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Chemically peculiar (CP) stars with a measurable magnetic field comprise the group of mCP stars. The pulsating members define the subgroup of rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) stars, of which Alpha Circini is the brightest member. Hence, Alpha Circini allows the application of challenging techniques, such as interferometry, very high temporal and spectral resolution photometry, and spectroscopy in a wide wavelength range, that have the potential to provide unique information about the structure and evolution of a star. Based on new photometry from BRITE-Constellation, obtained with blue and red filters, and on photometry from WIRE, SMEI, and TESS we attempt to determine the surface spot structure of Alpha Circini and investigate pulsation frequencies. We used photometric surface imaging and frequency analyses and Bayesian techniques in order to quantitatively compare the probability of different models. BRITE-Constellation photometry obtained from 2014 to 2016 is put in the context of space photometry obtained by WIRE, SMEI, and TESS. This provides improvements in the determination of the rotation period and surface features (three spots detected and a fourth one indicated). The main pulsation frequencies indicate two consecutive radial modes and one intermediate dipolar mode. Advantages and problems of the applied Bayesian technique are discussed., Comment: 11 pages, 8 figures, 5 tables

F type stars are characterised by several physical processes such as different pulsation mechanisms, rotation, convection, diffusion, and magnetic fields. The rapidly rotating delta Scuti star beta Cas can be considered as a benchmark star to study the interaction of several of these effects. We investigate the pulsational and magnetic field properties of beta Cas. We also determine the star's apparent fundamental parameters and chemical abundances. Based on photometric time series obtained from three different space missions (BRITE-Constellation, SMEI, and TESS), we conduct a frequency analysis and investigate the stability of the pulsation amplitudes over four years of observations. We investigate the presence of a magnetic field and its properties using spectropolarimetric observations taken with the Narval instrument by applying the Least Square Deconvolution and Zeeman Doppler Imaging techniques. beta Cas shows only three independent p-mode frequencies down to the few ppm-level; its highest amplitude frequency is suggested to be a $n=3$, $\ell = 2$, $m=0$ mode. Its magnetic field structure is quite complex and almost certainly of a dynamo origin. beta Cas' atmosphere is slightly deficient in iron peak elements and slightly overabundant in C, O, and heavier elements. Atypically for delta Scuti stars, we can only detect three pulsation modes down to exceptionally low noise levels for beta Cas. The star is also one of very few delta Scuti pulsators known to date to show a measurable magnetic field, and the first delta Scuti star with a dynamo magnetic field. These characteristics make beta Cas an interesting target for future studies of dynamo processes in the thin convective envelopes of F-type stars, of the transition region between fossil and dynamo fields, and the interaction between pulsations and magnetic field., Comment: 16 pages plus 9 for the appendix, accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics

Exoplanet properties crucially depend on their host stars' parameters. In case the exoplanet host star shows pulsations, asteroseismology can be used for an improved description of the stellar parameters. We aim to revisit the pulsational properties of beta Pic and identify its pulsation modes from normalised amplitudes in five different passbands. We also investigate the potential presence of a magnetic field. We conduct a frequency analysis using three seasons of BRITE-Constellation observations in the BRITE blue and red filters, the ~620-day long bRing light curve and the nearly 8-year long SMEI photometric time series. We calculate normalised amplitudes using all passbands including previously published values obtained from ASTEP observations. We investigate the magnetic properties of beta Pic using spectropolarimetric observations conducted with the HARPSpol instrument. Using 2D rotating models, we fit the normalised amplitudes and frequencies through Monte Carlo Markov Chains. We identify 15 pulsation frequencies in the range from 34 to 55c/d, where two display clear amplitude variability. We use the normalised amplitudes in up to five passbands to identify the modes as three l = 1, six l = 2 and six l = 3 modes. beta Pic is shown to be non-magnetic with an upper limit of the possible undetected dipolar field of 300G. Multiple fits to the frequencies and normalised amplitudes are obtained including one with a near equator-on inclination for beta Pic, which corresponds to our expectations based on the orbital inclination of beta Pic b and the orientation of the circumstellar disk. This solution leads to a rotation rate of 27% of the Keplerian break-up velocity, a radius of 1.497+-0.025Rsun, and a mass of 1.797+-0.035Msun. The ~2% errors in radius and mass do not account for uncertainties in the models and a potentially erroneous mode-identification., 26 pages, 19 figures, accepted in Astronomy & Astrophysics

Recent BRITE-Constellation space photometry of the slowly rotating, magnetic $��$ Cep pulsator $��^1$ CMa permits a new analysis of its pulsation properties. Analysis of the two-colour BRITE data reveals the well-known single pulsation period of $0.209$ d, along with its first and second harmonics. A similar analysis of SMEI and TESS observations yields compatible results, with the higher precision TESS observations also revealing several low-amplitude modes with frequencies below 5 d$^{-1}$; some of these are likely $g$ modes. The phase lag between photometric and radial velocity maxima - equal to 0.334 cycles - is significantly larger than the typical value of $1/4$ observed in other large-amplitude $��$ Cep stars. The phase lag, as well as the strong dependence of phase of maximum light on wavelength, can be reconciled with seismic models only if the dominant mode is the fundamental radial mode. We employ all published photometric and radial velocity measurements, spanning over a century, to evaluate the stability of the pulsation period. The $O-C$ diagram exhibits a clear parabolic shape consistent with a mean rate of period change $\dot P=0.34\pm 0.02$ s/cen. The residuals from the best-fit parabola exhibit scatter that is substantially larger than the uncertainties. In particular, dense sampling obtained during the past $\sim$20 years suggests more complex and rapid period variations. Those data cannot be coherently phased with the mean rate of period change, and instead require $\dot P\sim0.9$ s/cen. We examine the potential contributions of binarity, stellar evolution, and stellar rotation and magnetism to understand the apparent period evolution., 14 pages, accepted by MNRAS

We present the results of a multisite spectroscopic and photometric campaign on the Be star ω Orionis. From the photometry and radial velocity variation of several spectral lines, we confirm that the star is a variable with period . Only one period can be extracted from both the photometric and radial velocity observations. We find that the projected rotational velocity from the helium lines is considerably smaller than from the metal lines . The line profiles show an excess absorption feature moving from blue to red for half the period and from red to blue for the other half of the period. Another excess absorption feature moves exactly out of phase. The excess absorption features are present in photospheric lines as well as in lines which are significantly affected by circumstellar material, such as Hβ. From this we conclude that the periodic variations are most probably associated with corotating circumstellar material

�� Ori is a well studied massive binary consisting of an O9 III + B1 III/IV star. Due to its high eccentricity (e = 0.764) and short orbital period (P orb = 29.13376 d), it has been considered to be a good candidate to show evidence of tidal effects; however, none have previously been identified. Using photometry from the BRITE-Constellation space photometry mission we have confirmed the existence of tidal distortions through the presence of a heartbeat signal at periastron. We combine spectroscopic and light curve analyses to measure the masses and radii of the components, revealing �� Ori to be the most massive heartbeat system known to date. In addition, using a thorough frequency analysis, we also report the unprecedented discovery of multiple tidally induced oscillations in an O star. The amplitudes of the pulsations allow us to empirically estimate the tidal circularization rate, yielding an effective tidal quality factor Q $\approx 4 \times 10^{4}$ ., 11 pages, 5 figures, 3 tables Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, in press

Massive stars play a significant role in the chemical and dynamical evolution of galaxies. However, much of their variability, particularly during their evolved supergiant stage, is poorly understood. To understand the variability of evolved massive stars in more detail, we present a study of the O9.2Ib supergiant $��$ Ori Aa, the only currently confirmed supergiant to host a magnetic field. We have obtained two-color space-based BRIght Target Explorer photometry (BRITE) for $��$ Ori Aa during two observing campaigns, as well as simultaneous ground-based, high-resolution optical CHIRON spectroscopy. We perform a detailed frequency analysis to detect and characterize the star's periodic variability. We detect two significant, independent frequencies, their higher harmonics, and combination frequencies: the stellar rotation period $P_{\mathrm{rot}} = 6.82\pm0.18$ d, most likely related to the presence of the stable magnetic poles, and a variation with a period of $10.0\pm0.3$ d attributed to circumstellar environment, also detected in the H$��$ and several He I lines, yet absent in the purely photospheric lines. We confirm the variability with $P_{\mathrm{rot}}$/4, likely caused by surface inhomogeneities, being the possible photospheric drivers of the discrete absorption components. No stellar pulsations were detected in the data. The level of circumstellar activity clearly differs between the two BRITE observing campaigns. We demonstrate that $��$ Ori Aa is a highly variable star with both periodic and non-periodic variations, as well as episodic events. The rotation period we determined agrees well with the spectropolarimetric value from the literature. The changing activity level observed with BRITE could explain why the rotational modulation of the magnetic measurements was not clearly detected at all epochs., 20 pages, 5 tables, 12 figures, accepted for publication in A&A

New high-cadence observations with BRITE covering many months confirm that coupled pairs of nonradial pulsation modes are widespread among early-type Be stars. With the difference frequency between the parental variations they may form a roughly sinusoidal variability or the amplitude may cyclicly vary. A first - amplified - beat pattern is also found. In all three cases the amplitudes of difference frequencies can exceed the amplitude sum of the base frequencies, and modulations of the star-to-circumstellar-disk mass-transfer rate may be associated with these slow variations. This suggests more strongly than any earlier observations that significant dissipation of pulsational energy in the atmosphere may be a cause of mass ejections from Be stars. A unifying interpretative concept is presented., Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures, preliminary formatting. To appear in Proc. 2nd BRITE-Constellation Science Conference: 'small satellites - big science', Innsbruck, Aug. 2016, eds.: G. Stachowski, E. Poretti, and J. Matthews

We report on an analysis of high-precision, multi-colour photometric observations of the rapidly-oscillating Ap (roAp) star $��$ Cir. These observations were obtained with the BRITE-Constellation, which is a coordinated mission of five nanosatellites that collects continuous millimagnitude-precision photometry of dozens of bright stars for up to 180 days at a time in two colours (Johnson B and R). BRITE stands for BRight Target Explorer. The object $��$ Cir is the brightest roAp star and an ideal target for such investigations, facilitating the determination of oscillation frequencies with high resolution. This star is bright enough for complementary interferometry and time-resolved spectroscopy. Four BRITE satellites observed $��$ Cir for 146 d or 33 rotational cycles. Phasing the photometry according to the 4.4790 d rotational period reveals qualitatively different light variations in the two photometric bands. The phased red-band photometry is in good agreement with previously-published WIRE data, showing a light curve symmetric about phase 0.5 with a strong contribution from the first harmonic. The phased blue-band data, in contrast, show an essentially sinusoidal variation. We model both light curves with Bayesian Photometric Imaging, which suggests the presence of two large-scale, photometrically bright (relative to the surrounding photosphere) spots. We also examine the high-frequency pulsation spectrum as encoded in the BRITE photometry. Our analysis establishes the stability of the main pulsation frequency over the last 20 years, confirms the presence of frequency f7, which was not detected (or the mode not excited) prior to 2006, and excludes quadrupolar modes for the main pulsation frequency., 10 pages, 11 figures, accepted by Astronomy & Astrophysics

Empirical evidence for the involvement of nonradial pulsations (NRP's) in the mass loss from Be stars ranges from (i) a singular case (\object{$��$ Cen}) of repetitive mass ejections triggered by multi-mode beating to (ii) several photometric reports about enormous numbers of pulsation modes popping up during outbursts and on to (iii) effective single-mode pulsators. The BRITE Constellation of nanosatellites was used to obtain mmag photometry of the Be stars $��$ and \object{$��$ Cen}. In the low-inclination star \object{$��$ Cen}, light pollution by variable amounts of near-stellar matter prevented any new insights into the variability and other properties of the central star. In the equator-on star \object{$��$ Cen}, BRITE photometry and {\sc Heros} echelle spectroscopy from the 1990s reveal an intricate clockwork of star-disk interactions. The mass transfer is modulated with the frequency difference of two NRP modes and an amplitude three times as large as the amplitude sum of the two NRP modes. This process feeds a high-amplitude circumstellar activity running with the incoherent and slightly lower so-called ��tefl frequency. The mass loss-modulation cycles are tightly coupled to variations in the value of the ��tefl frequency and in its amplitude, albeit with strongly drifting phase differences. The observations are well described by the decomposition of the mass loss into a pulsation-related engine in the star and a viscosity-dominated engine in the circumstellar disk. Arguments are developed that large-scale gas-circulation flows occur at the interface. The propagation rates of these eddies manifest themselves as ��tefl frequencies. Bursts in power spectra during mass-loss events can be understood as the noise inherent to these gas flows., Recommended for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics

The 60 known rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) stars are excellent laboratories to test pulsation models in the presence of stellar magnetic fields. Our survey is dedicated to search for new group members in the Northern Hemisphere. We attempt to increase the number of known chemically peculiar stars that are known to be pulsationally unstable. About 40 h of new CCD photometric data of 21 roAp candidates, observed at the 1m Austrian-Croatian Telescope (Hvar Observatory) are presented. We carefully analysed these to search for pulsations in the frequency range of up to 10mHz. No new roAp star was detected among the observed targets. The distribution of the upper limits for roAp-like variations is similar to that of previoius similar efforts using photomultipliers and comparable telescope sizes. In addition to photometric observations, we need to consolidate spectroscopic information to select suitable targets., 8 pages, 5 figures, accepted by Astronomy & Astrophysics

A multisite photometric campaign for the Beta Cephei and eclipsing variable 16 Lacertae is reported. 749 h of high-quality differential photoelectric Stromgren, Johnson and Geneva time-series photometry were obtained with ten telescopes during 185 nights. After removing the pulsation contribution, an attempt was made to solve the resulting eclipse light curve by means of the computer program EBOP. Although a unique solution was not obtained, the range of solutions could be constrained by comparing computed positions of the secondary component in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram with evolutionary tracks. For three high-amplitude pulsation modes, the uvy and the Geneva UBG amplitude ratios are derived and compared with the theoretical ones for spherical-harmonic degrees l, 18 pages, 19 figures, accepted for publication in MNRAS

Low frequency oscillation, typical for Gamma Doradus g-mode type stellar core sensitive pulsation, as well as higher frequency Delta Scuti type pulsation typical for p-modes, sensitive to the envelope, make HD 8801 a remarkable hybrid pulsator with the potential to probe a stellar structure over a wide range of radius. In addition HD 8801 is a rare pulsating metallic line (Am) star. We determined the astrophysical fundamental parameters to locate HD 8801 in the HR diagram. We analyzed the element abundances, paying close attention to the errors involved, and confirm the nature of HD 8801 as a metallic line (Am) star. We also determined an upper limit on the magnetic field strength. Our abundance analysis is based on classical techniques, but uses for the final step a model atmosphere calculated with the abundances determined by us. We also discuss spectropolarimetric observations obtained for HD 8801. This object is remarkable in several respects. It is a non-magnetic metallic line (Am) star, pulsating simultaneously in p- and g-modes, but also shows oscillations with periods in between these two domains, whose excitation requires explanation. Overall, the pulsational incidence in unevolved classical Am stars is believed to be quite low; HD 8801 does not conform to this picture. Finally, about 75% of Am stars are located in short-period binaries, but there is no evidence that HD 8801 has a companion., 10 pages, 11 figures, 6 tables, plus two additional tables and figures each; accepted for publication in Astronomische Nachrichten

We report a multisite photometric campaign for the Beta Cep stars V2052 Oph and V986 Oph. 670 hours of high-quality differential photoelectric Stromgren, Johnson and Geneva time-series photometry were obtained with eight telescopes on five continents during 182 nights. Frequency analyses of the V2052 Oph data enabled the detection of three pulsation frequencies, the first harmonic of the strongest signal, and the rotation frequency with its first harmonic. Pulsational mode identification from analysing the colour amplitude ratios confirms the dominant mode as being radial, whereas the other two oscillations are most likely l=4. Combining seismic constraints on the inclination of the rotation axis with published magnetic field analyses we conclude that the radial mode must be the fundamental. The rotational light modulation is in phase with published spectroscopic variability, and consistent with an oblique rotator for which both magnetic poles pass through the line of sight. The inclination of the rotation axis is 54o, Comment: 12 pages, 8 figures, MNRAS, in press

We analyse Kepler observations of the high-amplitude δ Scuti (HADS) star V2367 Cyg (KIC 9408694). The variations are dominated by a mode with frequency f1= 5.6611 d−1. Two other independent modes with f2= 7.1490 d−1 and f3= 7.7756 d−1 have amplitudes an order of magnitude smaller than f1. Nearly all the light variation is due to these three modes and their combination frequencies, but several hundred other frequencies of very low amplitude are also present. The amplitudes of the principal modes may vary slightly with time. The star has twice the projected rotational velocity of any other HADS star, which makes it unusual. We find a correlation between the phases of the combination frequencies and their pulsation frequencies, which is not understood. Since modes of highest amplitude in HADS stars are normally radial modes, we assumed that this would also be true in this star. However, attempts to model the observed frequencies as radial modes without mode interaction were not successful. For a star with such a relatively high rotational velocity, it is important to consider the effect of mode interaction. Indeed, when this was done, we were able to obtain a model in which a good match with f1 and f2 is obtained, with f1 being the fundamental radial mode. We analyse Kepler observations of the high-amplitude δ Scuti (HADS) star V2367 Cyg (KIC 9408694). The variations are dominated by a mode with frequency f1= 5.6611 d-1. Two other independent modes with f2= 7.1490 d-1 and f3= 7.7756 d-1 have amplitudes an order of magnitude smaller than f1. Nearly all the light variation is due to these three modes and their combination frequencies, but several hundred other frequencies of very low amplitude are also present. The amplitudes of the principal modes may vary slightly with time. The star has twice the projected rotational velocity of any other HADS star, which makes it unusual. We find a correlation between the phases of the combination frequencies and their pulsation frequencies, which is not understood. Since modes of highest amplitude in HADS stars are normally radial modes, we assumed that this would also be true in this star. However, attempts to model the observed frequencies as radial modes without mode interaction were not successful. For a star with such a relatively high rotational velocity, it is important to consider the effect of mode interaction. Indeed, when this was done, we were able to obtain a model in which a good match with f1 and f2 is obtained, with f1 being the fundamental radial mode.

This article reviews the present knowledge on oscillating main sequence A/F stars that belong to more than one class of pulsator. Due to recent results of asteroseismic space missions, we now know of many Delta Scuti/Gamma Doradus stars. However, Gamma Doradus variability was also detected in a rapidly oscillating Ap star, and solar-like oscillations were discovered in a Delta Scuti star. The astrophysical information that can be gained from these pulsators is discussed, and confronted with what is believed to be known about pulsational driving., 7 pages, 4 figures, To appear in the ASP proceedings of "The 61st Fujihara seminar: Progress in solar/stellar physics with helio- and asteroseismology", 13th-17th March 2011, Hakone, Japan

The Kepler Mission has acquired 33.5d of continuous one-minute photometry of KPD 1946+4340, a short-period binary system that consists of an sdB and a white dwarf. In the light curve, eclipses are clearly seen, with the deepest occurring when the compact white dwarf crosses the disc of the sdB (0.4%) and the more shallow ones (0.1%) when the sdB eclipses the white dwarf. As expected, the sdB is deformed by the gravitational field of the white dwarf, which produces an ellipsoidal modulation of the light curve. Spectacularly, a very strong Doppler beaming (aka Doppler boosting) effect is also clearly evident at the 0.1% level. This originates from the sdB's orbital velocity, which we measure to be 164.0\pm1.9 km/s from supporting spectroscopy. We present light curve models that account for all these effects, as well as gravitational lensing. We derive system parameters and uncertainties from the light curve using Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulations. Adopting a theoretical white dwarf mass-radius relation, the mass of the subdwarf is found to be 0.47\pm0.03 Msun and the mass of the white dwarf 0.59\pm0.02 Msun. The effective temperature of the white dwarf is 15 900\pm300K. With a spectroscopic effective temperature of Teff = 34 730\pm250K and a surface gravity of log g = 5.43\pm0.04, the sdB is in a shell He burning stage. The detection of Doppler beaming in Kepler light curves potentially allows one to measure radial velocities without the need of spectroscopic data. For the first time, a photometrically observed Doppler beaming amplitude is compared to a spectroscopically established value. The sdB's radial velocity amplitude derived from the photometry 168\pm4 km/s is in perfect agreement with the spectroscopic value. After subtracting our best model for the orbital effects, we searched the residuals for stellar oscillations but did not find any significant pulsation frequencies., Accepted for publication in MNRAS on August 18, 2010

PG 1351+489 is one of the 20 DBVs – pulsating helium-atmosphere white dwarf stars – known and has the simplest power spectrum for this class of star, making it a good candidate to study cooling rates. We report accurate period determinations for the main peak at 489.334 48 s and two other normal modes using data from the Whole Earth Telescope (WET) observations of 1995 and 2009. In 2009, we detected a new pulsation mode and the main pulsation mode exhibited substantial change in its amplitude compared to all previous observations. We were able to estimate the star's rotation period, of 8.9 h, and discuss a possible determination of the rate of period change of (2.0 ± 0.9) × 10−13 s s −1, the first such estimate for a DBV.

We present the discovery of nonradial pulsations in a hot subdwarf B star based on 30.5 days of nearly continuous time-series photometry using the \emph{Kepler} spacecraft. KIC 010139564 is found to be a short-period pulsator of the V361 Hya (EC 14026) class with more than 10 independent pulsation modes whose periods range from 130 to 190 seconds. It also shows one periodicity at a period of 3165 seconds. If this periodicity is a high order g-mode, then this star may be the hottest member of the hybrid DW Lyn stars. In addition to the resolved pulsation frequencies, additional periodic variations in the light curve suggest that a significant number of additional pulsation frequencies may be present. The long duration of the run, the extremely high duty cycle, and the well-behaved noise properties allow us to explore the stability of the periodic variations, and to place strong constraints on how many of them are independent stellar oscillation modes. We find that most of the identified periodicities are indeed stable in phase and amplitude, suggesting a rotation period of 2-3 weeks for this star, but further observations are needed to confirm this suspicion., 10 pages, accepted for publication in MNRAS

Context. Recent progress in the seismic interpretation of field beta Cep stars has resulted in improvements of the physics in the stellar structure and evolution models of massive stars. Further asteroseismic constraints can be obtained from studying ensembles of stars in a young open cluster, which all have similar age, distance and chemical composition. Aims. To improve our comprehension of the beta Cep stars, we studied the young open cluster NGC 884 to discover new B- type pulsators, besides the two known beta Cep stars, and other variable stars. Methods. An extensive multi-site campaign was set up to gather accurate CCD photometry time series in four filters (U, B, V, I) of a field of NGC 884. Fifteen different instruments collected almost 77 500 CCD images in 1286 h. The images were calibrated and reduced to transform the CCD frames into interpretable differential light curves. Various variability indicators and frequency analyses were applied to detect variable stars in the field. Absolute photometry was taken to deduce some general cluster and stellar properties. Results. We achieved an accuracy for the brightest stars of 5.7 mmag in V, 6.9 mmag in B, 5.0 mmag in I and 5.3 mmag in U. The noise level in the amplitude spectra is 50 mu mag in the V band. Our campaign confirms the previously known pulsators, and we report more than one hundred new multi- and mono- periodic B-, A- and F-type stars. Their interpretation in terms of classical instability domains is not straightforward, pointing to imperfections in theoretical instability computations. In addition, we have discovered six new eclipsing binaries and four candidates as well as other irregular variable stars in the observed field.

Eclipsing binary systems with components exhibiting pulsations are excellent laboratories where both pulsation and binarity theories can be combined to obtain very reliable results. In the case of δ Sct-type pulsators, they are very attractive for asteroseismic studies. In particular, the nature of the pulsational modes can be determined using different discrimination methods which use different parts of the orbital period. However, only a few of such systems are presently known, the majority of them having been discovered as pulsators in very recent years. Even much smaller is the number of such systems with detailed studies available in the bibliography. Here we present preliminary results obtained for Y Cam, an Algol-type eclipsing binary system in which the primary component is a δ Sct-type pulsator.

We present the discovery of non-radial pulsations in a hot subdwarf B star based on 30.5 d of nearly continuous time series photometry using the Kepler spacecraft. KIC 010139564 is found to be a short-period pulsator of the V361 Hya (EC 14026) class with more than 10 independent pulsation modes whose periods range from 130 to 190 s. It also shows one periodicity at a period of 3165 s. If this periodicity is a high-order g-mode, then this star may be the hottest member of the hybrid DW Lyn stars. In addition to the resolved pulsation frequencies, additional periodic variations in the light curve suggest that a significant number of additional pulsation frequencies may be present. The long duration of the run, the extremely high duty cycle and the well-behaved noise properties allow us to explore the stability of the periodic variations, and to place strong constraints on how many of them are independent stellar oscillation modes. We find that most of the identified periodicities are indeed stable in phase and amplitude, suggesting a rotation period of 2-3 weeks for this star, but further observations are needed to confirm this suspicion.

The Multi-site Spectroscopic Telescope is a virtual instrument and the name of a collaboration that opens up a new observational window by combining continuous observations of spectroscopic variations and simultaneous photometric monitoring. This constitutes an enormous observational effort, but in return promises to finally provide access to a mode identification for and an asteroseismological analysis of the pulsating sdB star PG 1605+072. Multi-Site Spectroscopic Telescope observations for this object have been secured during a large coordinated campaign in May and June of the year 2002. The frequency resolution and coverage of the photometric time series has been noticeably enhanced by a significant contribution from the Whole Earth Telescope, which was used to observe PG 1605+072 as an alternate target during the WET XCov22 campaign, also conducted in May 2002. This paper briefly outlines the motivation for the MSST project and tries to give a first assessment of the overall quality of the data obtained, with a focus on the Whole Earth Telescope observations.

We have identified seven independent pulsation modes in the helium-atmosphere variable (DBV) white dwarf star CBS 114, based on 65 hours of time-resolved CCD photometry from the 0.75-m telescope at SAAO. We interpret these pulsations as non-radial g-modes with the same spherical degree l=1, as suggested by the mean period spacing of 37.1+/-0.7 seconds. We use a genetic-algorithm-based fitting method to find the globally optimal model parameters, including the stellar mass (M_* = 0.73 M_sun), the effective temperature (T_eff = 21,000 K), the mass of the atmospheric helium layer (log[M_He/M_*] = -6.66), and the central oxygen mass fraction (X_O = 0.61). The latter value implies a rate for the ^12C(alpha,gamma)^16O reaction near S_300 = 180 keV b, consistent with laboratory measurements., 4 pages, 1 figure, to appear in proceedings of ``Asteroseismology Across the HR Diagram''

We searched for Delta Scuti-type pulsations amongst known and candidate Gamma Doradus stars. We acquired 270 h of observations and monitored a total of 26 stars. One target, HD 209295, turned out to be a member of both classes of pulsating star. We classify six of our targets as new bona fide Gamma Doradus stars, nine more as good Gamma Doradus candidates, and three as ellipsoidal variables. The remainder comprise one Delta Scuti star and five unexplained variables. We revise the blue border of the Gamma Doradus phenomenon towards cooler temperatures. This new blue edge extends from a temperature of about 7550 K on the ZAMS to 7400 K one magnitude above it. Five bona fide Gamma Doradus stars we observed are located inside the Delta Scuti instability strip, but none of them exhibited observable Delta Scuti pulsations. We therefore suggest that Gamma Doradus stars are less likely to be Delta Scuti pulsators compared to other normal stars in the same region of the lower instability strip. In addition, we show that there is a clear separation between the pulsation constants Q of Delta Scuti and Gamma Doradus stars. The Gamma Doradus stars known to date all have Q>0.23 d., 12 pages, 9 figures. MNRAS, in press

Generally, chemical peculiarity found for stars on the upper main sequence excludes

We report the discovery of both intermediate-order gravity mode and low-order pressure mode pulsation in the same star, HD 209295. It is therefore both a gamma Doradus and a delta Scuti star, which makes it the first confirmed member of two classes of pulsating star. This object is located in a close binary system with an unknown, but likely degenerate companion in an eccentric orbit, and some of the gamma Doradus pulsation frequencies are exact integer multiples of the orbital frequency. We suggest that these pulsations are tidally excited. HD 209295 may be the progenitor of an intermediate-mass X-Ray binary., 4 pages, 1 figure, to appear in the proceedings of IAU Colloquium 185 "Radial and Nonradial Pulsations as Probes of Stellar physics", C.Aerts, T.Bedding and J.Christensen-Dalsgaard, eds

We summarize the results of a multisite spectroscopic and photometric campaign on the Be star omega Orionis. There is only one period, P = 0.97d, which is visible in the photometry and line profile variations. We caution against the indiscriminate use of the radial velocity to infer multiperiodicity. The helium lines are narrower than the metal lines and may be contaminated by circumstellar material. The line profiles show two excess absorption features moving in antiphase. As in other Be stars, the periodic variations are clearly present in the emission wings of some helium lines and in the core of Hbeta. From this we conclude that the periodic variations are most probably associated with co-rotating circumstellar material. We discuss the Be stars in terms of a fast magnetic rotator model.

The MONS space experiment will be able to verify some of the most important topics in the asteroseismologic studies of Delta Sct and Gamma Dor stars. We discuss how the $\gamma$ Doradus can be considered possible "bridges" between the opacity driven overstable pulsation and the stochastically excited solar like oscillation. For this reason the possible inclusion of a Gamma Dor representative in the MONS main target list is presented and discussed. To study Delta Sct stars, an appropriate frequency resolution, comparable to or better than what is currently achieved by ground-based observations, is necessary and hence two runs are recommended. To avoid over-scheduling of the Main Camera, a possible combination of observations from the Main Camera and from the Star Trackers is proposed. As a result, key-objects could be adequately monitored, affording the possibility to enter into details of amplitude variations. Simultaneously, the same results could be obtained on two Gamma Dor stars., Comment: 2 contributions, 6 pages each. To appear in "MONS Science Preparation and Target Selection", Eds. T.Teixeira and T. Beddings Eds

Contains fulltext : 35231.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) We present first results of a spectroscopic multisite campaign for 12 (DD) Lacertae (hereinafter 12 Lac). This star is one of the best observed beta Cephei stars. It has a large number of known oscillation frequencies but a lack of identified m-values for its detected modes. In our data set we find seven independent frequencies together with combination frequencies. In addition, two of these modes are identified: one radial mode and one prograde dipole mode.

Contains fulltext : 36371.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) We carried out an extensive CCD photometry campaign of the open cluster NGC 3293 that contains eleven known beta Cephei stars. Preliminary results indicate that none of these is singly periodic. Several objects are among the most multiperiodic of these massive pulsators, giving us strong hope to perform precision asteroseismology in an open cluster for the first time. We also report a peculiar group of variables in NGC 3293 that is located near the low-luminosity end of the beta Cephei instability strip. The variability periods of these stars are too long for classical beta Cephei pulsation, but too short for binarity or rotational effects, or for SPB-type pulsation. In addition, we discovered about a dozen delta Scuti stars in the field.

Frequencies of 13 oscillation modes in the star XX Pyxidis (CD-24 7599) are accurately measured but for none of the modes the spherical harmonic degree l is known. We present results of an attempt to construct the model whose low-l mode frequencies reproduce possibly close the observations. Models are constrained by the mean photometric and spectroscopic data for the star. However, the strongest constraint on the effective temperture is from the requirement that the modes excited in the star fall into the range of the modes driven by the opacity mechanism. Our models are built with the standard stellar evolution code allowing no overshooting from the convective core. Effects of rotation are taken into account both in stellar evolution and in linear nonadiabatic oscillation calculations. Uniform rotation rate and conservation of the global angular momentum during evolution are assumed. We find several distinct mode identifications and associated stellar models leading to frequency fits of similar quality. Determination of the l values for some of the modes could remove the ambiguity. None of the fits is satifactory: the mean departures exceed the mean observational frequency error by at least one order of magnitude. The fits could be improved by means of adjusting model parameters that were kept fixed. However, such effort will be meaningful only after improving accuracy in calculation of the effects of rotation in oscillation frequencies., 11 pages including 6 PostScript figures, uses l-aa.sty, epsf.sty. Accepted by A&A

We constrain the distribution of calcium across the surface of the white dwarf star G29-38 by combining time series spectroscopy from Gemini-North with global time series photometry from the Whole Earth Telescope. G29-38 is actively accreting metals from a known debris disk. Since the metals sink significantly faster than they mix across the surface, any inhomogeneity in the accretion process will appear as an inhomogeneity of the metals on the surface of the star. We measure the flux amplitudes and the calcium equivalent width amplitudes for two large pulsations excited on G29-38 in 2008. The ratio of these amplitudes best fits a model for polar accretion of calcium and rules out equatorial accretion.

We report on an analysis of high-precision, multi-colour photometric observations of the rapidly-oscillating Ap (roAp) star $\alpha$ Cir. These observations were obtained with the BRITE-Constellation, which is a coordinated mission of five nanosatellites that collects continuous millimagnitude-precision photometry of dozens of bright stars for up to 180 days at a time in two colours (Johnson B and R). BRITE stands for BRight Target Explorer. The object $\alpha$ Cir is the brightest roAp star and an ideal target for such investigations, facilitating the determination of oscillation frequencies with high resolution. This star is bright enough for complementary interferometry and time-resolved spectroscopy. Four BRITE satellites observed $\alpha$ Cir for 146 d or 33 rotational cycles. Phasing the photometry according to the 4.4790 d rotational period reveals qualitatively different light variations in the two photometric bands. The phased red-band photometry is in good agreement with previously-published WIRE data, showing a light curve symmetric about phase 0.5 with a strong contribution from the first harmonic. The phased blue-band data, in contrast, show an essentially sinusoidal variation. We model both light curves with Bayesian Photometric Imaging, which suggests the presence of two large-scale, photometrically bright (relative to the surrounding photosphere) spots. We also examine the high-frequency pulsation spectrum as encoded in the BRITE photometry. Our analysis establishes the stability of the main pulsation frequency over the last 20 years, confirms the presence of frequency f7, which was not detected (or the mode not excited) prior to 2006, and excludes quadrupolar modes for the main pulsation frequency., Comment: 10 pages, 11 figures, accepted by Astronomy & Astrophysics

Magnetic B-type stars exhibit photometric variability due to diverse causes, and consequently on a variety of timescales. In this paper we describe interpretation of BRITE photometry and related ground-based observations of 4 magnetic B-type systems: $\epsilon$ Lupi, $\tau$ Sco, a Cen and $\epsilon$ CMa., Comment: 7 pages, proceedings of the 3rd BRITE Science Meeting

This article reports some preliminary results on an analysis of line bisectors of metal absorption lines of RR Lyrae, the prototype of its class of pulsators. The extensive data set used for this study consists of a time series of spectra obtained at various pulsation phases as well as different Blazhko phases. This setup should allow a comparison of the atmospheric behavior, especially of the function of radial velocity versus depth at differing Blazhko phases, but (almost) identical pulsation phase, making it possible to investigate whether the modulation causes a change in the atmospheric motion of RR Lyrae. While the nature of the Blazhko modulation has often been investigated photometrically and described as a change in the light curve, studies on time series of high resolution spectra are rare. We present for the first time work on line bisectors at different phases of RR Lyr., Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures. To appear in proceedings of IAU Symposium 301, Precision Asteroseismology, August 2013, Wroc{\l}aw, Poland

Recent progress in the seismic interpretation of field {\beta} Cep stars has resulted in improvements of the physical description in the stellar structure and evolution model computations of massive stars. Further asteroseismic constraints can be obtained from studying ensembles of stars in a young open cluster, which all have similar age, distance and chemical composition. We present an observational asteroseismic study based on the discovery of numerous multi-periodic and mono-periodic B-stars in the open cluster NGC 884. Our study illustrates the current status of ensemble asteroseismology of a young open cluster., Comment: 2 pages, proceedings of the IAU Symposium No. 301 (2013), "Precision Asteroseismology" (Wroclaw), W. Chaplin, J. Guzik, G. Handler & A. Pigulski (eds.)

Stellar Oscillations Network Group (SONG) is an initiative aimed at designing and building a network of 1m-class telescopes dedicated to asteroseismology and planet hunting. SONG will have 8 identical telescope nodes each equipped with a high-resolution spectrograph and an iodine cell for obtaining precision radial velocities and a CCD camera for guiding and imaging purposes. The main asteroseismology targets for the network are the brightest (V, Proc. Vienna Workshop on the Future of Asteroseismology, 20 - 22 September 2006. Comm. in Asteroseismology, Vol. 150, in the press

The oscillation modes we observe in solar-like stars are the eigenmodes of the stars. This means that these modes are the sound waves that make constructive interference with themselves inside the stars and, in order for a wave to make constructive interference, it needs to be reflected somewhere. The p modes in solar-like stars are reflected by the stellar atmosphere, but this reflection only takes place up to a given frequency – known as the acoustic cut-off frequency. But from observations of the Sun (Garcia et al. 1998) and α Cen B (Kjeldsen et al. 2005) we know that these stars do show oscillations with frequencies above the acoustic cut-off frequency. These oscillations are known as High-frequency Interference Peaks (HIPs).