Search

We propose a model of deep and prolonged eclipses in young UX Ori stars. Some of these events last for decades and existing models cannot explain them. We show that such eclipses can be caused by the infall of gas and dust clumps from the remnants of the protostellar cloud onto the protoplanetary disk. The perturbation in the disk caused by the infall of a clump leads to a burst of accretional stellar activity and, as a consequence, to a strengthening of the disk wind. If the circumstellar disk is tilted at a small angle to the line of sight, then the dust raised by the wind from the disk surface can cause a dramatic decrease in the stellar brightness that can last for decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theoretical models and observations suggest that the abundances of molecular ions in protoplanetary disks should be highly sensitive to the variable ionization conditions set by the young central star. We present a search for temporal flux variability of HCO+ J = 1–0, which was observed as a part of the Molecules with Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) at Planet-forming Scales ALMA Large Program. We split out and imaged the line and continuum data for each individual day the five sources were observed (HD 163296, AS 209, GM Aur, MWC 480, and IM Lup, with between three and six unique visits per source). Significant enhancement (>3 σ) was not observed, but we find variations in the spectral profiles in all five disks. Variations in AS 209, GM Aur, and HD 163296 are tentatively attributed to variations in HCO+ flux, while variations in IM Lup and MWC 480 are most likely introduced by differences in the uv coverage, which impact the amount of recovered flux during imaging. The tentative detections and low degree of variability are consistent with expectations of X-ray flare-driven HCO+ variability, which requires relatively large flares to enhance the HCO+ rotational emission at significant (>20%) levels. These findings also demonstrate the need for dedicated monitoring campaigns with high signal-to-noise ratios to fully characterize X-ray flare-driven chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observations and theories reveal that star-forming regions eject their members during the early evolution of the cluster. We present an initial search for stars ejected from the young cluster IC 348 based on an analysis of Gaia EDR3 astrometry of previously identified members. We identify six candidate walkaway stars with projected velocities of 5–8 km s−1. The candidate with properties most consistent with a walkaway star, V701 Per, was likely ejected from a small group to the west of IC 348. Three candidates are currently located or have proper motions that trace back to the center of IC 348, though their classification as walkaway stars may also be affected by large astrometric errors. Two other candidate walkaway stars were likely born in other subgroups around IC 348 within the Perseus star-forming region. Since our search criteria are restricted to previously identified members of IC 348, we did not identify any stars that were ejected at high velocities and traveled far from the cluster. Our study suggests that ejections have potentially occurred in both the central region of IC 348 and other subgroups in Perseus. Extending the search range will lead to more candidate ejections and constrain the dynamic properties and evolution of IC 348 by comparing with simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theoretical models and observations suggest that the abundances of molecular ions in protoplanetary disks should be highly sensitive to the variable ionization conditions set by the young central star. We present a search for temporal flux variability of HCO ^+ J = 1–0, which was observed as a part of the Molecules with Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) at Planet-forming Scales ALMA Large Program. We split out and imaged the line and continuum data for each individual day the five sources were observed (HD 163296, AS 209, GM Aur, MWC 480, and IM Lup, with between three and six unique visits per source). Significant enhancement (>3 σ ) was not observed, but we find variations in the spectral profiles in all five disks. Variations in AS 209, GM Aur, and HD 163296 are tentatively attributed to variations in HCO ^+ flux, while variations in IM Lup and MWC 480 are most likely introduced by differences in the uv coverage, which impact the amount of recovered flux during imaging. The tentative detections and low degree of variability are consistent with expectations of X-ray flare-driven HCO ^+ variability, which requires relatively large flares to enhance the HCO ^+ rotational emission at significant (>20%) levels. These findings also demonstrate the need for dedicated monitoring campaigns with high signal-to-noise ratios to fully characterize X-ray flare-driven chemistry.

Observations and theories reveal that star-forming regions eject their members during the early evolution of the cluster. We present an initial search for stars ejected from the young cluster IC 348 based on an analysis of Gaia EDR3 astrometry of previously identified members. We identify six candidate walkaway stars with projected velocities of 5–8 km s ^−1 . The candidate with properties most consistent with a walkaway star, V701 Per, was likely ejected from a small group to the west of IC 348. Three candidates are currently located or have proper motions that trace back to the center of IC 348, though their classification as walkaway stars may also be affected by large astrometric errors. Two other candidate walkaway stars were likely born in other subgroups around IC 348 within the Perseus star-forming region. Since our search criteria are restricted to previously identified members of IC 348, we did not identify any stars that were ejected at high velocities and traveled far from the cluster. Our study suggests that ejections have potentially occurred in both the central region of IC 348 and other subgroups in Perseus. Extending the search range will lead to more candidate ejections and constrain the dynamic properties and evolution of IC 348 by comparing with simulations.

Over time, pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars evolve into main-sequence (MS) stars. Stars evolving from PMS to MS phase is a significant subject of research that aims to better understand stellar phases and their properties. Existing literature shows a lack of study of stars in between PMS and MS phase. 'We focused on what belongs in the midst of these two phases. Classical Be (CBe) and Herbig Ae/Be (HAeBe) stars, corresponding to MS and PMS phases, are two well known categories of emission-line stars. Through optical and infrared photometric analysis of a sample of 2167 CBe and 225 HAeBe stars, we identified 98 such rare stars which are in transition between PMS and MS phase. Those rare stars are termed as 'Transition Phase' (TP) candidates in our study. Using the machine learning approach, the potential of the identified TP candidates was verified. 'This article provides a brief overview of the research contributions made by the CHRIST (Deemed to be University) team in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here CCD I-band time series photometry of a young (2-5 Myr) cluster NGC 2282, in order to identify and understand the variability of pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars. The I-band photometry, down to ~20.5 mag, enables us to probe the variability towards the lower mass end (~0.1 M⊙) of PMS stars. From the light curves of 1627 stars, we identified 62 new photometric variable candidates. Their association with the region was established from H α emission and infrared (IR) excess. Among 62 variables, 30 young variables exhibit H α emission, near-IR (NIR)/mid-IR (MIR) excess or both and are candidate members of the cluster. Out of 62 variables, 41 are periodic variables, with a rotation rate ranging from 0.2-7 d. The period distribution exhibits a median period at ~1 d, as in many young clusters (e.g. NGC 2264, ONC, etc.), but it follows a unimodal distribution, unlike others that have bimodality, with slow rotators peaking at ~6-8 d. To investigate the rotation-disc and variability-disc connection, we derived the NIR excess from Δ(I - K) and the MIR excess from Spitzer [3.6]-[4.5] µm data. No conclusive evidence of slow rotation with the presence of discs around stars and fast rotation for discless stars is obtained from our periodic variables. A clear increasing trend of the variability amplitude with IR excess is found for all variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a search for debris discs amongstM-dwarf members of nearby, young (5–150 Myr) moving groups (MGs) using infrared (IR) photometry, primarily from theWide Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE). A catalogue of 100 MG M dwarfs that have suitable WISE data is compiled, and 19 of these are found to have significant IR excess emission at 22 μm. Our search is likely to be complete for discs where the ratio of flux from the disc to flux from the star fd/f∗ > 10-3. The spectral energy distributions are supplemented with Two-Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS) photometry and data at longer wavelengths, and fitted with simple disc models to characterize the IR excesses. There is a bimodal distribution – 12 targets have W1 − W4 > 3, corresponding to fd/f∗ > 0.02, and are likely to be gas-rich, primordial discs. The remaining seven targets have W1 − W4 < 1 (fd/f∗ ≲ 10-3) and include three objects with previously known or suspected debris discs and four new debris disc candidates that are all members of the Beta Pic MG. All of the IR excesses are identified in stars that are likely members of MGs with age <30 Myr. The detected debris disc frequency falls from 13 ± 5 per cent to <7 per cent (at 95 per cent confidence) for objects younger or older than 30 Myr, respectively. This provides evidence for the evolution of debris discs on this time-scale and does not support models where the maximum of debris disc emission occurs much later in lower mass stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that non-magnetic models for the evolution of pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars cannot simultaneously describe the colour-magnitude diagram (CMD) and the pattern of lithium depletion seen in the cluster of young, low-mass stars surrounding γ 2 Velorum. The age of 7.5 ± 1 Myr inferred from the CMD is much younger than that implied by the strong Li depletion seen in the cluster M-dwarfs, and the Li depletion occurs at much redder colours than predicted. The epoch at which a star of a given mass depletes its Li and the surface temperature of that star are both dependent on its radius. We demonstrate that if the low-mass stars have radii ~10 per cent larger at a given mass and age, then both the CMD and the Li-depletion pattern of the Gamma Velorum cluster are explained at a common age of ≃18-21 Myr. This radius inflation could be produced by some combination of magnetic suppression of convection and extensive cool starspots. Models that incorporate radius inflation suggest that PMS stars, similar to those in the Gamma Velorum cluster, in the range 0.2 < M/M⊙ < 0.7, are at least a factor of 2 older and ~7 per cent cooler than previously thought and that their masses are much larger (by >30 per cent) than inferred from conventional, non-magnetic models in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. Systematic changes of this size may be of great importance in understanding the evolution of young stars, disc lifetimes and the formation of planetary systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accretion through circumstellar disks plays an important role in star formation and in establishing the properties of the regions in which planets form and migrate. The mechanisms by which protostellar and protoplanetary disks accrete onto low-mass stars are not clear; angular momentum transport by magnetic fields is thought to be involved, but the low-ionization conditions in major regions of protoplanetary disks lead to a variety of complex nonideal magnetohydrodynamic effects whose implications are not fully understood. Accretion in pre-main-sequence stars of masses ≲1M⊙ (and in at least some 2-3-M⊙ systems) is generally funneled by the stellar magnetic field, which disrupts the disk at scales typically of order a few stellar radii. Matter moving at near free-fall velocities shocks at the stellar surface; the resulting accretion luminosities from the dissipation of kinetic energy indicate that mass addition during the T Tauri phase over the typical disk lifetime ∼3 Myr is modest in terms of stellar evolution, but is comparable to total disk reservoirs as estimated from millimeter-wave dust emission (∼10−2 M⊙). Pre-main-sequence accretion is not steady, encompassing timescales ranging from approximately hours to a century, with longer-timescale variations tending to be the largest. Accretion during the protostellar phase-while the protostellar envelope is still falling onto the disk-is much less well understood, mostly because the properties of the central obscured protostar are difficult to estimate. Kinematic measurements of protostellar masses with new interfometric facilities should improve estimates of accretion rates during the earliest phases of star formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term homogeneous photometry for 35 classical T Tauri stars (CTTS) in the Taurus-Auriga star-forming region has been analyzed. Reliable effective temperatures, interstellar extinctions, luminosities, radii, masses, and ages have been determined for the CTTS. The physical parameters and evolutionary status of 35 CTTS from this work and 34 weak-line T Tauri stars (WTTS) from previous studies have been compared. The luminosities, radii, and rotation periods of low-mass (0.3-1.1 M) CTTS are shown to be, on average, greater than those of low-mass WTTS, in good agreement with the evolutionary status of these two subgroups. The mean age of the younger subgroup of WTTS from our sample (2.3 Myr) essentially coincides with the mean duration of the protoplanetary disk accretion phase (2.3 Myr) for a representative sample of low-mass stars in seven young stellar clusters. The accretion disk dissipation time scale for the younger subgroup of CTTS (<4 Myr) in the Taurus-Auriga star-forming region is shown to be no greater than 0.4 Myr, in good agreement with the short protoplanetary disk dissipation time scale that is predicted by present-day protoplanetary disk evolution models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is recently proposed that planets in the habitable zones (HZ) of pre-main-sequence (PMS) M dwarfs are good targets for the detection of habitable environments. In this note we show that future ground-based telescopes will be able to observe planets in time-evolving HZ of PMS M dwarfs with duration 10–100 Myrs. Based on X-ray measurements, there are >18 M0–M4 PMS stars within 10 pc, the characterization of potentially habitable exoplanets around which could provide highly valuable information regarding the evolution of habitable environments. There are tens of M dwarfs within 10 pc with X-ray to total luminosity ratios similar to that of the young Sun, the observations of potential planets around which could significantly improve our understanding of the physical states of early Solar System rocky planets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Observations of nearby star-forming regions with the Herschel Space Observatory complement our view of the protoplanetary disks in Ophiuchus with information about the outer disks. Aims. The main goal of this project is to provide new far-infrared fluxes for the known disks in the core region of Ophiuchus and to identify potential transitional disks using data from Herschel. Methods. We obtained PACS and SPIRE photometry of previously spectroscopically confirmed young stellar objects (YSO) in the region and analysed their spectral energy distributions. Results. From an initial sample of 261 objects with spectral types in Ophiuchus, we detect 49 disks in at least one Herschel band.We provide new far-infrared fluxes for these objects. One of them is clearly a new transitional disk candidate. Conclusions. The data from Herschel Space Observatory provides fluxes that complement previous infrared data and that we use to identify a new transitional disk candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We employed field star decontaminated Two Micron All Sky Survey photometry to study four nearby optical embedded clusters -- Collinder 34, NGC 3293, NGC 3766 and NGC 6231 -- obtaining deep colour-magnitude diagrams and stellar radial density profiles. We found what seem to be pre-main sequences detached in different amounts from main sequences in these diagrams. The structural analysis of each cluster revealed different radial distributions for these two sequences. We argued that the detached evolutionary sequences in our sample may be evidence of sequential star formation. Finally, we compared the sample cluster parameters with those of other young clusters in the literature and point out evidence that NGC 3766 and NGC 6231 might be evolving to OB associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an isochrone server for semi-empirical pre-main-sequence model isochrones in the following systems: Johnson–Cousins, Sloan Digital Sky Survey, Two-Micron All-Sky Survey, Isaac Newton Telescope (INT) Wide-Field Camera and INT Photometric Hα Survey (IPHAS)/UV-Excess Survey (UVEX). The server can be accessed via the Cluster Collaboration webpage http://www.astro.ex.ac.uk/people/timn/isochrones/. To achieve this, we have used the observed colours of member stars in young clusters with well-established age, distance and reddening to create fiducial loci in the colour–magnitude diagram. These empirical sequences have been used to quantify the discrepancy between the models and data arising from uncertainties in both the interior and atmospheric models, resulting in tables of semi-empirical bolometric corrections (BCs) in the various photometric systems. The model isochrones made available through the server are based on existing stellar interior models coupled with our newly derived semi-empirical BCs. As part of this analysis, we also present new cluster parameters for both the Pleiades and Praesepe, yielding ages of $135^{+20}_{-11}$ and $665^{+14}_{-7}\,\rm {Myr}$ as well as distances of 132 ± 2 and 184 ± 2 pc, respectively (statistical uncertainty only). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze 359 ultraviolet tiles from the All Sky Imaging Survey of the space mission GALEX covering roughly 400 square degrees toward the Orion star-forming region. There are a total of 1 555 174 ultraviolet sources that were cross-matched with other catalogs (2MASS, UCAC4, SDSS, DENIS, CMC15, and WISE) to produce a list of 290 717 reliable sources with a wide range of photometric information. Using different color selection criteria, we identify 111 young stellar object candidates showing both ultraviolet and infrared excesses, of which 81 are new identifications. We discuss the spatial distribution, the spectral energy distributions, and other physical properties of these stars. Their properties are, in general, compatible with those expected for T Tauri stars. This population of TTS candidates is widely dispersed around the Orion molecular cloud. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the results of FLAMES/UVES and FLAMES/GIRAFFE spectroscopic observations of 23 low-mass stars in the L1615/L1616 cometary cloud, complemented with FORS2 and VIMOS spectroscopy of 31 additional stars in the same cloud. L1615/L1616 is a cometary cloud in which the star formation was triggered by the impact of massive stars in the Orion OB association. From the measurements of the lithium abundance and radial velocity, we confirm the membership of our sample to the cloud. We use the equivalent widths of the Hα, Hβ, and the Hei λ5876, λ6678, λ7065 Å emission lines to calculate the accretion luminosities, Lacc, and the mass accretion rates, Macc. We find in L1615/L1616 a fraction of accreting objects (∼30%), which is consistent with the typical fraction of accretors in T associations of similar age (∼3 Myr). The mass accretion rate for these stars shows a trend with the mass of the central object similar to that found for other star-forming regions, with a spread at a given mass that depends on the evolutionary model used to derive the stellar mass. Moreover, the behavior of the 2MASS/WISE colors with Macc indicates that strong accretors with log Macc ≳ -8.5 dex show large excesses in the JHKs bands, as in previous studies. We also conclude that the accretion properties of the L1615/L1616 members are similar to those of young stellar objects in T associations, like Lupus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The Carina Nebula is one of the most massive and active star-forming regions in our Galaxy and has been studied with numerous multiwavelength observations in the past five years. However, most of these studies were restricted to the inner parts (≲1 square-degree) of the nebula, and thus covered only a small fraction of the whole cloud complex. Aims: Our aim was to conduct a near-infrared survey that covers the full spatial extent (~5 square-degrees) of the Carina Nebula complex and is sensitive enough to detect all associated young stars through extinctions of up to AV ≈ 6 mag. Methods: We used the 4m Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy (VISTA) of ESO to map an area of 6.7 square-degrees around the Carina Nebula in the near-infrared J-, H-, Ks-bands. Results: The analysis of our VISTA data revealed 4 840 807 individual near-infrared sources, 3 951 580 of which are detected in at least two bands. The faintest S/N ≥ 3 detections have magnitudes of J ≈ 21.2, H ≈ 19.9, and Ks ≈ 19.3. For objects at the distance of the Carina Nebula (2.3 kpc), our catalog is estimated to be complete down to stellar masses of ≈0.1 M☉ for young stars with extinctions of AV ≈ 5 mag; for regions in the brightest parts of the central nebula with particularly strong diffuse emission, the completeness limit is at slightly higher stellar masses. We describe the photometric calibration, the characteristics, and the quality of these data. VISTA images of several newly detected or yet rarely studied clusters in the outer parts of the Carina Nebula complex are presented. Finally, a list of stars with high proper motions that were discovered in our analysis is provided in an appendix. Conclusions: Our catalog represents by far the most comprehensive deep near-infrared catalog of the Carina Nebula complex. It provides a new basis for spatially complete investigations of the young stellar population in this important star-forming complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. We conducted the first X-ray observations of the newly erupting FU Ori-type outburst in HBC 722 (V2493 Cyg) with the aim to characterize its X-ray behavior and near-stellar environment during early outburst. Methods. We used data from the XMM-Newton and Chandra X-ray observatories to measure X-ray source temperatures and luminosities as well as the gas column densities along the line of sight toward the source. Results. We report a Chandra X-ray detection of HBC 722 with an X-ray luminosity of LX ≈ 4 × 1030 ergs s-1. The gas column density exceeds values expected from optical extinction and standard gas-to-dust ratios. We conclude that dust-free gas masses are present around the star, such as strong winds launched from the inner disk, or massive accretion columns. A tentative detection obtained by XMM-Newton two years earlier after an initial optical peak revealed a fainter X-ray source with only weak absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoevaporation due to high-energy stellar photons is thought to be one of the main drivers of protoplanetary disk dispersal. The fully or partially ionized disk surface is expected to produce free-free continuum emission at centimeter (cm) wavelengths that can be routinely detected with interferometers such as the upgraded Very Large Array (VLA).We use deep (rms noise down to 8 μJy beam-1 in the field of view center) 3.5 cm maps of the nearby (130 pc) Corona Australis (CrA) star formation (SF) region to constrain disk photoevaporation models. We find that the radio emission from disk sources in CrA is surprisingly faint. Only three out of ten sources within the field of view are detected, with flux densities of about 102 μJy. However, a significant fraction of their emission is nonthermal. Typical upper limits for nondetections are 3σ ∼ 60 μJy beam-1. Assuming analytic expressions for the free-free emission from extreme-UV (EUV) irradiation, we derive stringent upper limits to the ionizing photon luminosity that impinges on the disk surface ΦEUV < 1-4 × 1041 s-1. These limits constrain ΦEUV to the low end of the values needed by EUV-driven photoevaporation models to clear protoplanetary disks within the observed few Myr timescale. Therefore, at least in CrA, EUV-driven photoevaporation is unlikely to be the main agent of disk dispersal.We also compare the observed X-ray luminosities LX of disk sources with models in which photoevaporation is driven by such photons. Although predictions are less specific than for the EUV case, most of the observed fluxes (upper limits) are roughly consistent with the (scaled) predictions. Deeper observations, as well as predictions spanning a wider parameter space, are needed to properly test X-ray driven photoevaporation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the results of an age determination study of pre-main sequence stars in the Taurus star-forming region. The ages of 10 single stars with masses of 0.5-1.1 M⊙ were derived from the surface gravities, estimated from high-resolution optical and near-infrared spectroscopy. The equivalent width ratios of nearby absorption line pairs were employed for the surface gravity diagnostic, which directly reflects the parameters of the stellar atmosphere without any veiling correction. From a comparison of determined ages and near-infrared color excesses such as J - H, J - K, and J - L, the inner disk lifetime of the young stars with 0.5-1.1 M⊙ in Taurus is estimated to be 3-4 Myr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

84 PMS stellar objects are identified in a cluster located in the vicinity of IRAS 05137+3919 using the UKIDSS data base and Spitzer telescope (IRAC) images. The age of the cluster is 1.5-2.0 million years. Young stars are distributed nonuniformly in the cluster and form two subgroups. One is localized around the YSO CPM, which is a binary star, and the second contains a substantial number of objects with early spectral classes surrounded by gas-dust nebulae. The K luminosity functions of the PMS stars indicate that the cluster is at a distance of ~4.5 kpc. One of the components of CPM 15 appears to have Sp B3-B5 and is an Ae/Be Herbig star. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars are objects evolving from the birthline to the zero-age main sequence (ZAMS). Given a mass range near the ZAMS, the temperatures and luminosities of PMS and main-sequence stars are very similar. Moreover, their evolutionary tracks intersect one another causing some ambiguity in the determination of their evolutionary status. In this context, the detection and study of pulsations in PMS stars is crucial for differentiating between both types of stars by obtaining information of their interiors via asteroseismic techniques. Aims. A photometric variability study of a sample of northern field stars, which previously classified as either PMS or Herbig Ae/Be objects, has been undertaken with the purpose of detecting σ Scuti-type pulsations. Determination of physical parameters for these stars has also been carried out to locate them on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and check the instability strip for this type of pulsators. Methods. Multichannel photomultiplier and CCD time series photometry in the uvby Strömgren and BVI Johnson bands were obtained during four consecutive years from 2007 to 2010. The light curves have been analysed, and a variability criterion has been established. Among the objects classified as variable stars, we have selected those which present periodicities above 4 d-1, which was established as the lowest limit for σ Scuti-type pulsations in this investigation. Finally, these variable stars have been placed in a colour–magnitude diagram using the physical parameters derived with the collected uvbyβ Strömgren-Crawford photometry. Results. Five PMS σ Scuti- and three probable β Cephei-type stars have been detected. Two additional PMS σ Scuti stars are also confirmed in this work. Moreover, three new σ Scuti- and two γ Doradus-type stars have been detected among the main-sequence objects used as comparison or check stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polytropic model is used to investigate the effects of dark photospheric spots on the evolution and radii of magnetically active, low-mass (M < 0.5 M⊙), pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars. Spots slow the contraction along Hayashi tracks and inflate the radii of PMS stars by a factor of (1 − β)−N compared to unspotted stars of the same luminosity, where β is the equivalent covering fraction of dark starspots and N ≃ 0.45 ± 0.05. This is a much stronger inflation than predicted by Spruit & Weiss for main-sequence stars with the same β, where N ∼ 0.2–0.3. These models have been compared to radii determined for very magnetically active K- and M-dwarfs in the young Pleiades and NGC 2516 clusters, and the radii of tidally locked, low-mass eclipsing binary components. The binary components and zero-age main-sequence K-dwarfs have radii inflated by ∼10 per cent compared to an empirical radius–luminosity relation that is defined by magnetically inactive field dwarfs with interferometrically measured radii; low-mass M-type PMS stars, that are still on their Hayashi tracks, are inflated by up to ∼40 per cent. If this were attributable to starspots alone, we estimate that an effective spot coverage of 0.35 < β < 0.51 is required. Alternatively, global inhibition of convective flux transport by dynamo-generated fields may play a role. However, we find greater consistency with the starspot models when comparing the loci of active young stars and inactive field stars in colour–magnitude diagrams, particularly for the highly inflated PMS stars, where the large, uniform temperature reduction required in globally inhibited convection models would cause the stars to be much redder than observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new scenario - early disc accretion - has recently been proposed to explain the discovery of multiple stellar populations in Galactic globular clusters. According to this model, the existence of well defined (anti-)correlations amongst light element abundances (i.e. C, N, O, Na) in the photospheres of stars belonging to the same cluster (and the associated helium enrichment) is caused by accretion of the ejecta of short-lived interacting massive binary systems (and single fast rotating massive stars) on fully convective pre-main sequence low- and very low-mass stars, during the early stages of the cluster evolution. In a previous paper we applied this scenario to the cluster NGC?2808, showing how the knowledge of the He abundance of its triple main sequence can constrain both the He abundance of the accreted matter and the accretion efficiency. Here we have investigated the constraints provided by considering simultaneously the observed spread of lithium and oxygen (and when possible also sodium) abundances for samples of turn-off stars in NGC?6752, NGC?6121 (M4), and NGC?104 (47Tuc), and the helium abundance of their multiple main sequences. These observations provide a very powerful test of the accretion scenario, because the observed O, Li, and He abundance distributions at the turn-off can be used to constrain the composition (and mass) of the accreted matter and the timescales of the polluting stars. In the case of NGC?6752, we could not find a physically consistent solution. If early disc accretion does happen, observations point towards accretion of gas with a non-negligible Li abundance, contrary to the expectations for the ejecta of the "natural" polluters in this scenario. For M4, spectroscopic errors are too large compared to the intrinsic spread, to constrain the properties of the accreted matter. As for 47Tuc, we could find a physically consistent solution for the abundances of He and O (and Na) in the accreted gas and predict the abundances of these elements in the accreted matter - that will have to be reproduced by evolutionary calculations for the polluters and simulations of the global evolution of the intracluster gas - only if pollution happens with timescales of ~1 Myr, so polluters are objects with masses of several tens of solar masses. Accurate spectroscopic measurements of Li and other light elements in dwarf stars in a larger sample of clusters are needed to test this scenario more comprehensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young stars show evidence of accretion discs which evolve quickly and disperse with an e-folding time of ~3 Myr. This is in striking contrast with recent observations that suggest evidence of numerous >30 Myr old stars with an accretion disc in large star-forming complexes. We consider whether these observations of apparently old accretors could be explained by invoking Bondi-Hoyle accretion to rebuild a new disc around these stars during passage through a clumpy molecular cloud. We combine a simple Monte Carlo model to explore the capture of mass by such systems with a viscous evolution model to infer the levels of accretion that would be observed. We find that a significant fraction of stars may capture enough material via the Bondi-Hoyle mechanism to rebuild a disc of mass ?1 minimum-mass solar nebula, and ?10% accrete at observable levels at any given time. A significant fraction of the observed old accretors may be explained with our proposed mechanism. Such accretion may provide a chance for a second epoch of planet formation, and have unpredictable consequences for planetary evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of inner region of protoplanetary disks around young pre-main-sequence stars is still poorly understood. This part of the disk is shaped by various forces that influence dust and gas dynamics, and by dust sublimation, which creates abrupt drops in the dust density. This region also emits strong near-infrared excess that cannot be explained by classical accretion disk models, which suggests the existence of some unusual dust distribution or disk shape. The most prevalent explanation to date is the puffed-up inner disk rim model, where the disk exhibits an optically thin cavity around the star up to the distance of dust sublimation. The critical parameter in this model is the inner disk rim height zmax relative to the rim distance from the star Rin. Observations often require zmax/Rin ≳ 0.2 to reproduce the near-infrared excess in the spectra. We compile a comprehensive list of processes that can shape the inner disk rim and combine them into a self-consistent model. Two of them, radiation pressure force and the gas velocity profile, have never been applied in this context before. The aim was to find the most plausible theoretical values of zmax/Rin. The results show that this value is ≲0.13 for Herbig Ae stars, ≲0.11 for T Tau stars, and ≲0.10 for young brown dwarfs. This is lower than the observational requirements for Herbig Ae stars. We argue that the same problem exists in T Tau stars as well. We conclude that the puffed-up inner rim model cannot be the sole explanation for the near-infrared excess in young pre-main-sequence stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term, multiband photometric observations of 8 young PMS stars are used to construct models for their starspots. It is shown that the average density of starspots is up to 40 % of the total surface of a star (V824 Ara), while the difference in temperatures between a quiet photosphere and a spot ranges from 870 K (AB Dor) to 1700-1800 K (PZ Tel, V1321 Ori, V395 Cep). The spots lie at low (2-8°, V343 Nor) and medium (25-61°) latitudes, while the largest latitude of starspots is 16-80°. A cyclical activity that shows up as changes in the total area and average latitude of the starspots is observed in the stars PZ Tel, TY Col, V824 Ara, and AB Dor. A latitudinal drift of the starspots and differential rotation of the star are observed which are analogous to those of the sun. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Precise determination of dynamical masses of pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars is essential to calibrate stellar evolution models that are widely used to derive theoretical masses of young low-mass objects. Binary stars in young, nearby loose associations are particularly good candidates for this calibration since all members share a common age. Interestingly, some of these young binaries present a persistent and compact radio emission, which makes them excellent targets for astrometric VLBI studies. Aims. We aim to monitor the orbital motion of the binary system HD160934, a member of the ABDoradus moving group. Methods. We observed HD160934 with the Very Large Array and the European VLBI Network at 8.4 and 5GHz, respectively. The orbital information derived from these observations was analyzed along with previously reported orbital measurements. Results. We show that the two components of the binary, HD160934 A and HD160934 c, display compact radio emission at VLBI scales, providing precise information on the relative orbit. Revised orbital elements were estimated. Conclusions. Future VLBI monitoring of this pair should determine precise model-independent mass estimates for the A and c components, which will serve as calibration tests for PMS evolutionary models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Because of the presence of rotation and accretion disks, classical T Tauri stars have symmetry planes that are normally inclined relative to the plane of the sky. The inclination angles affect the observed spectral properties of these objects. Aims. We study the influence of the inclination angles on classical T Tauri star spectra in an empirical manner. Methods. Published inclination angles, derived from the stellar photospheric rotation or from spatially resolved circumstellar disk observations, are compared with various observed spectral properties, and correlations are established and investigated. Results. Inclinations derived from the stellar rotation are found to be much less accurate than the published disk inclinations, and no significant correlations between spectral properties and inclinations based on rotation data could be detected. In contrast, significant correlations are found between the disk inclination angles and the apparent velocities observed for the forbidden emission lines and the wind absorption features of permitted lines. These data support the assumption of cone-like polar winds with opening angles smaller than ≈45°. Other spectral features show weaker or no inclination dependence. Using these results, the true (deprojected) flow velocities of the polar winds are derived for the investigated sample of T Tauri stars. Deprojected wind-ejection velocities appear to differ by a factor of two among the stars in our sample, which spans a range of mass-loss rates from 10-10 M☉/yr to 3 × 10-7M☉/yr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Traditionally, the chromospheres of late-type stars are studied through their strongest emission lines, Hα and Ca iiHK emission. Our knowledge on the whole emission line spectrum is more elusive as a result of the limited spectral range and sensitivity of most available spectrographs. Aims. We intend to reduce this gap with a comprehensive spectroscopic study of the chromospheric emission line spectrum of a sample of non-accreting pre-main sequence stars (Class III sources). Methods. We analyzed X-shooter/VLT spectra of 24 Class III sources from three nearby star-forming regions (σOrionis, Lupus III, and TWHya). We determined the effective temperature, surface gravity, rotational velocity, and radial velocity by comparing the observed spectra with synthetic BT-Settl model spectra. We investigated in detail the emission lines emerging from the stellar chromospheres and combined these data with archival X-ray data to allow for a comparison between chromospheric and coronal emissions. Results. For some objects in the sample the atmospheric and kinematic parameters are presented here for the first time. The effective temperatures are consistent with those derived for the same stars from an empirical calibration with spectral types. Small differences in the surface gravity found between the stars can be attributed to differences in the average age of the three star-forming regions. The strength of lithium absorption and radial velocities confirm the young age of all but one object in the sample (Sz 94). Both X-ray and Hα luminosity as measured in terms of the bolometric luminosity are independent of the effective temperature for early-M stars but decline toward the end of the spectral M sequence. For the saturated early-M stars the average emission level is almost one dex higher for X-rays than for Hα: log(LLx/Lbol) = -2.85 ± 0.36 vs. log (LHα/Lbol) = -3.72 ± 0.21. When all chromospheric emission lines (including the Balmer series up to H11, Ca ii HK, the Ca ii infrared triplet, and several He i lines) are summed up the coronal flux still dominates that of the chromosphere, typically by a factor 2-5. Flux-flux relations between activity diagnostics that probe different atmospheric layers (from the lower chromosphere to the corona) separate our sample of active pre-main sequence stars from the bulk of field M dwarfs studied in the literature. Flux ratios between individual optical emission lines show a smooth dependence on the effective temperature. The Balmer decrements can roughly be reproduced by an NLTE radiative transfer model devised for another young star of similar age. Future, more complete chromospheric model grids can be tested against this data set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. With the progress of observational constraints on stellar rotation and on the angular velocity profile in stars, it is necessary to understand how angular momentum is transported in stellar interiors during their whole evolution. In this context, more highly refined dynamical stellar evolution models have been built that take into account transport mechanisms. Aims. Internal gravity waves (IGWs) excited by convective regions constitute an efficient transport mechanism over long distances in stellar radiation zones. They are one of the mechanisms that are suspected of being responsible for the quasi-flat rotation profile of the solar radiative region up to 0.2 R☉. Therefore, we include them in our detailed analysis started in Paper I of the main physical processes responsible for the transport of angular momentum and chemical species in stellar radiation zones. Here, we focus on the complete interaction between differential rotation, meridional circulation, shear-induced turbulence, and IGWs during the main sequence. Methods. We improved the diagnosis tools designed in Paper I to unravel angular momentum transport and chemical mixing in rotating stars by taking into account IGWs. The star's secular hydrodynamics is treated using projection on axisymmetric spherical harmonics and appropriate horizontal averages that allow the problem to be reduced to one dimension while preserving the nondiffusive character of angular momentum transport by the meridional circulation and IGWs. Wave excitation by convective zones is computed at each time-step of the evolution track. We choose here to analyse the evolution of a 1.1 M☉, Z☉ star in which IGWs are known to be efficient. Results. We quantify the relative importance of the physical mechanisms that sustain meridional currents and that drive the transport of angular momentum, heat, and chemicals when IGWs are taken into account. First, angular momentum extraction, Reynolds stresses caused by IGWs, and viscous stresses sustain a large-scale multi-cellular meridional circulation. This circulation in turn advects entropy, which generates temperature fluctuations and a new rotation profile because of thermal wind. Conclusions. We have refined our diagnosis of secular transport processes in stellar interiors. We confirm that meridional circulation is sustained by applied torques, internal stresses, and structural readjustments, rather than by thermal imbalance, and we detail the impact of IGWs. These large-scale flows then modify the thermal structure of stars, their internal rotation profile, and their chemical stratification. The tools we developed in Paper I and generalised for the present analysis will be used in the near future to study secular hydrodynamics of rotating stars taking into account IGWs in the whole Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large area surveys allow us to identify young stellar objects and classify them based on their colours. The near-, mid- and far-infrared filters' sensitivities are different, therefore different proportions of young stars are observable. Evolutionary times for the different classes can be concluded from the popularity of the classes. Our aim was to investigate the completeness of the YSO detections. With the use of only mid- or only far-infrared surveys, we will miss one part of the young stellar objects. Without far-infrared data one third of the Class 0-II objects can remain invisible. Class III sources are almost invisible above 65 μm. For a comprehensive study we have to use the available data in the whole infrared range. (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The He II (1640 Å) line and the resonance doublet of N V (UV1) provide a good diagnostic tool to constrain the excitation mechanism of hot (Te > 40,000 K) atmospheric/magnetospheric plasmas in T Tauri stars (TTSs). Making use of the data available in the Hubble Space Telescope archive, this work shows that there are at least two distinct physical components contributing to the radiation in these tracers: the accretion flow sliding on the magnetosphere and the atmosphere. The N V profiles in most sources are symmetric and at rest with respect to the star. The velocity dispersion of the profile increases from non-accreting (σ = 40 km s–1) to accreting (σ = 120 km s–1) TTSs, suggesting that the macroturbulence field in the line formation region decreases as the stars approach the main sequence. Evidence of the N V line being formed in a hot solar-like wind has been found in RW Aur, HN Tau, and AA Tau. The He II profile has a strong narrow component that dominates the line flux; the dispersion of this component ranges from 20 to 60 km s–1. Current data suggest that both accretion shocks and atmospheric emission might contribute to the line flux. In some sources, the He II line shows a broad and redward-shifted emission component often accompanied by semiforbidden O III] emission that has a critical electron density of ∼3.4 × 1010 cm3. In spite of their different origins (inferred from the kinematics of the line formation region), N V and He II fluxes are strongly correlated, with only the possible exception of some of the heaviest accretors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]