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The heterogeneous class of lambda Bootis stars
We demonstrate that it is arduous to define the lambda Boo stars as aclass of objects exhibiting uniform abundance peculiarities which wouldbe generated by a mechanism altering the structure of their atmosphericlayers. We collected the stars classified as lambda Boo up to now anddiscuss their properties, in particular the important percentage ofconfirmed binaries producing composite spectra (including our adaptiveoptics observations) and of misclassified objects. The unexplained RVvariables (and thus suspected binaries), the known SB for which we lackinformation on the companion, the stars with an UV flux inconsistentwith their classification, and the fast rotating stars for which noaccurate abundance analysis can be performed, are also reviewed.Partly based on observations collected at the CFH Telescope (Hawaii) andat TBL of the Pic du Midi Observatory (France).Table \ref{tab5} is only available in electronic form athttp://www.edpsciences.org
| The status of Galactic field λ Bootis stars in the post-Hipparcos era
The λ Bootis stars are Population I, late B- to early F-typestars, with moderate to extreme (up to a factor 100) surfaceunderabundances of most Fe-peak elements and solar abundances of lighterelements (C, N, O and S). To put constraints on the various existingtheories that try to explain these peculiar stars, we investigate theobservational properties of λ Bootis stars compared with areference sample of normal stars. Using various photometric systems andHipparcos data, we analyse the validity of standard photometriccalibrations, elemental abundances, and Galactic space motions. Therecrystallizes a clear picture of a homogeneous group of Population Iobjects found at all stages of their main-sequence evolution, with apeak at about 1 Gyr. No correlation of astrophysical parameters such asthe projected rotational velocities or elemental abundances with age isfound, suggesting that the a priori unknown mechanism, which createsλ Bootis stars, works continuously for late B- to early F-typestars in all stages of main-sequence evolution. Surprisingly, the sodiumabundances seem to indicate an interaction between the stars and theirlocal environment.
| On the Period-Luminosity-Colour-Metallicity relation and the pulsational characteristics of lambda Bootis type stars
Generally, chemical peculiarity found for stars on the upper mainsequence excludes delta Scuti type pulsation (e.g. Ap and Am stars), butfor the group of lambda Bootis stars it is just the opposite. This makesthem very interesting for asteroseismological investigations. The groupof lambda Bootis type stars comprises late B- to early F-type,Population I objects which are basically metal weak, in particular theFe group elements, but with the clear exception of C, N, O and S. Thepresent work is a continuation of the studies by Paunzen et al.(\cite{Pau97}, \cite{Pau98}), who presented first results on thepulsational characteristics of the lambda Bootis stars. Since then, wehave observed 22 additional objects; we found eight new pulsators andconfirmed another one. Furthermore, new spectroscopic data (Paunzen\cite{Pau01}) allowed us to sort out misidentified candidates and to addtrue members to the group. From 67 members of this group, only two arenot photometrically investigated yet which makes our analysis highlyrepresentative. We have compared our results on the pulsationalbehaviour of the lambda Bootis stars with those of a sample of deltaScuti type objects. We find that at least 70% of all lambda Bootis typestars inside the classical instability strip pulsate, and they do sowith high overtone modes (Q < 0.020 d). Only a few stars, if any,pulsate in the fundamental mode. Our photometric results are inexcellent agreement with the spectroscopic work on high-degree nonradialpulsations by Bohlender et al. (\cite{Boh99}). Compared to the deltaScuti stars, the cool and hot borders of the instability strip of thelambda Bootis stars are shifted by about 25 mmag, towards smaller(b-y)_0. Using published abundances and the metallicity sensitiveindices of the Geneva 7-colour and Strömgren uvbybeta systems, wehave derived [Z] values which describe the surface abundance of theheavier elements for the group members. We find that thePeriod-Luminosity-Colour relation for the group of lambda Bootis starsis within the errors identical with that of the normal delta Scutistars. No clear evidence for a statistically significant metallicityterm was detected. Based on observations from the Austrian AutomaticPhotoelectric Telescope (Fairborn Observatory), SAAO and Siding SpringObservatory.
| The accretion/diffusion theory for lambda Bootis stars in the light of spectroscopic data
Most of the current theories suggest the lambda Bootis phenomenon tooriginate from an interaction between the stellar surface and its localenvironment. In this paper, we compare the abundance pattern of thelambda Bootis stars to that of the interstellar medium and find largerdeficiencies for Mg, Si, Mn and Zn than in the interstellar medium. Acomparison with metal poor post-AGB stars showing evidence forcircumstellar material indicates a similar physical process possiblybeing at work for some of the lambda Bootis stars, but not for all ofthem. Despite the fact that the number of spectroscopically analysedlambda Bootis stars has considerably increased in the past, a test ofpredicted effects with observations shows current abundance andtemperature data to be still controversial.
| The abundance pattern of lambda Bootis stars
Within a project to investigate the properties of lambda Bootis stars,we report on their abundance pattern. High resolution spectra have beenobtained for a total of twelve candidate lambda Bootis stars, four ofthem being contained in spectroscopic binary systems, and detailedabundance analyses have been performed. All program stars show acharacteristic lambda Bootis abundance pattern (deficient heavy elementsand solar abundant light elements) and an enhanced abundance of Na. Thiswork raises the fraction of lambda Bootis stars with known abundances to50%. The resulting abundances complemented by literature data are usedto construct a ``mean lambda Bootis abundance pattern'', which exhibits,apart from general underabundances of heavy elements (~-1 dex) and solarabundances of C, N, O, Na and S, a star-to-star scatter which is up totwice as large as for a comparable sample of normal stars. Based onobservations obtained at the Osservatorio Astronomico di Padua-Asiago,OPD/LNA, KPNO and DSO.
| Light element non-LTE abundances of lambda Bootis stars. II. Nitrogen and sulphur
One of the main characteristics proclaimed for the group of the lambdaBootis stars is the apparent solar abundance of the light elements C, N,O and S. The typical abundance pattern is completed by the strongunderabundances of the Fe-peak elements. In the first paper of thisseries, we have shown that carbon is less abundant than oxygen but bothelements are still significantly more abundant than Fe-peak elements.The mean abundances, based on a detailed non-LTE investigation, werefound -0.37 dex and -0.07 dex, respectively. As a further step, we nowpresent non-LTE abundances of nitrogen and sulphur for thirteen membersof the lambda Bootis group based on several spectral lines between 8590Å, and 8750 Å. Furthermore, LTE abundances for calcium inthe same spectral range were derived and compared with values from theliterature. Similar to the mean abundances of carbon and oxygen, nearlysolar values were found (-0.30 dex for nitrogen and -0.11 dex forsulphur) for our sample of program stars. Among our sample, onepreviously undetected binary system (HD 64491) was identified. From astatistical point of view, the abundances of the light elements rangefrom slightly overabundant to moderately underabundant compared to theSun. However, the individual objects always exhibit a similiar pattern,with the Fe-peak elements being significantly more underabundant thanthe light elements. No correlation of the derived abundances withastrophysical parameters such as the effective temperature, surfacegravity or projected rotational velocity was found. Furthermore, theabundances of the light elements do not allow us to discriminate betweenany proposed theory. Based on observations obtained at BNAO Rozhen andComplejo Astronómico el Leoncito (CASLEO), operated under theagreement between the Consejo Nacional de InvestigacionesCientíficas y Técnicas de la República Argentinaand the National Universities of La Plata, Córdoba y San Juan.
| A spectroscopic survey for lambda Bootis stars. III. Final results
In the third paper of a series dedicated to the spectroscopic survey fornew lambda Bootis stars, we present all new and confirmed members of thegroup as well as a detailed analysis of the observed sample. The natureof this small group of chemically peculiar stars of the upper mainsequence still challenges our understanding of processes like diffusion,mass-loss and accretion. The typical abundances pattern (nearly solarvalues for C, N, O and S whereas the Fe-peak elements are moderate tostrong underabundant) can still not be explained by any proposed theory.Hence, the significant increase of new members gives the opportunity toinvestigate the group properties in more detail. We report the discoveryof 26 new members of the group and the confirmation of 18 candidatesfrom the literature. This almost triples the number of known lambdaBootis stars. The existence of one member in the young open cluster NGC2264 and four members in the Orion OB1 association proves that thelambda Bootis phenomenon already works at very early stages of stellarevolution. Recent results from the Hipparcos mission have shown that thewell established lambda Bootis stars of the Galactic field comprise thewhole area from the Zero Age Main Sequence to the Terminal Age MainSequence (~ 109 yr for an A-type star). There is a continuoustransition between very young and rather evolved evolutionary stages. Wefind that the overall percentage of lambda Bootis type among all normaltype stars in the spectral range from B8 to F4 is 2% in the Galacticfield as well as in open clusters. Furthermore, 44 metal-weak objectsare listed which might be connected with the lambda Bootis phenomenon.Our biased sample (chosen by photometric boxes) is not distinguishedfrom all A-type stars in the corresponding spectral region by therotational velocity distribution. Only for the luminosity classes IV andIII (especially for the cooler program stars) the determined mean v sini values are very high compared to those of the literature. Based onobservations from the Observatoire de Haute-Provence, OsservatorioAstronomico di Padova-Asiago, Observatório do Pico dosDias-LNA/CNPq/MCT, Chews Ridge Observatory (MIRA) and University ofToronto Southern Observatory (Las Campanas).
| A spectroscopic survey for lambda Bootis stars. II. The observational data
lambda Bootis stars comprise only a small number of all A-type stars andare characterized as nonmagnetic, Population i, late B to early F-typedwarfs which show significant underabundances of metals whereas thelight elements (C, N, O and S) are almost normal abundant compared tothe Sun. In the second paper on a spectroscopic survey for lambda Bootisstars, we present the spectral classifications of all program starsobserved. These stars were selected on the basis of their Strömgrenuvbybeta colors as lambda Bootis candidates. In total, 708 objects insix open clusters, the Orion OB1 association and the Galactic field wereclassified. In addition, 9 serendipity non-candidates in the vicinity ofour program stars as well as 15 Guide Star Catalogue stars were observedresulting in a total of 732 classified stars. The 15 objects from theGuide Star Catalogue are part of a program for the classification ofapparent variable stars from the Fine Guidance Sensors of the HubbleSpace Telescope. A grid of 105 MK standard as well as ``pathological''stars guarantees a precise classification. A comparison of our spectralclassification with the extensive work of Abt & Morrell(\cite{Abt95}) shows no significant differences. The derived types are0.23 +/- 0.09 (rms error per measurement) subclasses later and 0.30 +/-0.08 luminosity classes more luminous than those of Abt & Morrell(\cite{Abt95}) based on a sample of 160 objects in common. The estimatederrors of the means are +/- 0.1 subclasses. The characteristics of oursample are discussed in respect to the distribution on the sky, apparentvisual magnitudes and Strömgren uvbybeta colors. Based onobservations from the Observatoire de Haute-Provence, OsservatorioAstronomico di Padova-Asiago, Observatório do Pico dosDias-LNA/CNPq/MCT, Chews Ridge Observatory (MIRA) and University ofToronto Southern Observatory (Las Campanas).
| How many lambda Bootis stars are binaries?
In the attempt to shed new light on the lambda Boo phenomenon weanalyzed the astrometric, photometric and spectroscopic characteristicsof stars out of a list of recently selected lambda Boo candidates. Weshow that the class is still ill-defined and discuss the possibilitythat some, if not most stars presently classified as lambda Boo, are infact binary pairs and that peculiar abundances may not correspond toactual values if the average values of the atmospheric parameters{Teff} and log g are assumed and the effect of veiling is nottaken into account. Partly based on data from the ESA Hipparcosastrometry satellite.
| Pulsation in lambda Bootis stars
In this paper we present a further step in applying asteroseismictechniques to the group of lambda Bootis stars which can becharacterized as nonmagnetic A to F-type Population I dwarfs withsignificant (surface) underabundances of Fe-peak elements. Since noconclusive theory explaining the origin of the observed abundanceanomalies exists, an extensive photometric survey for pulsation in thisgroup has been initiated. Knowledge about the pulsational properties(most members are located within the classical instability strip) couldhelp to establish constrains about the overall abundance of these starsas well as on the evolutionary status. New photometric observations werecarried out for eleven stars. Variability was detected in four stars(e.g. lambda Bootis itself) whereas the remaining seven objects areprobably constant. In total, 52 members of this group have beenphotometrically investigated so far. With 22 pulsating and 30``constant'' stars, we derive a ratio of at least 50 % for variable tononvariable members inside the classical instability strip. This resultis based on high quality Hipparcos and new photometric data. Theobserved log /lineρ//lineρ_ȯ and log P values for thepulsating members are compatible with standard (solar abundant) deltaScuti models supporting the hypothesis that the found abundanceanomalies are restricted to the surface only. Otherwise the pulsationalproperties of this group are not outstanding compared to ``normal''delta Scuti stars, indicating that the mechanism driving the pulsationsis very similar. Based on observations obtained at ESO-La\,Silla, CTIO,SAAO, McDonald Observatory, Instituto Astrofisica Andalucia Observatoryand with the Hipparcos satellite
| Identification of lambda Bootis stars using IUE spectra. I. Low resolution data
An analysis of the stars included in the catalogue of lambda Bootisstars by Paunzen et al. (1997) and which also have IUE observations ispresented here. Population I A-F type stars as well as field horizontalbranch stars were also included in the analysis. Using line-ratios ofcarbon to heavier elements (Al and Ni) allows us to establishunambiguous membership criteria for the lambda Bootis group. Tables 1-3are only available in electronic form at CDS via anonymous ftp tocdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or viahttp://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/Abstract.html
| A spectroscopic survey for lambda Bootis stars. I. Strategy, techniques and first results
In recent years, the chemically peculiar (CP) stars of the upper mainsequence have become a fruitful field for the testing of astrophysicaltheories. Processes such as diffusion, convection and mass loss havebeen developed theoretically and introduced into models. The group oflambda Bootis stars, however, is remarkable among the chemicallypeculiar stars as they are nonmagnetic, Population I, A to F-type dwarfswhich show significant underabundances of metals (except for C, N, O andS). Unfortunately, the small number of confirmed members of the lambdaBootis class makes a sound statistical analysis of their propertiesimpossible. Thus, it is still difficult to decide between the twotheories - mass loss with diffusion and the accretion theory - whichhave been proposed to explain the origin of these stars. We thereforehave started a spectroscopic survey to find new lambda Bootis stars inthe field as well as in open clusters and associations. The presence oflambda Bootis stars in open clusters and associations would permit adetermination of the ages of these stars, and thus would yield animportant test for distinguishing between the two theories. In thispaper we describe the selection of candidates using photometriccriteria, the basic requirements, spectroscopic follow-up observationsand results from the first three observing runs. Special care was takento avoid misclassification of our programme stars (e.g. lambda Bootisstars are often confused with intermediate Population II, He-weak orhigh v sin i stars), using a refined MK system. The discovery of atleast six new lambda Bootis stars (including three in the Orion OB1association) shows the efficacy of our selection criteria. Based onobservations obtained at the Observatoire de Haute-Provence and the DarkSky Observatory.
| On the evolutionary status of λ Bootis stars using HIPPARCOS data.
We have used the Hipparcos data to derive absolute magnitudes and thusthe evolutionary status for the group of λ Bootis stars. Theorigin for this small group of nonmagnetic, chemically peculiar stars,still remains a matter of debate. Using new evolutionary tracks, we areable to provide an age determination to distinguish between the twoproposed theories - the diffusion/mass-loss and the accretion theory.Our results establish the member of this group as objects which are veryclose to the Main Sequence. This is also supported by Pre-Main Sequenceevolutionary tracks as well as by observational results. We thereforecontradict prior conclusions that most of these stars are in the middleof their Main Sequence lifetime. The new results strongly support thepredictions of the accretion theory.
| A consolidated catalogue of lambda Bootis stars
lambda Bootis stars challenge our understanding of diffusion andaccretion processes related to stars and their circumstellarenvironment, and they are interesting components of the classicalinstability strip. Attempts to derive group properties with statisticalmethods are severely limited by the small number of unambiguouslyidentified lambda Bootis stars. In general, the subject appears to beobscured by incorrect memberships and it is therefore essential toprovide a sufficiently large catalogue of definitive group membersbefore modeling the lambda Bootis phenomenon. This paper describes thefirst steps towards this goal, based on our current knowledge of wellinvestigated members, leading to a concise definition of lambda Bootisstars: {Pop I hydrogen burning metal poor (except of C,N,O and S) A-typestars.} The definition does not depend on phenomenological features,like flux depressions, colour excesses, v sin i values, etc. Based on anew homogeneous catalogue with 45 lambda Bootis stars, we discussclassification criteria which can be used for a spectroscopic andphotometric all-sky survey for lambda Bootis stars in the field and inclusters of different ages. Based on observations obtained atESO-La,Silla, CTIO, Observatoire de Haute-Provence, OsservatorioAstronomico di Padua-Asiago, Univ. Toronto Southern Observatory,Observatorio do Pico dos Dias-LNA/CNPq/MCT (Brazil). Table 1 is alsoavailable in electronic form at the CDS via anonymous ftp tocdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or viahttp://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/Abstract.html.
| The behavior of the λ Bootis stars in the infrared.
We observed a sample of 20 λ Bootis (LB) stars in threewavelength regions in the near infrared between 7600 and 10800A. We findthat the Paschen lines correspond systematically to a spectral typewhich is later than the one attributed in the blue. By comparison with aconvenient set of MK standard stars we find that the O, Ca, C, S and Silines are weak in LB stars in varying degrees. An analysis of the 16 LBstars which we confirmed in the infrared shows that seven exhibitevidences of classical A-type shells in the spectroscopic sense. Ofthese seven, five are certain and two are dubious, giving thus apercentage of at least 30% of shells in LB stars.
| Hydrogen-line profiles of six lambda Bootis stars
Based on high resolution spectroscopic observations hydrogen-lineprofiles of six lambda Bootis stars: HD 31295, HD 101108, HD 105058, HD106223, HD 142703 and HD 183324 are presented. Peculiar line profileswith weak cores and broad but shallow wings are found for four of thestars. Influence of metallicity parameter (Z/H) and effectivetemperature on the appearance of the observed hydrogen lines isdiscussed.
| Catalogue of Lambda Bootis Candidates
Not Available
| The UV spectrum as a signature of the Lambda Bootis character
The spectra of all the stars previously classified as Lambda Bootisstars and observed by the IUE satellite at low resolution, in the shortwavelength range, are analyzed. The usefulness of this spectral rangefor classifying the Lambda Boo stars is shown; the UV criteria used todistinguish the Lambda Boo stars from other metal-deficient stars areselected and applied. The origin of the Lambda Boo phenomenon is not yetclear (Baschek and Slettebak, 1988) and a careful selection of thecandidates is the first step for a clear definition of the theoreticalproblem. From the present study, it turns out that only seven out of the19 candidates can be assigned to the Lambda Boo group, while for theother stars the previous classification must be considered eroneous. Thepeculiarities of the other metal-deficient, but not Lambda Boo, starsare discussed.
| Delta-a photometry of lambda Bootis stars
Delta-a photometry, which had been originally designed fordiscriminating magnetic peculiar stars in a vs. color diagrams, is shownto separate there lambda Bootis stars in the opposite sense, i.e. bynegative Delta-a-values indicating low metallicity as the m1-index ofStroemgren photometry, which however suffers from contamination throughH-delta effects. Controversial lambda Bootis type assignments arediscussed in connection with their Delta-a-values.
| Recent progress in CP star detection and classification
Chemically peculiar (CP) stars are mainly found among B and A stars.Present theories are not able to account fully for the observed spectrumanomalies, suggesting that in the atmospheres of stars in the range ofT(e), where mass loss is no longer very large and convection is stillnot very important, the present theoretical approach needs furtherrefinement. Moreover, the lack of laboratory data is responsible, atleast partly, for the discrepancies between observed and computedstellar energy distributions. The choice for quick detection of CP starsamong faint objects is reviewed; the measure of the flux depression at5200 A appears to be very powerful, and the identification of thiscomplex feature is urgently needed. The need to separate the varioussubclasses of the He abnormal stars in a standard way is underlined, andit is suggested that further analyses of the characteristics of theLambda Boo stars are required. The problem of the determination of T(e),and consequently of realistic atmospheric abundance anomalies of CPstars, is discussed.
| The lambda Boo stars - A reappraisal
The class of peculiar stars called lambda Boo stars consists of a smallnumber of metal weak-lined A-F stars. A spectroscopic definition of thisgroup is suggested and the properties of the nine stars so defined inthe Geneva and uvby beta photometric systems are studied. Their metaldeficiency appears clearly in both systems.
| Meridian observations made with the Carlsberg Automatic Meridian Circle at Brorfelde (Copenhagen University Observatory) 1981-1982
The 7-inch transit circle instrument with which the present position andmagnitude catalog for 1577 stars with visual magnitudes greater than11.0 was obtained had been equipped with a photoelectric moving slitmicrometer and a minicomputer to control the entire observationalprocess. Positions are reduced relative to the FK4 system for each nightover the whole meridian rather than the usual narrow zones. Thepositions of the FK4 stars used in the least squares solution are alsogiven in the catalog.
| UVBY photometry of AM and AP stars.
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1973AJ.....78..192W&db_key=AST
| Photoelectric UBV observations made on the Palomar 20-inch telescope
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1973MNRAS.164..133P&db_key=AST
| Spectra and colors of A-type stars in a north galactic pole region.
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1968AJ.....73..152S&db_key=AST
| A finding-list of stars of spectral type F2 and earlier in a north galactic pole region.
Not Available
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Observation and Astrometry data
| Constellation: | Grande Ourse |
| Right ascension: | 11h38m19.37s |
| Declination: | +38°45'16.9" |
| Apparent magnitude: | 8.871 |
| Distance: | 232.558 parsecs |
| Proper motion RA: | -5.4 |
| Proper motion Dec: | 4.4 |
| B-T magnitude: | 9.1 |
| V-T magnitude: | 8.89 |
Catalogs and designations:
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