addition, it is located at the bright near-infrared stellar continuum and is very weakly affected by interstellar medium (ISM) absorption. Aims. We carried out a homogeneous He I transmission spectroscopy survey, targeting a selected sample of nine planets along the different edges of the desert, to interpret the absorption line profile with evaporation models and to better understand the role of photoevaporation in the desert formation. Methods. We observed one transit per planet using the high-resolution, near-infrared spectrograph GIANO-B mounted on the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo telescope. We focused our analysis on the He I triplet, based on a comparison of the in-transit and out-of-transit observations, and we computed high-resolution transmission spectra. We then employed the 1D p-winds model to calculate the planetary thermospheric structures and to interpret the observed transmission spectra. Results. We found no signatures of planetary absorption in the He I triplet in any of the investigated targets. We thus provided 3 σ upper-limit estimations on the thermosphere absorption, temperature and mass loss, and combined them with past measurements to search for correlations with parameters such as the stellar mass and XUV flux, which are thought to be key drivers in the formation of the He I triplet. Conclusions. These results strengthen the importance of performing homogeneous surveys and analyses in bringing clarity to He I detections and (thereby) to plausible Neptunian desert origins. Our findings corroborate literature expectations that state the He I absorption signal is correlated with the stellar mass and the received XUV flux. However, when translated in terms of mass-loss rates, these trends seem to disappear. Thus, further studies are essential to shed light on this aspect and to better understand the photoevaporation process. [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. We observed the τ Boo system with the HARPS-N spectrograph to test a new observational strategy aimed at jointly studying asteroseismology, the planetary orbit, and star-planet magnetic interaction. Methods. We collected high-cadence observations on 11 nearly consecutive nights and for each night averaged the raw FITS files using a dedicated software. In this way we obtained spectra with a high signal-to-noise ratio, used to study the variation of the Ca II H&K lines and to have radial velocity values free from stellar oscillations, without losing the oscillations information. We developed a dedicated software to build a new custom mask that we used to refine the radial velocity determination with the HARPS-N pipeline and perform the spectroscopic analysis. Results. We updated the planetary ephemeris and showed the acceleration caused by the stellar binary companion. Our results on the stellar activity variation suggest the presence of a high-latitude plage during the time span of our observations. The correlation between the chromospheric activity and the planetary orbital phase remains unclear. Solar-like oscillations are detected in the radial velocity time series: we estimated asteroseismic quantities and found that they agree well with theoretical predictions. Our stellar model yields an age of 0.9 ± 0.5 Gyr for τ Boo and further constrains the value of the stellar mass to 1.38 ± 0.05 M⊙. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. High-resolution spectroscopy is a powerful tool to study the dynamical structure of a pulsating star's atmosphere Aims. We aim at comparing the line asymmetry and velocity of the two d Sct stars ? Pup and DX Cet with previous spectroscopic data obtained on classical Cepheids and ß Cep stars. Methods. We obtained, analysed and discuss HARPS high-resolution spectra of ? Pup and DX Cet. We derived the same physical quantities as used in previous studies, which are the first-moment radial velocities and the bi-Gaussian spectral line asymmetries. Results. The identification of f = 7.098 d-1 as a fundamental radial mode and the very accurate Hipparcos parallax promote ? Pup as the best standard candle to test the period-luminosity relations of d Sct stars. The action of small-amplitude nonradial modes can be seen as well-defined cycle-to-cycle variations in the radial velocity measurements of ? Pup. Using the spectral-line asymmetry method, we also found the centre-of-mass velocities of ? Pup and DX Cet, V? = 47.49 ± 0.07 km s-1 and V? = 25.75 ± 0.06 km s-1, respectively. By comparing our results with previous HARPS observations of classical Cepheids and ß Cep stars, we confirm the linear relation between the atmospheric velocity gradient and the amplitude of the radial velocity curve, but only for amplitudes larger than 22.5 kms-1. For lower values of the velocity amplitude (i.e., <22.5 kms-1), our data on ? Pup seem to indicate that the velocity gradient is null, but this result needs to be confirmed with additional data. We derived the Baade-Wesselink projection factor p = 1.36 ± 0.02 for ? Pup and p = 1.39 ± 0.02 for DX Cet. We successfully extended the period-projection factor relation from classical Cepheids to d Scuti stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Detecting and characterising exoworlds around very young stars (age ≤10 Myr) are key aspects of exoplanet demographic studies, especially for understanding the mechanisms and timescales of planet formation and migration. Any reliable theory for such physical phenomena requires a robust observational database to be tested. However, detection using the radial velocity method alone can be very challenging because the amplitude of the signals caused by the magnetic activity of such stars can be orders of magnitude larger than those induced even by massive planets. Aims. We observed the very young (~2 Myr) and very active star V830 Tau with the HARPS-N spectrograph between October 2017 and March 2020 to independently confirm and characterise the previously reported hot Jupiter V830 Tau b (Kb = 68 ± 11 m s−1; mb sin ib = 0.57 ± 0.10 MJup; Pb = 4.927 ± 0.008 d). Methods. Because of the observed ~1 km s−1 radial velocity scatter that can clearly be attributed to the magnetic activity of V830 Tau, we analysed radial velocities extracted with different pipelines and modelled them using several state-of-the-art tools. We devised injection-recovery simulations to support our results and characterise our detection limits. The analysis of the radial velocities was aided by a characterisation of the stellar activity using simultaneous photometric and spectroscopic diagnostics. Results. Despite the high quality of our HARPS-N data and the diversity of tests we performed, we were unable to detect the planet V830 Tau b in our data and cannot confirm its existence. Our simulations show that a statistically significant detection of the claimed planetary Doppler signal is very challenging. Conclusions. It is important to continue Doppler searches for planets around young stars, but utmost care must be taken in the attempt to overcome the technical difficulties to be faced in order to achieve their detection and characterisation. This point must be kept in mind when assessing their occurrence rate, formation mechanisms, and migration pathways, especially without evidence of their existence from photometric transits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. In the advent of new infrared high-resolution spectrometers, accurate and precise atomic data in the infrared are urgently needed. Identifications, wavelengths, strengths, broadening, and hyper-fine splitting parameters of stellar lines in the near-infrared are in many cases not accurate enough to model observed spectra, and in other cases, these parameters do not even exist. Some stellar features are unidentified. Aims. The aim with this work is to identify a spectral feature at λvac = 1063.891 nm or λair = 1063.600 nm that is visible in spectra of stars of different spectral types that are observed with the GIANO-B spectrometer. Methods. The search for spectral lines to match the unidentified feature in line lists from standard atomic databases was not successful. However, by investigating the original published laboratory data, we were able to identify the feature and solve the problem. To confirm its identification, we modelled the presumed stellar line in the solar intensity spectrum and found an excellent match. Results. We find that the observed spectral feature is a stellar line originating from the 4s′–4p′ transition in S I, and that the reason for its absence in atomic line databases is a neglected air-to-vacuum correction in the original laboratory measurements from 1967 for this line only. From interpolation we determine the laboratory wavelength of the S I line to be λvac = 1063.8908 nm or λair = 1063.5993 nm, and the excitation energy of the upper level to be 9.74978 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. The Scutum complex in the inner disk of the Galaxy hosts a number of young clusters and associations of red supergiant stars that are heavily obscured by dust extinction. These stars are important tracers of the recent star formation and chemical enrichment history in the inner Galaxy. Methods. Within the SPA Large Programme at the TNG, we secured GIANO-B high-resolution (R ≃ 50 000) YJHK spectra of 11 red supergiants toward the Alicante 7 and Alicante 10 associations near the RSGC3 cluster. Taking advantage of the full YJHK spectral coverage of GIANO in a single exposure, we were able to measure several hundreds of atomic and molecular lines that are suitable for chemical abundance determinations. We also measured a prominent diffuse interstellar band at λ1317.8 nm (vacuum). This provides an independent reddening estimate. Results. The radial velocities, Gaia proper motions, and extinction of seven red supergiants in Alicante 7 and three in Alicante 10 are consistent with them being members of the associations. One star toward Alicante 10 has kinematics and low extinction that are inconsistent with a membership. By means of spectral synthesis and line equivalent width measurements, we obtained chemical abundances for iron-peak, CNO, alpha, other light, and a few neutron-capture elements. We found average slightly subsolar iron abundances and solar-scaled [X/Fe] abundance patterns for most of the elements, consistent with a thin-disk chemistry. We found depletion of [C/Fe], enhancement of [N/Fe], and relatively low 12C/13C <  15, which is consistent with CN cycled material and possibly some additional mixing in their atmospheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Space asteroseismology reveals that stellar structure and evolution models of intermediate- and high-mass stars are in need of improvement in terms of angular momentum and chemical element transport. Aims. We aim to probe the interior structure of a hot, massive star in the core-hydrogen-burning phase of its evolution. Methods. We analysed CoRoT space photometry, Gaia DR2 space astrometry, and high-resolution high signal-to-noise HERMES and HARPS time-series spectroscopy of the slowly rotating B2V star HD 170580. Results. From the time-series spectroscopy, we derive v sin i = 4 ± 2 km s−1, where the uncertainty results from the complex pulsational line-profile variability that has been so far ignored in the literature. We detect 42 frequencies with amplitudes above five times the local noise level. Amongst these we identify five rotationally split triplets and one quintuplet. Asteroseismic modelling based on CoRoT, Gaia DR2, and spectroscopic data leads to a star of M ∼ 8 M⊙ near core-hydrogen exhaustion and an extended overshoot zone. The detected low-order pressure-mode frequencies cannot be fit within the uncertainties of the CoRoT data by models without atomic diffusion. Irrespective of this limitation, the low-order gravity modes reveal HD 170580 to be a slow rotator with an average rotation period between 73 and 98 d and a hint of small differential rotation. Conclusions. Future Gaia DR3 data taking into account the multiplicity of the star, along with long-term TESS photometry would allow us to put better observational constraints on the asteroseismic models of this blue evolved massive star. Improved modelling with atomic diffusion, including radiative levitation, is needed to achieve compliance with the low helium surface abundance of the star. This poses immense computational challenges but is required to derive the interior rotation and mixing profiles of this star. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. We extend the relationship between X-ray luminosity (Lx) and rotation period (Prot) found for main-sequence FGK stars, and test whether it also holds for early M dwarfs, especially in the non-saturated regime (Lx ∝ Prot−2 $L_{\textrm{x}} \propto P_{\textrm{rot}}^{-2}$ L x ∝ P rot − 2 ) which corresponds to slow rotators. Methods. We use the luminosity coronal activity indicator (Lx) of a sample of 78 early M dwarfs with masses in the range from 0.3 to 0.75 M⊙ from the HArps-N red Dwarf Exoplanet Survey (HADES) radial velocity (RV) programme collected from ROSAT and XMM-Newton. The determination of the rotation periods (Prot) was done by analysing time series of high-resolution spectroscopy of the Ca II H & K and Hα activity indicators. Our sample principally covers the slow rotation regime with rotation periods from 15 to 60 days. Results. Our work extends to the low mass regime the observed trend for more massive stars showing a continuous shift of the Lx∕Lbol versus Prot power law towards longer rotation period values, and includes a more accurate way to determine the value of the rotation period at which the saturation occurs (Psat) for M dwarf stars. Conclusions. We conclude that the relations between coronal activity and stellar rotation for FGK stars also hold for early M dwarfs in the non-saturated regime, indicating that the rotation period is sufficient to determine the ratio Lx∕Lbol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. For more than 1.5 years we spectroscopically monitored the star KELT-6 (BD+31 2447), which is known to host the transiting hot-Saturn KELT-6 b, because a previously observed long-term trend in radial velocity time series suggested that there is an outer companion. Methods. We collected a total of 93 new spectra with the HARPS-N and TRES spectrographs. A spectroscopic transit of KELT-6 b was observed with HARPS-N, and simultaneous photometry was obtained with the IAC-80 telescope. Results. We proved the existence of an outer planet with a mininum mass Mpsin i = 3.71 ± 0.21 ... and a moderately eccentric orbit (e = 0.21-0.036+0.039) of period P ~ 3.5 years. We improved the orbital solution of KELT-6 b and obtained the first measurement of the Rossiter-McLaughlin effect, showing that the planet has a likely circular, prograde, and slightly misaligned orbit with a projected spin-orbit angle of λ = -36 ± 11 degrees. We improved the KELT-6 b transit ephemeris from photometry and provide new measurements of the stellar parameters. KELT-6 appears as an interesting case for studying the formation and evolution of multi-planet systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The theoretically studied impact of rapid rotation on stellar evolution needs to be compared with these results of high-resolution spectroscopy-velocimetry observations. Early-type stars present a perfect laboratory for these studies. The prototype A0 star Vega has been extensively monitored in recent years in spectropolarimetry. A weak surface magnetic field was detected, implying that there might be a (still undetected) structured surface. First indications of the presence of small amplitude stellar radial velocity variations have been reported recently, but the confirmation and in-depth study with the highly stabilized spectrograph SOPHIE/OHP was required. Aims. The goal of this article is to present a thorough analysis of the line profile variations and associated estimators in the early-type standard star Vega (A0) in order to reveal potential activity tracers, exoplanet companions, and stellar oscillations. Methods. Vega was monitored in quasi-continuous high-resolution echelle spectroscopy with the highly stabilized velocimeter SOPHIE/OHP. A total of 2588 high signal-to-noise spectra was obtained during 34.7 h on five nights (2 to 6 of August 2012) in high-resolution mode at R = 75 000 and covering the visible domain from 3895-6270 Å. For each reduced spectrum, least square deconvolved equivalent photospheric profiles were calculated with a Teff = 9500 and log g = 4.0 spectral line mask. Several methods were applied to study the dynamic behaviour of the profile variations (evolution of radial velocity, bisectors, vspan, 2D profiles, amongst others). Results. We present the discovery of a spotted stellar surface on an A-type standard star (Vega) with very faint spot amplitudes ΔF=Fc ~ 5 × 10-4. A rotational modulation of spectral lines with a period of rotation P = 0:68 d has clearly been exhibited, unambiguously confirming the results of previous spectropolarimetric studies. Most of these brightness inhomogeneities seem to be located in lower equatorial latitudes. Either a very thin convective layer can be responsible for magnetic field generation at small amplitudes, or a new mechanism has to be invoked to explain the existence of activity tracing starspots. At this stage it is difficult to disentangle a rotational from a stellar pulsational origin for the existing higher frequency periodic variations. Conclusions. This first strong evidence that standard A-type stars can show surface structures opens a new field of research and ask about a potential link with the recently discovered weak magnetic field discoveries in this category of stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We update the TrES-4 system parameters using high-precision HARPS-N radial-velocity measurements and new photometric light curves. A combined spectroscopic and photometric analysis allows us to determine a spectroscopic orbit with a semi-amplitude K = 51 ± 3 ms-1. The derived mass of TrES-4b is found to be Mp = 0.49 ± 0.04 MJup, significantly lower than previously reported. Combined with the large radius (Rp = 1.84+0.08-0.09 RJup) inferred from our analysis, TrES-4b becomes the transiting hot Jupiter with the second-lowest density known. We discuss several scenarios to explain the puzzling discrepancy in the mass of TrES-4b in the context of the exotic class of highly inflated transiting giant planets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. XO-2 is the first confirmed wide stellar binary system where the almost twin components XO-2N and XO-2S have planets, and it is a peculiar laboratory in which to investigate the diversity of planetary systems. This stimulated a detailed characterization study of the stellar and planetary components based on new observations. Methods. We collected high-resolution spectra with the HARPS-N spectrograph and multi-band light curves. Spectral analysis led to an accurate determination of the stellar atmospheric parameters and characterization of the stellar activity, and high-precision radial velocities of XO-2N were measured. We collected 14 transit light curves of XO-2Nb used to improve the transit parameters. Photometry provided accurate magnitude differences between the stars and a measure of their rotation periods. Results. The iron abundance of XO-2N was found to be +0.054 dex greater, within more than 3σ, than that of XO-2S. The existence of a long-term variation in the radial velocities of XO-2N is confirmed, and we detected a turnover with respect to previous measurements. We suggest the presence of a second massive companion in an outer orbit or the stellar activity cycle as possible causes of the observed acceleration. The latter explanation seems more plausible with the present dataset. We obtained an accurate value of the projected spin-orbit angle for the XO-2N system (λ = 7° ± 11°), and estimated the real 3D spin-orbit angle ( ψ = 27+12-27 degrees). We measured the XO-2 rotation periods, and found a value of P = 41.6 ± 1.1 days in the case of XO-2N, in excellent agreement with the predictions. The period of XO-2S appears shorter, with an ambiguity between 26 and 34.5 days that we cannot solve with the present dataset alone. The analysis of the stellar activity shows that XO-2N appears to be more active than the companion, perhaps because we sampled different phases of their activity cycle, or because of an interaction between XO-2N and its hot Jupiter that we could not confirm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. HD 144277 was previously discovered by Microvariability and Oscillations of Stars (MOST) space photometry to be a young and hot d Scuti star showing regular groups of pulsation frequencies. The first asteroseismic models required lower than solar metallicity to fit the observed frequency range based on a purely photometric analysis. Aims. The aim of the present paper is to determine, by means of high-resolution spectroscopy, fundamental stellar parameters required for the asteroseismic model of HD 144277, and subsequently, to refine it. Methods. High-resolution, high signal-to-noise spectroscopic data obtained with the HARPS spectrograph were used to determine the fundamental parameters and chemical abundances of HD 144277. These values were put into context alongside the results from asteroseismic models. Results. The effective temperature, Teff, of HD 144277 was determined as 8640 -100+300 K, log g is 4.14 ± 0.15 and the projected rotational velocity, v sin i, is 62.0 ± 2.0 kms-1. As the v sin i value is significantly larger than previously assumed, we refined the first asteroseimic model accordingly. The overall metallicity Z was determined to be 0.011 where the light elements He, C, O, Na, and S show solar chemical composition, but the heavier elements are significantly underabundant. In addition, the radius of HD 144277 was determined to be 1.55 ± 0.65 R⊙ from spectral energy distribution fitting, based on photometric data taken from the literature. Conclusions. From the spectroscopic observations, we could confirm our previous assumption from asteroseismic models that HD 144277 has less than solar metallicity. The fundamental parameters derived from asteroseismology, Teff, logg, L/L⊙ and R/R⊙ agree within one sigma to the values found from spectroscopic analysis. As the v sin i value is significantly higher than assumed in the first analysis, near-degeneracies and rotational mode coupling were taken into account in the new models. These suggest that HD 144277 has an equatorial rotational velocity of about 80 km s-1 and is seen equator-on. The observed frequencies are identified as prograde modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of pulsations in HgMn stars is still being debated. To provide the first unambiguous observational detection of pulsations in this class of chemically peculiar objects, the bright star HD 45975 was monitored for nearly two months by the CoRoT satellite. Independent analyses of the light curve provide evidence of monoperiodic variations with a frequency of 0.7572 d-1 and a peak-topeak amplitude of ~2800 ppm. Multisite, ground-based spectroscopic observations overlapping the CoRoT observations show the star to be a long-period, single-lined binary. Furthermore, with the notable exception of mercury, they reveal the same periodicity as in photometry in the line moments of chemical species exhibiting strong overabundances (e.g., Mn and Y). In contrast, lines of other elements do not show significant variations. As found in other HgMn stars, the pattern of variability consists in an absorption bump moving redwards across the line profiles. We argue that the photometric and spectroscopic changes are more consistent with an interpretation in terms of rotational modulation of spots at the stellar surface. In this framework, the existence of pulsations producing photometric variations above the ~50 ppm level is unlikely in HD 45975. This provides strong constraints on the excitation/damping of pulsation modes in this HgMn star. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. 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 δ Sct star HD174966, which was observed with the CoRoT satellite. 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. Methods. 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. Results. A total of 185 peaks were obtained from the Fourier analysis of the CoRoT light curve, all of which were reliable pulsating frequencies. From the spectroscopic observations, 18 oscillation modes were detected and identified, and the inclination angle (62.5°+7.5 -17.5) and the rotational velocity of the star (142 km s-1) were estimated. From the multi-colour photometric observations, only three frequencies were detected that correspond to the main ones in the CoRoT light curve. We looked for periodicities within the 185 frequencies and found a quasiperiodic pattern ▵ v ~ 64 μHz. 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 quasiperiodic pattern allowed us to discriminate models from a grid. As a result, the value of the mean density is achieved with a 6% uncertainty. So, the ▵ v pattern could be used as a new observable for A-F type stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. We aim to detect and interpret photometric and spectroscopic variability of the bright CoRoT B-type supergiant target HD46769 (V = 5.79). We also attempt to detect a magnetic field in the target. Methods. We analyse a 23-day oversampled CoRoT light curve after detrending and spectroscopic follow-up data using standard Fourier analysis and phase dispersion minimization methods. We determine the fundamental parameters of the star, as well as its abundances from the most prominent spectral lines. We perform a Monte Carlo analysis of spectropolarimetric data to obtain an upper limit of the polar magnetic field, assuming a dipole field. Results. In the CoRoT data, we detect a dominant period of 4.84 d with an amplitude of 87 ppm and some of its (sub-)multiples. Given the shape of the phase-folded light curve and the absence of binary motion, we interpret the dominant variability in terms of rotational modulation, with a rotation period of 9.69 d. Subtraction of the rotational modulation signal does not reveal any sign of pulsations. Our results are consistent with the absence of variability in the Hipparcos light curve. The spectroscopy leads to a projected rotational velocity of 72 ± 2 kms-1 and does not reveal periodic variability or the need to invoke macroturbulent line broadening. No signature of a magnetic field is detected in our data. A field stronger than ~500 G at the poles can be excluded, unless the possible non-detected field were more complex than dipolar. Conclusions. The absence of pulsations and macroturbulence of this evolved B-type supergiant is placed into the context of instability computations and of observed variability of evolved B-type stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulsating stars in eclipsing binary systems are powerful tools to test stellar models. Binarity enables us to constrain the pulsating component's physical parameters and this knowledge drastically improves the input physics for asteroseismic studies. The study of stellar oscillations then allows us to improve our understanding of stellar interiors and stellar evolution. The space mission CoRoT discovered several promising objects suitable for these studies. They were photometrically observed with unprecedented accuracy, but needed spectroscopic follow-up. A promising target was the relatively bright eclipsing system CoRoT 102918586, which turned out to be a double-lined spectroscopic binary and also showed clear evidence of γ Dor type pulsations. With the aim of combining the information from binarity and pulsation and fully exploiting the potential of CoRoT photometry we obtained phase resolved high-resolution spectroscopy with the Sandiford spectrograph at the McDonald 2.1m telescope and the FEROS spectrograph at the ESO 2.2 m telescope. Spectroscopy yielded both the radial velocity curves and, after spectra disentangling, the component effective temperatures, metallicity, and line-of-sight projected rotational velocities. The CoRoT light curve was analyzed with an iterative procedure, devised to disentangle eclipses from pulsations. The eclipsing binary light curve analysis, combined with the spectroscopic results, provided an accurate determination of the system parameters, and the comparison with evolutionary models provided strict constraints on the system age. Finally, the residuals obtained after subtraction of the best-fitting eclipsing binary model were analyzed to determine the pulsator properties. We achieved a complete and consistent description of the system. The primary star pulsates with typical γ Dor frequencies and shows a splitting in period that is consistent with high order g-mode pulsations in a star of the corresponding physical parameters. The value of the splitting, in particular, is consistent with pulsations in ι = 1 modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. The Baade-Wesselink method of distance determination is based on the oscillations of pulsating stars. The key parameter of this method is the projection factor used to convert the radial velocity into the pulsation velocity. Our analysis was aimed at deriving for the first time the projection factor of δ Scuti stars, using high-resolution spectra of the high-amplitude pulsator AI Vel and of the fast rotator β Cas. Methods. The geometric component of the projection factor (i.e. p0) was calculated using a limb-darkening model of the intensity distribution for AI Vel, and a fast-rotator model for β Cas. Then, using SOPHIE/OHP data for β Cas and HARPS/ESO data for AI Vel, we compared the radial velocity curves of several spectral lines forming at different levels in the atmosphere and derived the velocity gradient associated to the spectral-line-forming regions in the atmosphere of the star. This velocity gradient was used to derive a dynamical projection factor p. Results. We find a flat velocity gradient for both stars and finally p = p0 = 1.44 for AI Vel and p = p0 = 1.41 for β Cas. By comparing Cepheids and δ Scuti stars, these results bring valuable insights into the dynamical structure of pulsating star atmospheres. They suggest that the period-projection factor relation derived for Cepheids is also applicable to δ Scuti stars pulsating in a dominant radial mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The results obtained by asteroseismology with data from space missions such as CoRoT and Kepler are providing new insights into stellar evolution. After five years of observations, CoRoT is continuing to provide high-quality data and we here present an analysis of the CoRoT observations of the double star HD 169392, complemented by ground-based spectroscopic observations. Aims. This work aims at characterising the fundamental parameters of the two stars, their chemical composition, the acoustic-mode global parameters including their individual frequencies, and their dynamics. Methods. We analysed HARPS observations of the two stars to derive their chemical compositions. Several methods were used and compared to determine the global properties of stars' acoustic modes and their individual frequencies from the photometric data of CoRoT. Results. The new spectroscopic observations and archival astrometric values suggest that HD 169392 is a weakly bound wide binary system. We obtained spectroscopic parameters for both components which suggest that they originate from the same interstellar cloud. However, only the signature of oscillation modes of HD 169392 A was measured; the signal-to-noise ratio of the modes in HD 169392B is too low to allow any confident detection. For HD 169392 A we were able to extract parameters of modes for ℓ = 0, 1, 2, and 3. The analysis of splittings and inclination angle gives two possible solutions: one with with splittings and inclination angles of 0.4-1.0 μHz and 20-40°, the other with 0.2-0.5 μHz and 55-86°. Modelling this star using the Asteroseismic Modeling Portal (AMP) gives a mass of 1.15 ± 0:01 M⊙, a radius of 1.88 ± 0:02 R⊙, and an age of 4.33 ± 0:12 Gyr. The uncertainties come from estimated errors on the observables but do not include uncertainties on the surface layer correction or the physics of stellar models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. B-type stars are promising targets for asteroseismic modelling, since their frequency spectrum is relatively simple. Aims. We deduce and summarise observational constraints for the hybrid pulsator, HD 50230, 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 HD 50230 in the HR diagram. Methods. 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. Results. We identify HD 50230 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 β?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 (vrot ≈ 50% ? vcrit) and hybrid SPB/β?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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. We present the results obtained with the CoRoT satellite for HD 50870, a δ Sct star which was observed for 114.4 d. The aim of these observations was to evaluate the results obtained for HD 50844, the first S Sct star monitored with CoRoT, on a longer time baseline. Methods. The 307,570 CoRoT datapoints were analysed with different techniques. The photometric observations were complemented over 15 nights of high-resolution spectroscopy with HARPS on a baseline of 25 d. These spectra were analysed to study the line profile variations and to derive the stellar physical parameters. Some uvby photometric observations were also obtained to better characterize the pulsation modes. Results. HD 50870 proved to be a low-amplitude, long-period spectroscopic binary system seen almost pole-on (i ≃ 21°). The brighter component, which also has the higher rotational velocity (v sin i = 37.5 km s-1), is a δ Sct-type variable with a full light amplitude variation of about 0.04 mag. There is a dominant axisymmetric mode (17.16 d-1). Moreover, there are two groups of frequencies (about 19) in the intervals 6-9 and 13-18 d-1, with amplitudes ranging from a few mmag to 0.3 mmag. After the detection of about 250 terms (corresponding to an amplitude of about 0.045 mmag) a flat plateau appears in the power spectrum in the low-frequency region up to about 35 d-1 We were able to detect this plateau only thanks to the short cadence sampling of the CoRoT measurements (32 s). The density distribution vs. frequency of the detected frequencies seems to rule out the possibility that this plateau is the result of a process with a continuum power spectrum. The spacings of the strongest modes suggest a quasi-periodic pattern. We failed to find a satisfactory seismic model that simultaneously matches the frequency range, the position in the HR diagram, and the quasi-periodic pattern interpreted as a large separation. Nineteen modes were detected spectroscopically from the line profile variations and associated to the photometric ones. Tentative l, m values have been attributed to the modes detected spectroscopically. Prograde as well as retrograde modes are present with C values up to 9. There are no traces of variability induced by solar-like oscillations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]