Paul Crowther
Research interests
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InterestsStar Formation, Stellar Evolution, Star
Publications
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The Onfp Class in the Magellanic Clouds
01/2010;
The Onfp class of rotationally broadened, hot spectra was defined some time ago in the Galaxy, where its membership to date numbers only eight. The principal defining characteristic is a broad, centrally reversed He II $\lambda$4686 emission profile; other emission and absorption lines are also rota... [more] The Onfp class of rotationally broadened, hot spectra was defined some time ago in the Galaxy, where its membership to date numbers only eight. The principal defining characteristic is a broad, centrally reversed He II $\lambda$4686 emission profile; other emission and absorption lines are also rotationally broadened. Recent surveys in the Magellanic Clouds (MCs) have brought the class membership there, including some related spectra, to 28. We present a survey of the spectral morphology and rotational velocities, as a first step toward elucidating the nature of this class. Evolved, rapidly rotating hot stars are not expected theoretically, because the stellar winds should brake the rotation. Luminosity classification of these spectra is not possible, because the principal criterion (He II $\lambda$4686) is peculiar; however, the MCs provide reliable absolute magnitudes, which show that they span the entire range from dwarfs to supergiants. The Onfp line-broadening distribution is distinct and shifted toward larger values from those of normal O dwarfs and supergiants with >99.99% confidence. All cases with multiple observations show line-profile variations, which even remove some objects from the class temporarily. Some of them are spectroscopic binaries; it is possible that the peculiar profiles may have multiple causes among different objects. The origin and future of these stars are intriguing; for instance, they could be stellar mergers and/or gamma-ray-burst progenitors. Comment: 27 pages, 8 figures, 2 tables; AJ accepted
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Contamination of short GRBs by giant magnetar flares: Significance of downward revision in distance to SGR 1806-20
08/2009;
We highlight how the downward revision in the distance to the star cluster associated with SGR 1806-20 by Bibby et al. reconciles the apparent low contamination of BATSE short GRBs by intense flares from extragalactic magnetars without recourse to modifying the frequency of one such flare per 30 yea... [more] We highlight how the downward revision in the distance to the star cluster associated with SGR 1806-20 by Bibby et al. reconciles the apparent low contamination of BATSE short GRBs by intense flares from extragalactic magnetars without recourse to modifying the frequency of one such flare per 30 years per Milky Way galaxy. We also discuss the variety in progenitor initial masses of magnetars based upon cluster ages, ranging from ~50 Msun for SGR 1806-20 and iAXP CXOU J164710.2-455216 Westerlund 1 to ~17 Msun for SGR 1900+14 according to Davies et al. and presumably also 1E 1841-045 if it originated from one of the massive RSG clusters #2 or #3.
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On the central ionizing star of G23.96+0.15 and near-IR spectral classification of O stars
10/2008;
Aims: A near-infrared study of the main ionizing star of the ultracompact HII region G23.96+0.15 (IRAS 18317-0757) is presented, along with a re-evaluation of the distance to this source, and a re-assessment of H- and K-band classification diagnostics for O dwarfs; Methods: We have obtained near-IR ... [more] Aims: A near-infrared study of the main ionizing star of the ultracompact HII region G23.96+0.15 (IRAS 18317-0757) is presented, along with a re-evaluation of the distance to this source, and a re-assessment of H- and K-band classification diagnostics for O dwarfs; Methods: We have obtained near-IR VLT/ISAAC imaging and spectroscopy of G23.96+0.15, plus archival imaging from UKIRT/UFTI. A spectroscopic analysis was carried out using a non-LTE model atmosphere code; Results: A quantitative H- and K-band classification scheme for O dwarfs is provided, from which we establish an O7.5V spectral subtype for the central star of G23.96+0.15. We estimate an effective temperature of Teff ~ 38 kK from a spectral analysis; Conclusions: A spectroscopic distance of 2.5 kpc is obtained for G23.96+0.15, substantially lower than the kinematic distance of 4.7 kpc, in common with recent studies of other Milky way HII regions. Such discrepancies would be alleviated if sources are unresolved binaries or clusters. Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, accepted for Astronomy & Astrophysics
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Westerlund 1 as a Template for Massive Star Evolution
02/2008;
With a dynamical mass M_dyn ~ 1.3x10e5 M_sun and a lower limit M_cl>5x10e4 M_sun from star counts, Westerlund 1 is the most massive young open cluster known in the Galaxy and thus the perfect laboratory to study massive star evolution. We have developed a comprehensive spectral classification sch... [more] With a dynamical mass M_dyn ~ 1.3x10e5 M_sun and a lower limit M_cl>5x10e4 M_sun from star counts, Westerlund 1 is the most massive young open cluster known in the Galaxy and thus the perfect laboratory to study massive star evolution. We have developed a comprehensive spectral classification scheme for supergiants based on features in the 6000-9000A range, which allows us to identify >30 very luminous supergiants in Westerlund 1 and ~100 other less evolved massive stars, which join the large population of Wolf-Rayet stars already known. Though detailed studies of these stars are still pending, preliminary rough estimates suggest that the stars we see are evolving to the red part of the HR diagram at approximately constant luminosity. Comment: To be published in Proceedings of IAU Symposium 250: Massive Stars as Cosmic Engines, held in Kaua'i (Hawaii, USA), Dec 2007, edited by F. Bresolin, P.A. Crowther & J. Puls (Cambridge University Press)
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A CNO Dichotomy among O2 Giant Spectra in the Magellanic Clouds
03/2004;
From a survey of the 3400 A region in the earliest O-type spectra, we have found that two of the four O2 giants observed in the LMC have the OIV lines there stronger than the NIV, while the other two have the opposite. A SMC counterpart also has the NIV stronger than OIV. Inspection of the blue spec... [more] From a survey of the 3400 A region in the earliest O-type spectra, we have found that two of the four O2 giants observed in the LMC have the OIV lines there stronger than the NIV, while the other two have the opposite. A SMC counterpart also has the NIV stronger than OIV. Inspection of the blue spectra of these stars shows that the former pair have weaker N lines in all ionization states (III, IV, V) present as well as lines of CIV lambda 4658, while the latter three have stronger N lines and greater He/H. Space ultraviolet observations of two of the N-strong stars show NV wind profiles substantially stronger than those of CIV, while in the N-weak stars the CIV features are equal to or stronger than the NV. The N-strong stars are now reclassified as ON2 III(f*), newly defining that category. These characteristics strongly suggest a larger fraction of processed material in the atmospheres of the ON2 stars, which we confirm by modeling the optical spectra. In the context of current models, it is in turn implied that the ON2 stars are in a more advanced evolutionary state than the others, and/or that they had higher initial rotational velocities. The recent formulation of the effects of rotation on massive stellar evolution introduces an additional fundamental parameter, which the CNO abundances are in principle able to constrain. We present some illustrative comparisons with current Geneva evolutionary models for rotating massive stars. It is possible that these very hot, nitrogen-rich objects are products of homogeneous evolution. Our results will provide motivation for further physical modeling of the atmospheres and evolutionary histories of the most massive hot stars. Comment: 15 pages, 8 figures, 1 table
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MSX Mid infrared imaging of massive star birth environments. II: Giant HII regions
07/2003;
We conduct a Galactic census of Giant HII regions, based on the all sky 6cm dataset of Kuchar & Clark, plus the kinematic distances obtained by Russeil. From an inspection of mid-IR Mid-course Space Experiment (MSX) and far-IR IRAS Sky Survey Atlas images we identify a total of 56 GHII regions i... [more] We conduct a Galactic census of Giant HII regions, based on the all sky 6cm dataset of Kuchar & Clark, plus the kinematic distances obtained by Russeil. From an inspection of mid-IR Mid-course Space Experiment (MSX) and far-IR IRAS Sky Survey Atlas images we identify a total of 56 GHII regions in the Milky Way, of which 15% (65%) can be seen at optical (near-IR) wavelengths.The mid to far-IR fluxes from each GH {\sc ii} region are measured, and sample the thermal emission from the ubiquitous dust present within the exciting clusters of OB stars, arising from the integrated luminosity of the hot stars heating the cluster dust, for which we obtain log L(IR)=5.5-7.3 L_sun. The mid-IR 21micron spatial morphology is presented for each GHII region, and often indicates multiple emission sources, suggesting complicated cluster formation. IR colour-colour diagrams are presented, providing information about the temperature distribution and optical depth of the dust. For the clusters of our study, the dust is not optically thick to all the stellar radiation, thus the measured infra-red luminosity is lower than the L(bol). As the dust environment of a cluster begins to dissipate, the thermal emission and its optical depth ought to decrease even before the stars appreciably evolve. We see evidence of this in our empirical relationship between the integrated IR and Lyman continuum luminosities. Comment: 11 pages, 3 figures (+ 10 figures for electronic edition). Accepted for MNRAS. Substantive revisions, including sample selection, based on referees comments
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MSX Mid Infrared Imaging of Massive Star Birth Environments. I: Ultracompact HII Regions
02/2003;
We present mid-IR 21micron images of a sample of radio selected Ultracompact HII (UCHII) regions, obtained with the Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX). All, with one possible exception, are detected at mid-IR wavelengths, sampling the warm dust emission of the cocoons of the OB star central exciting s... [more] We present mid-IR 21micron images of a sample of radio selected Ultracompact HII (UCHII) regions, obtained with the Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX). All, with one possible exception, are detected at mid-IR wavelengths, sampling the warm dust emission of the cocoons of the OB star central exciting sources. Many of the UCHII regions have nearby (up to a few pc distant) companion dust emission sources, which represent other potential star birth sites. In some objects the companion dominates the IRAS point source catalogue entry for the UCHII region. We compare the mid- and far-IR dust emission, measuring the embedded hot star luminosity, with published UCHII radio emission, measuring the Lyman continuum luminosity. We find a spectral type dependence, as predicted by the standard model of an ultracompact ionized hydrogen region, surrounded by a natal dust shell, with some scatter, which can be understood by consideration of: 1) dust absorption of some fraction of the emitted Lyman continuum photons; 2) fainter companion stars within the UCHII region; 3) the structure of the UCHII regions differing from star to star. Overall, the higher spatial resolution offered by MSX alleviates difficulties often encountered by comparison of IRAS far-IR fluxes with radio derived ionizing fluxes for UCHII regions. Comment: 22 pages, 15 figures (including 8 in Appendix), submitted to MNRAS
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CNO Abundances in Magellanic Cloud OB Supergiants
01/2003;
We present CNO abundance determinations in 11 Magellanic Cloud O and early B supergiants based on physical parameters obtained from FUSE, HST/IUE and VLT spectroscopy, plus model atmospheres which allow for stellar winds and line blanketing. In all cases, nitrogen is substantially enhanced whilst ca... [more] We present CNO abundance determinations in 11 Magellanic Cloud O and early B supergiants based on physical parameters obtained from FUSE, HST/IUE and VLT spectroscopy, plus model atmospheres which allow for stellar winds and line blanketing. In all cases, nitrogen is substantially enhanced whilst carbon and generally oxygen are moderately depleted, indicative of rotationally induced mixing of unprocessed and CNO processed material at their stellar surfaces.
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A Massive Star Odyssey, from Main Sequence to Supernova
08/2002;
We present results from optical and ultraviolet analysis of nine LMC/SMC supergiants. Temperatures, mass-loss rates and CNO abundances are obtained using the non-LTE, line-blanketed model atmosphere code of Hillier & Miller (1998). In general the derived temperatures are significantly lower than... [more] We present results from optical and ultraviolet analysis of nine LMC/SMC supergiants. Temperatures, mass-loss rates and CNO abundances are obtained using the non-LTE, line-blanketed model atmosphere code of Hillier & Miller (1998). In general the derived temperatures are significantly lower than those determined from unblanketed, plane-parallel models.
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Realistic Ionizing Fluxes for Young Stellar Populations from 0.05 to twice solar metallicity
07/2002;
We present a new grid of ionizing fluxes for O and Wolf-Rayet stars for use with evolutionary synthesis codes and single star H II region analyses. A total of 230 expanding, non-LTE, line-blanketed model atmospheres have been calculated for five metallicities (0.05, 0.2, 0.4, 1 and 2 solar) using th... [more] We present a new grid of ionizing fluxes for O and Wolf-Rayet stars for use with evolutionary synthesis codes and single star H II region analyses. A total of 230 expanding, non-LTE, line-blanketed model atmospheres have been calculated for five metallicities (0.05, 0.2, 0.4, 1 and 2 solar) using the WM-basic code of Pauldrach et al. (2001) and the CMFGEN code of Hillier & Miller (1998). The stellar wind parameters are scaled with metallicity for both O and W-R stars. We incorporate the new models into Starburst99 (Leitherer et al. 1999) and compare the ionizing outputs with Schaerer & Vacca (1998) and Leitherer et al. (1999). The changes in the output ionizing fluxes are dramatic, particularly below 228 A. We also find lower fluxes in the He I continuum for Z > 0.4 solar and ages < 7 Myr because of the increased line blanketing. We test the accuracy of the new models by constructing photoionization models. We show that for the dwarf O star grid, He I 5876/H beta decreases between Z = 1 and twice solar in a similar manner to observations (e.g. Bresolin et al. 1999) due to the increased effect of line blanketing. We therefore suggest that a lowering of the upper mass limit at high abundances is not required to explain the observations. For the case of an instantaneous burst, we plot the softness parameter "eta prime" against the abundance indicator R_23. The new models are coincident with the data of Bresolin et al. (1999), particularly during the W-R phase, unlike previous models which over-predict the hardness of the ionizing radiation. Comment: 21 pages, 15 postscript colour figures, includes mn2e.cls. To be published in MNRAS. Revised version containing modifications to Tables 1-4
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Stellar and Wind Properties of LMC WC4 stars - A metallicity dependence for Wolf-Rayet mass-loss rates
06/2002;
We use ultraviolet space-based (FUSE, HST) and optical/IR ground-based (2.3m MSSSO, NTT) spectroscopy to determine the physical parameters of six WC4-type Wolf-Rayet stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Stellar parameters are revised significantly relative to Grafener et al. (1998) based on improved... [more] We use ultraviolet space-based (FUSE, HST) and optical/IR ground-based (2.3m MSSSO, NTT) spectroscopy to determine the physical parameters of six WC4-type Wolf-Rayet stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Stellar parameters are revised significantly relative to Grafener et al. (1998) based on improved observations and more sophisticated model atmosphere codes, which account for line blanketing and clumping. We find that stellar luminosities are revised upwards by up to 0.4 dex, with surface abundances spanning a lower range of 0.1<C/He<0.35 (20-45% carbon by mass) and O/He<0.06 (<10% oxygen by mass). Relative to Galactic WC5-8 stars at known distance, and analysed in a similar manner, LMC WC4 stars possess systematically higher stellar luminosities, 0.2dex lower wind densities, yet a similar range of surface chemistries. We illustrate how the classification CIII 5696 line is extremely sensitive to wind density, such that this is the principal difference between the subtype distribution of LMC and Galactic early-type WC stars. Temperature differences do play a role, but carbon abundance does not affect WC spectral types. We illustrate the effect of varying temperature and mass-loss rate on the WC spectral type for HD32257 (WC4, LMC) and HD156385 (WC7, Galaxy) which possess similar abundances and luminosities. Using the latest evolutionary models, pre-supernova stellar masses in the range 11-19 Mo are anticipated for LMC WC4 stars, with 7-14 Mo for Galactic WC stars with known distances. These values are consistent with pre-cursors of bright Type-Ic supernovae such as SN1998bw (alias GRB 980425) for which a minimum total mass of C and O of 14Mo has been independently derived. Comment: 18 pages, 12 figures (3-7 are best viewed in color), accepted for A&A
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A FUSE Survey of Interstellar Molecular Hydrogen in the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds
10/2001;
We describe a moderate-resolution FUSE survey of H2 along 70 sight lines to the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds, using hot stars as background sources. FUSE spectra of 67% of observed Magellanic Cloud sources (52% of LMC and 92% of SMC) exhibit absorption lines from the H2 Lyman and Werner bands b... [more] We describe a moderate-resolution FUSE survey of H2 along 70 sight lines to the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds, using hot stars as background sources. FUSE spectra of 67% of observed Magellanic Cloud sources (52% of LMC and 92% of SMC) exhibit absorption lines from the H2 Lyman and Werner bands between 912 and 1120 A. Our survey is sensitive to N(H2) >= 10^14 cm^-2; the highest column densities are log N(H2) = 19.9 in the LMC and 20.6 in the SMC. We find reduced H2 abundances in the Magellanic Clouds relative to the Milky Way, with average molecular fractions = 0.010 (+0.005, -0.002) for the SMC and = 0.012 (+0.006, -0.003) for the LMC, compared with = 0.095 for the Galactic disk over a similar range of reddening. The dominant uncertainty in this measurement results from the systematic differences between 21 cm radio emission and Lya in pencil-beam sight lines as measures of N(HI). These results imply that the diffuse H2 masses of the LMC and SMC are 8 x 10^6 Msun and 2 x 10^6 Msun, respectively, 2% and 0.5% of the H I masses derived from 21 cm emission measurements. The LMC and SMC abundance patterns can be reproduced in ensembles of model clouds with a reduced H2 formation rate coefficient, R ~ 3 x 10^-18 cm^3 s^-1, and incident radiation fields ranging from 10 - 100 times the Galactic mean value. We find that these high-radiation, low-formation-rate models can also explain the enhanced N(4)/N(2) and N(5)/N(3) rotational excitation ratios in the Clouds. We use H2 column densities in low rotational states (J = 0 and 1) to derive a mean kinetic and/or rotational temperature = 82 +/- 21 K for clouds with N(H2) >= 10^16 cm^-2, similar to Galactic gas. We discuss the implications of this work for theories of star formation in low-metallicity environments. [Abstract abridged] Comment: 30 pages emulateapj, 14 figures (7 color), 7 tables, accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal, figures 11 and 12 compressed at slight loss of quality, see http://casa.colorado.edu/~tumlinso/h2/ for full versions
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Quantitative analysis of WC stars: Constraints on neon abundances from ISO/SWS spectroscopy
01/2000;
Neon abundances are derived in four Galactic WC stars -- gamma Vel (WR11, WC8+O7.5III), HD156385 (WR90, WC7), HD192103 (WR135, WC8), and WR146 (WC5+O8) - using mid-infrared fine structure lines obtained with ISO/SWS. Stellar parameters for each star are derived using a non-LTE model atmospheric code... [more] Neon abundances are derived in four Galactic WC stars -- gamma Vel (WR11, WC8+O7.5III), HD156385 (WR90, WC7), HD192103 (WR135, WC8), and WR146 (WC5+O8) - using mid-infrared fine structure lines obtained with ISO/SWS. Stellar parameters for each star are derived using a non-LTE model atmospheric code (Hillier & Miller 1998) together with ultraviolet (IUE), optical (INT, AAT) and infrared (UKIRT, ISO) spectroscopy. In the case of gamma Vel, we adopt results from De Marco et al. (2000), who followed an identical approach. ISO/SWS datasets reveal the [NeIII] 15.5um line in each of our targets, while [NeII] 12.8um, [SIV] 10.5um and [SIII] 18.7um are observed solely in gamma Vel. Using a method updated from Barlow et al. (1988) to account for clumped winds, we derive Ne/He=3-4x10^-3 by number, plus S/He=6x10^-5 for gamma Vel. Neon is highly enriched, such that Ne/S in gamma Vel is eight times higher than cosmic values. However, observed Ne/He ratios are a factor of two times lower than predictions of current evolutionary models of massive stars. An imprecise mass-loss and distance were responsible for the much greater discrepancy in neon content identified by Barlow et al. Our sample of WC5--8 stars span a narrow range in T* (=55--71kK), with no trend towards higher temperature at earlier spectral type, supporting earlier results for a larger sample by Koesterke & Hamann (1995). Stellar luminosities range from 100,000 to 500,000 Lo, while 10^-5.1 < Mdot/(Mo/yr) < 10^-4.5, adopting clumped winds, in which volume filling factors are 10%. In all cases, wind performance numbers are less than 10, significantly lower than recent estimates. Carbon abundances span 0.08 < C/He < 0.25 by number, while oxygen abundances remain poorly constrained. Comment: 16 pages,7 figures accepted for MNRAS
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NaSt1: A Wolf-Rayet star cloaked by an eta Car--like nebula?
03/1999;
We present a study of the peculiar Galactic emission line object NaSt1 (WR122, IRAS 18497+0056) which has previously been classified as a Wolf-Rayet (WR) star. Our spectroscopic dataset comprises Keck I-HIRES, WHT-ISIS and UKIRT-CGS4 observations which show that NaSt1 has a highly reddened nebular s... [more] We present a study of the peculiar Galactic emission line object NaSt1 (WR122, IRAS 18497+0056) which has previously been classified as a Wolf-Rayet (WR) star. Our spectroscopic dataset comprises Keck I-HIRES, WHT-ISIS and UKIRT-CGS4 observations which show that NaSt1 has a highly reddened nebular spectrum with extremely strong permitted and forbidden lines covering a wide range in excitation. [OII-III] is unusually weak, with HeI-II and [NII] very strong, and carbon absent, suggestive of chemical peculiarities. Narrow-band WHT imaging reveals an elliptical nebula with an average diameter of 6.8arcsec. We measure an interstellar extinction of E(B-V)=2.1mag and estimate a distance of 1-3kpc, suggesting that NaSt1 is a luminous object, with 4<log(L/Lo)<6.5. We determine the physical parameters and abundances from the nebular forbidden lines. For Te=13,000K and Ne=3x10^6 cm^3, we obtain He/H>0.64, N enhanced by a factor of 20, O deficient by a factor of 140, while Ne, Ar and S are normal compared to average HII region abundances. This unusual abundance pattern suggests that the nebula consists of fully CNO-processed material. We compare the spectral appearance of NaSt1 with other luminous emission objects, and conclude that it is not an Ofpe/WN9, B[e] star or symbiotic nova although it does share several characteristics of these systems. We suggest instead that NaSt1 contains a massive evolved star that ejected its heavily CNO-processed outer layers a few thousand years ago. Although the stellar remnant is completely hidden from view by the dense nebula, we argue that the star must be an early-type WR star. The only object that shares some of the peculiarities of NaSt1 is eta Carinae. Whatever its true nature, NaSt1 should no longer be considered as a late-WN classification standard in the near-IR. Comment: 16 pages, 12 figures, accepted for MNRAS, uses mn.sty
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The stellar content of the WR galaxy NGC5253 from ISO/SWS spectroscopy
01/1999;
previous investigations in that we are able to distinguish between the regions in which different infrared fine-structure lines form, us1 ing complementary ground-based observations from Beck et al. (1996). The high excitation nebular [S iv] emission is formed in the central super-star-nucleus, and ... [more] previous investigations in that we are able to distinguish between the regions in which different infrared fine-structure lines form, us1 ing complementary ground-based observations from Beck et al. (1996). The high excitation nebular [S iv] emission is formed in the central super-star-nucleus, and lower excitation [Ne ii] nebular emission originates from the clusters located in much larger galactic core. From our Brff flux, the 2 00 nucleus contains the equivalent of approximately 1 000 O7V star equivalents and the starburst there is 2--3 Myr old; the older 20 00 core contains about 2 500 O7V star equivalents, in agreement with the previous determination by Martin & Kennicutt (1995) from Hff. The Lyman ionizing flux of the nucleus is equivalent to the 30 Doradus region. These quantities are in good agreement with the observed mid-IR dust luminosity of 7.8Theta10
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The Neon Abundance in WC stars II. ISO/SWS Spectroscopy of HD 156385 (WR90)
01/1999;
Introduction In general, observationally derived wind compositions of WR stars are in reasonable agreement with predictions from stellar evolution models for massive stars. However, Barlow et al. (1988) identified a major discrepancy for neon in fl Vel (WC8+O) using ground-based observations. The ad... [more] Introduction In general, observationally derived wind compositions of WR stars are in reasonable agreement with predictions from stellar evolution models for massive stars. However, Barlow et al. (1988) identified a major discrepancy for neon in fl Vel (WC8+O) using ground-based observations. The advent of the ESA Infra-red Space Observatory (ISO) has allowed the study of neon in many more WC stars, using mid-IR fine structure lines ([NeII] 12.81m, [NeIII] 15.55m and [NeV]14.32m). Willis et al. (1998) used ISO observations of MR 112 (WR146, WC5+O) to derive a neon abundance that was within the range expected theoretically. Here we undertake a study of HD 156385 (WR90), the only (apparently) single WC7 star in our Galaxy, using ISO/SWS spectroscopy. The only spectroscopic neon feature in the mid-IR of WR90 is [NeIII] 15.55m, in addition to numerous C iv and He ii tran
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Properties of Hot Stars in the Wolf-Rayet galaxy NGC5253 from ISO Spectroscopy
12/1998;
ISO-SWS spectroscopy of the WR galaxy NGC5253 is presented, and analysed to provide estimates of its hot young star population. Our approach differs from previous investigations in that we are able to distinguish between the regions in which different infrared fine-structure lines form, using comple... [more] ISO-SWS spectroscopy of the WR galaxy NGC5253 is presented, and analysed to provide estimates of its hot young star population. Our approach differs from previous investigations in that we are able to distinguish between the regions in which different infrared fine-structure lines form, using complementary ground-based observations. The high excitation nebular [SIV] emission is formed in a very compact region, which we attribute to the central super-star-nucleus, and lower excitation [NeII] nebular emission originates in the galactic core. We use photo-ionization modelling coupled with the latest theoretical O-star flux distributions to derive effective stellar temperatures and ionization parameters of Teff>38kK, logQ=8.25 for the compact nucleus, with Teff=35kK, logQ<8 for the larger core. Results are supported by more sophisticated calculations using evolutionary synthesis models. We assess the contribution that Wolf-Rayet stars may make to highly ionized nebular lines (e.g. [OIV]). From our Br(alpha) flux, the 2" nucleus contains the equivalent of approximately 1000 O7V star equivalents and the starburst there is 2-3Myr old; the 20" core contains about 2500 O7V star equivalents, with a representative age of 5Myr. The Lyman ionizing flux of the nucleus is equivalent to the 30 Doradus region. These quantities are in good agreement with the observed mid-IR dust luminosity of 7.8x10^8 L(sun) Since this structure of hot clusters embedded in cooler emission may be common in dwarf starbursts, observing a galaxy solely with a large aperture may result in confusion. Neglecting the spatial distribution of nebular emission in NGC5253, implies `global' stellar temperatures (or ages) of 36kK (4.8Myr) and 39kK (2.9 or 4.4Myr) from the observed [NeIII/II] and [SIV/III] line ratios, assuming logQ=8. Comment: 16 pages, 7 figures, uses mn.sty, to appear in MNRAS
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A Neutron Star with a Massive Progenitor in Westerlund 1
We report the discovery of an X-ray pulsar in the young, massive Galactic star cluster Westerlund 1. We detected a coherent signal from the brightest X-ray source in the cluster, CXO J164710.2-455216, during two Chandra observations on 2005 May 22 and June 18. The period of the pulsar is 10.6107(1) ... [more] We report the discovery of an X-ray pulsar in the young, massive Galactic star cluster Westerlund 1. We detected a coherent signal from the brightest X-ray source in the cluster, CXO J164710.2-455216, during two Chandra observations on 2005 May 22 and June 18. The period of the pulsar is 10.6107(1) s. We place an upper limit to the period derivative of Pdot<2e-10 s/s, which implies that the spin-down luminosity is Edot<3e33 erg/s. The X-ray luminosity of the pulsar is L_X = 3(+10,-2)e33 (D/5 kpc)^2 erg/s, and the spectrum can be described by a kT = 0.61+/-0.02 keV blackbody with a radius of R_bb = 0.27+/-0.03 (D/5 kpc}) km. Deep infrared observations reveal no counterpart with K<18.5, which rules out binary companions with M>1 Msun. Taken together, the properties of the pulsar indicate that it is a magnetar. The rarity of slow X-ray pulsars and the position of CXO J164710.2-455216 only 1.6' from the core of Westerlund 1 indicates that it is a member of the cluster with >99.97% confidence. Westerlund 1 contains 07V stars with initial masses M_i=35 Msun and >50 post-main-sequence stars that indicate the cluster is 4+/-1 Myr old. Therefore, the progenitor to this pulsar had an initial mass M_i>40 Msun. This is the most secure result among a handful of observational limits to the masses of the progenitors to neutron stars.
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Contamination of short GRBs by giant magnetar flares: significance of downwards revision in distance to SGR 1806-20
We highlight how the downward revision in the distance to the star cluster associated with SGR1806-20 by Bibby et al. reconciles the apparent low contamination of BATSE short GRBs by intense flares from extragalactic magnetars without recourse to modifying the frequency of one such flare per 30 year... [more] We highlight how the downward revision in the distance to the star cluster associated with SGR1806-20 by Bibby et al. reconciles the apparent low contamination of BATSE short GRBs by intense flares from extragalactic magnetars without recourse to modifying the frequency of one such flare per 30 years per Milky Way galaxy. We also discuss the variety in progenitor initial masses of magnetars based upon cluster ages, ranging from ~50 Msun for SGR 1806-20 and 1E 1647-455 in Westerlund 1 to ~15 Msun for SGR 1900+14 and presumably 1E 1841-045 if it originated from one of the massive RSG clusters #2 or #3.
Following (1)
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J. P. U. Fynbo
University of Copenhagen
Topics (3)
