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Correlations between Lithium and Technetium Absorption Lines in the Spectra of Galactic S Stars
Correlations between the presence of the 6707 Å line of lithiumand the resonance lines of technetium (4238 and 4262 Å) in a largesample of Galactic S stars are analyzed. Half of the sample stars areintrinsic S stars (those exhibiting technetium in their spectra), and1/3 of these stars also have strong lithium lines in their spectra.Stars having both lithium and technetium in their spectra areinterpreted as intermediate-mass thermally pulsating asymptotic giantbranch (TP-AGB) stars in which lithium is produced by the Cameron-Fowlermechanism. The production of lithium is predicted to occur inhigh-luminosity (Mbol<=-6) TP-AGB stars by the hot-bottomburning (HBB) mechanism. Data on the carbon isotope ratios of stars inour sample agree with the predictions of HBB; however, oxygen isotoperatios in these stars do not agree with the predictions of HBB.Furthermore, the available luminosities for our sample stars are belowthe minimum value necessary for HBB to occur in available models.Cool-bottom processing (CBP) is one possible explanation for thepresence of lithium in the spectra of these stars. Intrinsic S starshaving technetium but no lithium in their spectra are interpreted aslower mass (1.5-3 Msolar) thermally pulsating AGB stars thathave not undergone CBP. Extrinsic S stars constitute the remaining halfof the sample. Carbon and oxygen isotope ratios, as well as the lack oftechnetium and lithium in the spectra of these stars, are consistentwith these being low-mass red giant branch stars (1-2Msolar), with mass transfer from a now extinct thermallypulsating AGB star being responsible for the enhanced abundance ofs-process elements.
| Two Micron All Sky Survey, Infrared Astronomical Satellite, and Midcourse Space Experiment Color Properties of Intrinsic and Extrinsic S Stars
We attempt to select new candidate intrinsic and extrinsic S stars inthe General Catalogue of Galactic S Stars (GCGSS) by combining data fromthe Two Micron All Sky Survey, the Infrared Astronomical Satellite, andthe Midcourse Space Experiment. Catalog entries are cross-identified,yielding 528 objects, out of which 29 are known extrinsic S stars and 31are known intrinsic S stars. Their color-color diagrams,(H-[12])-(K-[12]) and (K-[12])-(J-[25]), are drawn and used to identifya new sample of 147 extrinsic and 256 intrinsic S star candidates, whilethe nature of 65 stars remains identified. We infer that about 38%+/-10%of the GCGSS objects are of extrinsic type. Moreover, we think thatcolors such as J-[25] can be used to split off the two categories of Sstars, while single colors are not appropriate. The color-colordiagrams, such as (H-[12])-(K-[12]) and (K-[12])-(J-[25]), are proven tobe powerful tools for distinguishing the two kinds of S stars.
| Mass-loss properties of S-stars on the AGB
We have used a detailed non-LTE radiative transfer code to model newAPEX CO(J = 3 → 2) data, and existing CO radio line data, on asample of 40 AGB S-stars. The derived mass-loss-rate distribution has amedian value of 2 × 10-7~Mȯyr-1, and resembles values obtained for similar samples ofM-stars and carbon stars. Possibly, there is a scarcity ofhigh-mass-loss-rate (≥10-5~Mȯyr-1) S-stars. The distribution of envelope gas expansionvelocities is similar to that of the M-stars, the median is 7.5 kms-1, while the carbon stars, in general, have higher gasexpansion velocities. The mass-loss rate correlates well with the gasexpansion velocity, in accordance with results for M-stars and carbonstars.
| A Unique Dust Formation Episode in the SC-Type Star UY Centauri
We report the first detection of new dust formation in an SC star. Theprototype of the SC stars, UY Cen, underwent a decline of 2 mag in the Vband. The SC stars show pulsational variations and have 60 μmexcesses, indicating past dust formation. It has been suggested that asa star evolves from being oxygen rich to carbon rich, there is a shortperiod of time when C/O~1 during which the star appearsspectroscopically as an SC star and ceases to produce dust. The SC starBH Cru has shown large spectroscopic and pulsation period variationsover only 30 yr, indicating rapid evolution, but it has shown no sign ofnew dust formation. UY Cen has not shown any pulsation or spectroscopicvariations accompanying the onset of its dust formation. In addition, UYCen did not show emission in the resonance lines of Na I, K I, or Rb Iwhen it was at its faintest, although these lines were a feature of thecarbon stars R Lep and V Hya during similar faint phases.
| Period and chemical evolution of SC stars
The SC and CS stars are thermal-pulsing asymptotic giant branch starswith a C/O ratio close to unity. Within this small group, the Miravariable BH Cru recently evolved from spectral type SC (showing ZrObands) to CS (showing weak C2). Wavelet analysis shows thatthe spectral evolution was accompanied by a dramatic period increase,from 420 to 540 d, indicating an expanding radius. The pulsationamplitude also increased. Old photographic plates are used to establishthat the period before 1940 was around 490 d. Chemical models indicatethat the spectral changes were caused by a decrease in stellartemperature, related to the increasing radius. There is no evidence fora change in C/O ratio. The evolution in BH Cru is unlikely to be relatedto an ongoing thermal pulse. Periods of the other SC and CS stars,including nine new periods, are determined. A second SC star, LX Cyg,also shows evidence for a large increase in period, and one further starshows a period inconsistent with a previous determination. Mira periodsmay be intrinsically unstable for C/O ~ 1; possibly because of afeedback between the molecular opacities, pulsation amplitude, andperiod. LRS spectra of 6 SC stars suggest a feature at λ > 15μm, which resembles one recently attributed to the iron-sulphidetroilite. Chemical models predict a large abundance of FeS in SC stars,in agreement with the proposed association.
| Automated Classification of 2000 Bright IRAS Sources
An artificial neural network (ANN) scheme has been employed that uses asupervised back-propagation algorithm to classify 2000 bright sourcesfrom the Calgary database of Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS)spectra in the region 8-23 μm. The database has been classified into17 predefined classes based on the spectral morphology. We have beenable to classify over 80% of the sources correctly in the firstinstance. The speed and robustness of the scheme will allow us toclassify the whole of the Low Resolution Spectrometer database,containing more than 50,000 sources, in the near future.
| How many Hipparcos Variability-Induced Movers are genuine binaries?
Hipparcos observations of some variable stars, and especially oflong-period (e.g. Mira) variables, reveal a motion of the photocentercorrelated with the brightness variation (variability-induced mover -VIM), suggesting the presence of a binary companion. A re-analysis ofthe Hipparcos photometric and astrometric data does not confirm the VIMsolution for 62 among the 288 VIM objects (21%) in the Hipparcoscatalogue. Most of these 288 VIMs are long-period (e.g. Mira) variables(LPV). The effect of a revised chromaticity correction, which accountsfor the color variations along the light cycle, was then investigated.It is based on ``instantaneous'' V-I color indices derived fromHipparcos and Tycho-2 epoch photometry. Among the 188 LPVs flagged asVIM in the Hipparcos catalogue, 89 (47%) are not confirmed as VIM afterthis improved chromaticity correction is applied. This dramatic decreasein the number of VIM solutions is not surprising, since the chromaticitycorrection applied by the Hipparcos reduction consortia was based on afixed V-I color. Astrophysical considerations lead us to adopt a morestringent criterion for accepting a VIM solution (first-kind risk of0.27% instead of 10% as in the Hipparcos catalogue). With this moresevere criterion, only 27 LPV stars remain VIM, thus rejecting 161 ofthe 188 (86%) of the LPVs defined as VIMs in the Hipparcos catalogue.Based on observations from the Hipparcos astrometric satellite operatedby the European Space Agency (ESA 1997).Table 1 is also available in electronic form at the CDS, via anonymousftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or viahttp://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cgi-bin/qcat?J/A+A/399/1167
| Hipparcos red stars in the HpV_T2 and V I_C systems
For Hipparcos M, S, and C spectral type stars, we provide calibratedinstantaneous (epoch) Cousins V - I color indices using newly derivedHpV_T2 photometry. Three new sets of ground-based Cousins V I data havebeen obtained for more than 170 carbon and red M giants. These datasetsin combination with the published sources of V I photometry served toobtain the calibration curves linking Hipparcos/Tycho Hp-V_T2 with theCousins V - I index. In total, 321 carbon stars and 4464 M- and S-typestars have new V - I indices. The standard error of the mean V - I isabout 0.1 mag or better down to Hp~9 although it deteriorates rapidly atfainter magnitudes. These V - I indices can be used to verify thepublished Hipparcos V - I color indices. Thus, we have identified ahandful of new cases where, instead of the real target, a random fieldstar has been observed. A considerable fraction of the DMSA/C and DMSA/Vsolutions for red stars appear not to be warranted. Most likely suchspurious solutions may originate from usage of a heavily biased color inthe astrometric processing.Based on observations from the Hipparcos astrometric satellite operatedby the European Space Agency (ESA 1997).}\fnmsep\thanks{Table 7 is onlyavailable in electronic form at the CDS via anonymous ftp tocdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or viahttp://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cgi-bin/qcat?J/A+A/397/997
| Carbon-rich giants in the HR diagram and their luminosity function
The luminosity function (LF) of nearly 300 Galactic carbon giants isderived. Adding BaII giants and various related objects, about 370objects are located in the RGB and AGB portions of the theoretical HRdiagram. As intermediate steps, (1) bolometric corrections arecalibrated against selected intrinsic color indices; (2) the diagram ofphotometric coefficients 1/2 vs. astrometric trueparallaxes varpi are interpreted in terms of ranges of photosphericradii for every photometric group; (3) coefficients CR andCL for bias-free evaluation of mean photospheric radii andmean luminosities are computed. The LF of Galactic carbon giantsexhibits two maxima corresponding to the HC-stars of the thick disk andto the CV-stars of the old thin disk respectively. It is discussed andcompared to those of carbon stars in the Magellanic Clouds and Galacticbulge. The HC-part is similar to the LF of the Galactic bulge,reinforcing the idea that the Bulge and the thick disk are part of thesame dynamical component. The CV-part looks similar to the LF of theLarge Magellanic Cloud (LMC), but the former is wider due to thesubstantial errors on HIPPARCOS parallaxes. The obtained meanluminosities increase with increasing radii and decreasing effectivetemperatures, along the HC-CV sequence of photometric groups, except forHC0, the earliest one. This trend illustrates the RGB- and AGB-tracks oflow- and intermediate-mass stars for a range in metallicities. From acomparison with theoretical tracks in the HR diagram, the initial massesMi range from about 0.8 to 4.0 Msun for carbongiants, with possibly larger masses for a few extreme objects. A largerange of metallicities is likely, from metal-poor HC-stars classified asCH stars on the grounds of their spectra (a spheroidal component), tonear-solar compositions of many CV-stars. Technetium-rich carbon giantsare brighter than the lower limit Mbol =~ -3.6+/- 0.4 andcentered at =~-4.7+0.6-0.9 at about =~(2935+/-200) K or CV3-CV4 in our classification. Much like the resultsof Van Eck et al. (\cite{vaneck98}) for S stars, this confirms theTDU-model of those TP-AGB stars. This is not the case of the HC-stars inthe thick disk, with >~ 3400 K and>~ -3.4. The faint HC1 and HC2-stars( =~ -1.1+0.7-1.0) arefound slightly brighter than the BaII giants ( =~-0.3+/-1.3) on average. Most RCB variables and HdC stars range fromMbol =~ -1 to -4 against -0.2 to -2.4 for those of the threepopulation II Cepheids in the sample. The former stars show the largestluminosities ( <~ -4 at the highest effectivetemperatures (6500-7500 K), close to the Mbol =~ -5 value forthe hot LMC RCB-stars (W Men and HV 5637). A full discussion of theresults is postponed to a companion paper on pulsation modes andpulsation masses of carbon-rich long period variables (LPVs; Paper IV,present issue). This research has made use of the Simbad databaseoperated at CDS, Strasbourg, France. Partially based on data from theESA HIPPARCOS astrometry satellite. Table 2 is only available inelectronic form at the CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr(130.79.128.5) or viahttp://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cgi-bin/qcat?J/A+A/390/967
| New periodic variables from the Hipparcos epoch photometry
Two selection statistics are used to extract new candidate periodicvariables from the epoch photometry of the Hipparcos catalogue. Theprimary selection criterion is a signal-to-noise ratio. The dependenceof this statistic on the number of observations is calibrated usingabout 30000 randomly permuted Hipparcos data sets. A significance levelof 0.1 per cent is used to extract a first batch of candidate variables.The second criterion requires that the optimal frequency be unaffectedif the data are de-trended by low-order polynomials. We find 2675 newcandidate periodic variables, of which the majority (2082) are from theHipparcos`unsolved' variables. Potential problems with theinterpretation of the data (e.g. aliasing) are discussed.
| Polarimetry of 167 Cool Variable Stars: Data
Multicolor photoelectric polarimetry is presented for 167 stars, most ofwhich are variable stars. The observations constitute a data set thatfor some stars covers a time span of 35 yr. Complex variations are foundover time and wavelength and in both the amount of polarization and itsposition angle, providing constraints for understanding the polarizingenvironments in and around these cool stars.
| IRAS 19111+2555(=S Lyr): A Possible Silicate Carbon Star
The properties and classification of IRAS 19111+2555 have so far notbeen well determined. We collect all the available information and dataof this star, and take the data obtained by IRAS LRS and ISO SWS todiscuss its properties and classification. The star is found to have a3.1μm feature in absorption and a 10μm feature in emission, so itis possibly a new silicate carbon star.
| The effective temperatures of carbon-rich stars
We evaluate effective temperatures of 390 carbon-rich stars. Theinterstellar extinction on their lines of sights was determined andcircumstellar contributions derived. The intrinsic (dereddened) spectralenergy distributions (SEDs) are classified into 14 photometric groups(HCi, CVj and SCV with i=0,5 and j=1,7). The newscale of effective temperatures proposed here is calibrated on the 54angular diameters (measured on 52 stars) available at present from lunaroccultations and interferometry. The brightness distribution on stellardiscs and its influence on diameter evaluations are discussed. Theeffective temperatures directly deduced from those diameters correlatewith the classification into photometric groups, despite the large errorbars on diameters. The main parameter of our photometric classificationis thus effective temperature. Our photometric < k right >1/2 coefficients are shown to be angular diameters on arelative scale for a given photometric group, (more precisely for agiven effective temperature). The angular diameters are consistent withthe photometric data previously shown to be consistent with the trueparallaxes from HIPPARCOS observations (Knapik, et al. \cite{knapik98},Sect. 6). Provisional effective temperatures, as constrained by asuccessful comparison of dereddened SEDs from observations to modelatmosphere predictions, are in good agreement with the values directlycalculated from the observed angular diameters and with those deducedfrom five selected intrinsic color indices. These three approaches wereused to calibrate a reference angular diameter Phi 0 and theassociated coefficient CT_eff. The effective temperatureproposed for each star is the arithmetic mean of two estimates, one(``bolometric'') from a reference integrated flux F0, theother (``spectral'') from calibrated color indices which arerepresentative of SED shapes. Effective temperatures for about 390carbon stars are provided on this new homogeneous scale, together withvalues for some stars classified with oxygen-type SEDs with a total of438 SEDs (410 stars) studied. Apparent bolometric magnitudes are given.Objects with strong infrared excesses and optically thick circumstellardust shells are discussed separately. The new effective temperaturescale is shown to be compatible and (statistically) consistent with thesample of direct values from the observed angular diameters. Theeffective temperatures are confirmed to be higher than the mean colortemperatures (from 140 to 440 K). They are in good agreement with thepublished estimates from the infrared flux method forTeff>= 3170 K, while an increasing discrepancy is observedtoward lower temperatures. As an illustration of the efficiency of thephotometric classification and effective temperature scale, the C/Oratios and the Merrill-Sanford (M-S) band intensities are investigated.It is shown that the maximum value, mean value and dispersion of C/Oincrease along the photometric CV-sequence, i.e. with decreasingeffective temperature. The M-S bands of SiC2 are shown tohave a transition from ``none'' to ``strong'' at Teff =~(2800+/- 150right ) K. Simultaneously, with decreasing effectivetemperature, the mean C/O ratio increases from 1.04 to 1.36, thetransition in SiC2 strength occurring while 1.07<= C/O<= 1.18. This research has made use of the Simbad database operatedat CDS, Strasbourg, France. Table 10 is only available in electronicform at the CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5)}or via http://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cgi-bin/qcat?J/A+A/369/178
| Stars with the Largest Hipparcos Photometric Amplitudes
A list of the 2027 stars that have the largest photometric amplitudes inHipparcos Photometry shows that most variable stars are all Miras. Thepercentage of variable types change as a function of amplitude. Thiscompilation should also be of value to photometrists looking forrelatively unstudied, but large amplitude stars.
| The Henize sample of S stars --- III. Uncovering the binary intruders
The properties of S stars are investigated thanks to a large observingprogram devoted to the well-defined Henize sample (205 S stars south ofδ = -25̂ and brighter than R = 10.5, covering allgalactic latitudes), in order to derive the respective properties of theintrinsic S stars (genuine thermally-pulsing AGB stars) and of theextrinsic S stars (post mass-transfer binaries). The stellar sample isfirst cleaned from a few stars misclassified as S thanks to UBV Genevaphotometry and low-resolution spectroscopy. These low-resolution spectraalso allow to successfully distinguish subclasses within the S starfamily. Dedicated Geneva photometry and high-resolution spectroscopyhave led to the discovery of two symbiotic S stars. The more stringentdifference between extrinsic and intrinsic stars is their technetiumcontent, but several other observational parameters are shown to beefficient to some extent in segregating intrinsic S stars from theirextrinsic masqueraders (UBV , JHKL and IRAS photometry, radial-velocitystandard deviation, shape of the CORAVEL cross-correlation dip,combination of band strength indices derived from low-resolutionspectra). Multivariate classification has been performed on the Henizedata sample in order to guarantee a classification as objective aspossible and handling at the same time a large number of parameters. Theresulting clusters separate efficiently extrinsic and intrinsic S stars,allowing to derive the respective properties of these two distinctstellar classes. The population difference between intrinsic andextrinsic S stars is for the first time clearly demonstrated, sinceintrinsic S stars are far more concentrated towards the galactic planethan extrinsic S stars (zint = 200 ∓ 100 pc andzext = 600 ∓ 100 pc), and are therefore believed tobelong to a younger, more massive population. The frequency of extrinsicand intrinsic S stars in the magnitude-limited Henize sample amounts to33% and 67%, respectively. In a volume-limited sample, this proportionis subject to large uncertainties mainly because of uncertainluminosities. There are probably as many as 40% extrinsic stars among Sstars in a volume-limited sample. Based on observations carried out atthe European Southern Observatory (ESO, La Silla, Chile) and at theSwiss 70 cm telescope (La Silla, Chile)
| The Henize sample of S stars. II. Data
This paper presents data collected on the Henize sample of 205 S stars:(i) CORAVEL radial-velocity data; (ii) photometric data in the UBV bandsof the Geneva photometric system; (iii) photometric data in the JHKLbands of the SAAO photometric system; (iv) IRAS fluxes; (v)low-resolution spectra of 158 S stars. Close visual companions have beenfound for Hen 47, 94, 105 and 155. Spectroscopic orbital elements areprovided for Hen 2, 108, 121, 137 and 147. The analysis of these data ispresented in a companion paper. Based on observations carried out at theEuropean Southern Observatory (ESO, La Silla, Chile), at the 70~cm Swisstelescope at ESO and at the South African Astronomical Observatory.
| Dust extinction and intrinsic SEDs of carbon-rich stars. III. The Miras, CS, and SC stars
The present work is an extension of a recent study by Knapik &Bergeat (\cite{knapik97}), and Bergeat et al. (\cite{berge98b})henceforth called Papers I and II, respectively. The spectral energydistributions (SEDs) of about 440 carbon-rich stars and the interstellarextinction observed on their line of sights were analysed. The methodsoriginally developed for Semi-Regular (SR) and Irregular (L) variables(Paper I: our groups CV1 to CV6) were then extended (Paper II) to thehot carbon (HC) stars (our groups HC0 to HC5) and related objects (RCB,BaII and HdC stars). Shortly, this is a kind of a pair method making usesimultaneously of the whole SED from UV to IR. Our approach is appliedhere to the galactic cool carbon-rich variables which were notconsidered in Paper I, namely the carbon Miras and very cool non-Miras,and the CS and SC variables. The carbon Miras with infrared silicateemission are also studied. The photometric CV1 to CV6 classificationscheme of paper I is implemented, and we add here a later CV7-group anda specific SCV-group which corresponds to spectroscopic SC stars. Acontinuous S-SC-CS-C sequence is clearly supported by our results. Thecarbon stars with IR silicate emission included in our study do havecarbon-rich SEDs of the three consecutive groups HC5, CV1 and CV2. Theystand among the relatively hot carbon variables, in the 3600-3000 Krange in effective temperature. The carbon Miras are satisfactorilydescribed in this enlarged scheme. No specific extension is requiredsince non-Miras are also found in the CV7 and SCV-groups. The derivedgroup is however frequently phase-dependent in these large amplitudevariables. Additional selective extinction of circumstellar (CS) originis observed in variable amounts. The mean extinction law for theinterstellar diffuse medium as tabulated by Mathis (\cite{mathis}) isshown to be relevant. It applies to both interstellar and circumstellarextinction with a possible CS neutral extinction in addition which wouldremain undetected here. The corresponding colour excess E(B-V) is largerat minimum light or intermediate phases than what it is at maximum light(where it can amount to zero). It is associated to large IR excessesattributed to the emission from CS dust. Long-term variations onthousands of days may be interpreted in terms of varying CS dust opacityon the line of sight. The dust influence is discussed. It is shown thatscattering, if substantial on the line of sight in the observing lobe,has to be essentially wavelength-independent, i.e. due to large neutralscatterers, especially in high opacity objects like IRC +10216. Finally,with the HC0 to HC5 classification of HC stars (Paper II), we obtain afourteen groups sequence (HC0 to HC5 and then CV1 to CV7 from theearlier one to the latest one, and SCV for SC stars apart). The numberof studied stars amounts now to about 600 that is about 40 stars pergroup on the average when the oxygen-type SEDs are subtracted. Theeffective temperature calibration of this classification scheme iscurrently in preparation. This research has made use of the Simbaddatabase operated at CDS, Strasbourg, France.}\fnmsep\thanks{Partiallybased on data from the ESA HIPPARCOS astrometrysatellite}\fnmsep\thanks{Table~5 is only available in electronic form atthe CDS via anonymous ftp 130.79.128.5
| The Infrared Spectral Classification of Oxygen-rich Dust Shells
This paper presents infrared spectral classifications for a flux-limitedsample of 635 optically identified oxygen-rich variables includingsupergiants and sources on the asymptotic giant branch (AGB). Severalclasses of spectra from oxygen-rich dust exist, and these can bearranged in a smoothly varying sequence of spectral shapes known as thesilicate dust sequence. Classification based on this sequence revealsseveral dependencies of the dust emission on the properties of thecentral star. Nearly all S stars show broad emission features fromalumina dust, while most of the supergiants exhibit classic featuresfrom amorphous silicate dust. Mira variables with symmetric light curvesgenerally show broad alumina emission, while those with more asymmetriclight curves show classic silicate emission. These differences may arisefrom differences in the photospheric C/O ratio.
| CO observations and mass loss of MS- and S-stars
We present (12) CO J = 1-0 and 2-1 observations of 14 S-stars, andreport 6 new detections. Two stars were observed in the (13) CO J = 1-0and 2-1 lines, and one tentative 2-1 detection is reported. Acompilation is presented of all CO observations of S-stars. The stars inthis sample are separated into ``intrinsic'' and ``extrinsic'' S-stars,based on direct observation of the Technetium line, or infraredproperties. The dust mass loss rate per unit distance is derived fromIRAS 60 mu m data taking into the fact that for small mass loss ratesthe observed flux is an overestimate of the excess emission due to dust.The gas mass loss rate per unit distance is derived from CO data.Distances and luminosities are estimated, partly from hipparcos parallaxdata. The largest mass loss rate derived is that for W Aql with(0.8-2.0) x 10(-5) {Msun} yr(-1) , and the lowest is that foro Ori with <1.2 x 10(-9) {Msun} yr(-1) . The S-starswithout Tc have smaller mass loss rates, than those with Tc. Diagramsshowing mass loss rate, dust-to-gas ratio and expansion velocity versuspulsation period are presented, and compared to similar data for carbon-and oxygen-rich Miras. The S-Miras stand not out in any way from the C-or O-Miras in these diagrams. In the diagram with expansion velocityversus pulsation period, the S-SRs span the same range in velocity asthe S-Miras, but they have periods which are about a factor of 2.5shorter. This was previously noted for O-rich SRs. As in that case, themost straightforward explanantion is that the SRs among the S-starspulsate in a higher order pulsation mode. Based on data from the ESAhipparcos astrometry satellite.
| Circumstellar shells and mass loss rates: Clues to the evolution of S stars
It is the purpose of this paper to rediscuss the circumstellarproperties of S stars and to put these properties in perspective withour current understanding of the evolutionary status of S stars, inparticular the intrinsic/extrinsic dichotomy. This dichotomy states thatonly Tc-rich (``intrinsic'') S stars are genuine thermally-pulsingasymptotic giant branch stars, possibly involved in the M-S-Cevolutionary sequence. Tc-poor S stars are referred to as ``extrinsic''S stars, because they are the cooler analogs of barium stars, and likethem, owe their chemical peculiarities to mass transfer across theirbinary system. Accordingly, an extensive data set probing thecircumstellar environment of S stars (IRAS flux densities, maseremission, CO rotational lines) has been collected and criticallyevaluated. This data set combines new observations (9 stars have beenobserved in the CO J=2-1 line and 3 in the CO J=3-2 line, with four newdetections) with existing material (all CO and maser observations of Sstars published in the literature). The IRAS flux densities of S starshave been re-evaluated by co-adding the individual scans, in order tobetter handle the intrinsic variability of these stars in the IRASbands, and possible contamination by Galactic cirrus. In the (K - [12],[25] - [60]) color-color diagram, S stars segregate into five distinctregions according to their Tc content and ZrO/TiO, C/O and IR spectralindices. Stars with photospheric colors (populating ``Region A'') may beidentified with extrinsic S stars. For the other regions characterizedby different excess levels in the 12, 25 and 60 mu m bands, severaldiagnostics (like the IRAS spectral class, maser emission, and shape ofCO rotational lines) have been collected to infer the physicalproperties of the dust shell. A simple radiative-transfer code has alsobeen used to infer the chemical nature (carbonaceous or silicate) of thedust grains from the observed IR colors. S stars with large K - [12]excesses and moderate [25] - [60] excesses (populating Regions B and C)exhibit the signatures of oxygen-rich shells (9.7 mu m silicate emissionand SiO maser emission). The situation is less clear for S stars withsmall K - [12] and moderate [25]-[60] indices (populating Regions D andE). Their IR colors are consistent with carbonaceous grains (as is theirfeatureless IRAS spectrum, and absence of silicate or SiO maseremission), but these features may equally well be explained by adetached shell. For many of these stars with a large 60 mu m excess, theshell is indeed resolved by the IRAS beam at 60 mu m. The prototypicalSC star FU Mon is among these. Since SC stars are believed to be in avery short-lived evolutionary phase where C/O = 1 within 1%, FU Mon maybe a good candidate for the ``interrupted mass-loss'' scenario advocatedby \cite[Willems & de Jong (1988).]{Wi88} The CO line profile of FUMon is also peculiar in being quite narrow (V_e = 2.8 km ssp {-1}),suggesting that the mass loss has just resumed in this star. Mass lossrates or upper limits have been derived for all S stars observed in theCO rotational lines, and range from < 2;10(-8) Msb ȯ y(-1) forextrinsic S stars to 1;10(-5) Msb ȯ y(-1) (the Mira S star W Aql).These mass-loss rates correlate well with the K - [12] color index,which probes the dust loss rate, provided that mathaccent 95 M ga 10({-)8} Msb ȯ y(-1) . Small mass-loss rates are found for extrinsic Sstars, consistent with their not being so evolved (RGB or Early-AGB) asthe Tc-rich S stars. This result does not support the claim often madein relation with symbiotic stars that binarity strongly enhances themass-loss rate. Based on observations carried out at the CaltechSubmillimeter Observatory (Mauna Kea, Hawaii).
| Heavy-element abundances in seven SC stars and several related stars
We employ spectra of resolution 20-35,000 of seven SC stars, four Sstars, two Ba stars, and two K-M stars to derive abundances of a varietyof elements from Sr to Eu relative to iron. Special attention is paid toRb and Tc, and to the ratio of the heavy s-process species to the lights-process elements. Abundances are derived in LTE, both by using modelatmospheres in which the carbon and oxygen abundances are nearly equaland by using curves of growth. Spectrum synthesis is used for criticallines, such as the 5924-A line of Tc and the 7800-A line of Rb. For mostof the heavy-element stars, the enhancement of the s-process elements isabout a factor of 10. The ratio of the heavy to light s-process speciesis not far from solar, except for RR Her, for which the same ratio is +0.45 dex. For Tc the blending by other lines is severe. While we haveprobably detected the 5924-A line, we can only present abundances in theless-than-or-equal-to category.
| The HIPPARCOS Hertzsprung-Russell diagram of S stars: probing nucleosynthesis and dredge-up
HIPPARCOS trigonometrical parallaxes make it possible to compare thelocation of Tc-rich and Tc-poor S stars in the Hertzsprung-Russell (HR)diagram: Tc-rich S stars are found to be cooler and intrinsicallybrighter than Tc-poor S stars. The comparison with the Genevaevolutionary tracks reveals that the line marking the onset of thermalpulses on the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) matches well the observedlimit between Tc-poor and Tc-rich S stars. Tc-rich S stars are, asexpected, identified with thermally-pulsing AGB stars of low andintermediate masses, whereas Tc-poor S stars comprise mostly low-massstars (with the exception of 57 Peg) located either on the red giantbranch or on the early AGB. Like barium stars, Tc-poor S stars are knownto belong exclusively to binary systems, and their location in the HRdiagram is consistent with the average mass of 1.6+/-0.2 Msb ȯderived from their orbital mass-function distribution (Jorissen et al.1997, A&A, submitted). A comparison with the S stars identified inthe Magellanic Clouds and in the Fornax dwarf elliptical galaxy revealsthat they have luminosities similar to the galactic Tc-rich S stars.However, most of the surveys of S stars in the external systems did notreach the lower luminosities at which galactic Tc-poor S stars arefound. The deep Westerlund survey of carbon stars in the SMC uncovered afamily of faint carbon stars that may be the analogues of thelow-luminosity, galactic Tc-poor S stars. Based on data from theHIPPARCOS astrometry satellite
| Classification and Identification of IRAS Sources with Low-Resolution Spectra
IRAS low-resolution spectra were extracted for 11,224 IRAS sources.These spectra were classified into astrophysical classes, based on thepresence of emission and absorption features and on the shape of thecontinuum. Counterparts of these IRAS sources in existing optical andinfrared catalogs are identified, and their optical spectral types arelisted if they are known. The correlations between thephotospheric/optical and circumstellar/infrared classification arediscussed.
| A catalogue of [Fe/H] determinations: 1996 edition
A fifth Edition of the Catalogue of [Fe/H] determinations is presentedherewith. It contains 5946 determinations for 3247 stars, including 751stars in 84 associations, clusters or galaxies. The literature iscomplete up to December 1995. The 700 bibliographical referencescorrespond to [Fe/H] determinations obtained from high resolutionspectroscopic observations and detailed analyses, most of them carriedout with the help of model-atmospheres. The Catalogue is made up ofthree formatted files: File 1: field stars, File 2: stars in galacticassociations and clusters, and stars in SMC, LMC, M33, File 3: numberedlist of bibliographical references The three files are only available inelectronic form at the Centre de Donnees Stellaires in Strasbourg, viaanonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5), or viahttp://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/Abstract.html
| A catalogue of associations between IRAS sources and S stars.
Cross identifications between the General Catalogue of Galactic S Stars(GCGSS), the IRAS Point Source Catalogue (PSC), and the Guide StarCatalogue (GSC) are presented. The purpose of the present catalogue isi) to provide a clean sample of S stars with far-IR data, and ii) toprovide accurate GSC positions for S stars, superseding those listed inthe GCGSS. The IRAS colour-colour diagram and the galactic distributionof S stars associated with an IRAS source are presented. Several S starshaving extended images in at least one IRAS band have also beenidentified.
| Circumstellar CO emission in S stars. I. Mass-loss with little or no dust.
47 S stars have been searched for circumstellar CO (J=1-0 and/or 2-1)emission, and 29 have been detected, including 4 which show no evidenceof dust in their IRAS LRS spectra, and one with possibly no Tc (andtherefore not an AGB star). Six stars show anomalous features in theirprofiles, showing the presence of more than one kinematic component inthe expanding outflow. Two stars may have detached-shell envelopes. Theexpansion velocity distribution for S stars envelopes is different thanthat for C-rich stars, with the former having a slightly lower meanexpansion velocity, and a significantly higher fraction of objects withvery low expansion velocities (<~5.5km/s). In most S stars, themass-loss rates are >2x10^-7^Msun_/yr and the gas-to-dustratios are >1000. Our detection of CO in S stars with little or nodetectable dust implies substantial mass-loss in these objects. Theexpansion velocities and mass-loss rates of the relatively dust-freestars show a much steeper dependence on the the far-infrared excess({DELTA}IR_e_), as compared to the more dusty stars. This suggests thatwhen the amount of dust becomes small, mass-loss may be partially drivenby a different mechanism than radiation pressure on grains, whichprobably dominates in the dusty envelopes.
| Circumstellar Properties of S Stars. I. Dust Features
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1993ApJ...416..769C&db_key=AST
| S stars: infrared colors, technetium, and binarity
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1993A&A...271..463J&db_key=AST
| A catalogue of Fe/H determinations - 1991 edition
A revised version of the catalog of Fe/H determinations published by G.Cayrel et al. (1985) is presented. The catalog contains 3252 Fe/Hdeterminations for 1676 stars. The literature is complete up to December1990. The catalog includes only Fe/H determinations obtained from highresolution spectroscopic observations based on detailed spectroscopicanalyses, most of them carried out with model atmospheres. The catalogcontains a good number of Fe/H determinations for stars from open andglobular clusters and for some supergiants in the Magellanic Clouds.
| Near-infrared photometry of a sample of IRAS point sources
This paper presents the J, H, K, L, M photometry of 516 sourcespertaining to a sample of 787 sources which has been extracted from theIRAS Point Source Catalog in order to study the late stages of stellarevolution and the concomitant phenomena of mass loss. Three differentclssifications of these sources based on broad-band photometry and IRASlow-resolution spectra are given, and the distributions of the sourcesin terms of these classifications are presented. A subsample of peculiarsources, believed to have recently undergone a helium flash, has beenisolated using the K - L, (12-micron) color diagram. Some objectsmeriting further study are also mentioned.
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Observation and Astrometry data
| Constellation: | Centaurus |
| Right ascension: | 13h16m31.83s |
| Declination: | -44°42'15.8" |
| Apparent magnitude: | 7.028 |
| Distance: | 602.41 parsecs |
| Proper motion RA: | -17.1 |
| Proper motion Dec: | 1.6 |
| B-T magnitude: | 10.994 |
| V-T magnitude: | 7.356 |
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