TY - JOUR A1 - Corcoran, Michael F. A1 - Nichols, Joy S. A1 - Pablo, Herbert A1 - Shenar, Tomer A1 - Pollock, Andy M. T. A1 - Waldron, Wayne L. A1 - Moffat, Anthony F. J. A1 - Richardson, Noel D. A1 - Russell, Christopher M. P. A1 - Hamaguchi, Kenji A1 - Huenemoerder, David P. A1 - Oskinova, Lida A1 - Hamann, Wolf-Rainer A1 - Naze, Yael A1 - Ignace, Richard A1 - Evans, Nancy Remage A1 - Lomax, Jamie R. A1 - Hoffman, Jennifer L. A1 - Gayley, Kenneth A1 - Owocki, Stanley P. A1 - Leutenegger, Maurice A1 - Gull, Theodore R. A1 - Hole, Karen Tabetha A1 - Lauer, Jennifer A1 - Iping, Rosina C. T1 - A coordinated X-Ray and optical campaign of the nearest massive eclipsing binary, delta ORIONIS Aa. I. Overview of thr X-Ray spectrum JF - The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics N2 - We present an overview of four deep phase-constrained Chandra HETGS X-ray observations of delta Ori A. Delta Ori A is actually a triple system that includes the nearest massive eclipsing spectroscopic binary, delta Ori Aa, the only such object that can be observed with little phase-smearing with the Chandra gratings. Since the fainter star, delta Ori Aa2, has a much lower X-ray luminosity than the brighter primary (delta Ori Aa1), delta Ori Aa provides a unique system with which to test the spatial distribution of the X-ray emitting gas around delta Ori Aa1 via occultation by the photosphere of, and wind cavity around, the X-ray dark secondary. Here we discuss the X-ray spectrum and X-ray line profiles for the combined observation, having an exposure time of nearly 500 ks and covering nearly the entire binary orbit. The companion papers discuss the X-ray variability seen in the Chandra spectra, present new space-based photometry and ground-based radial velocities obtained simultaneously with the X-ray data to better constrain the system parameters, and model the effects of X-rays on the optical and UV spectra. We find that the X-ray emission is dominated by embedded wind shock emission from star Aa1, with little contribution from the tertiary star Ab or the shocked gas produced by the collision of the wind of Aa1 against the surface of Aa2. We find a similar temperature distribution to previous X-ray spectrum analyses. We also show that the line half-widths are about 0.3-0.5 times the terminal velocity of the wind of star Aa1. We find a strong anti-correlation between line widths and the line excitation energy, which suggests that longer-wavelength, lower-temperature lines form farther out in the wind. Our analysis also indicates that the ratio of the intensities of the strong and weak lines of Fe XVII and Ne X are inconsistent with model predictions, which may be an effect of resonance scattering. KW - binaries: close KW - binaries: eclipsing KW - stars: early-type KW - stars: individual (Delta Ori) KW - stars: mass-loss KW - X-rays: stars Y1 - 2015 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1088/0004-637X/809/2/132 SN - 0004-637X SN - 1538-4357 VL - 809 IS - 2 PB - IOP Publ. Ltd. CY - Bristol ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Evans, C. J. A1 - Hainich, Rainer A1 - Oskinova, Lida A1 - Gallagher, J. S. A1 - Chu, Y.-H. A1 - Gruendl, R. A. A1 - Hamann, Wolf-Rainer A1 - Henault-Brunet, V. A1 - Todt, Helge Tobias T1 - A rare early-type star revealed in the wing of the small megellanic cloud JF - The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics N2 - Sk 183 is the visually brightest star in the N90 nebula, a young star-forming region in the Wing of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). We present new optical spectroscopy from the Very Large Telescope which reveals Sk 183 to be one of the most massive O-type stars in the SMC. Classified as an O3-type dwarf on the basis of its nitrogen spectrum, the star also displays broadened He I absorption, which suggests a later type. We propose that Sk 183 has a composite spectrum and that it is similar to another star in the SMC, MPG 324. This brings the number of rare O2- and O3-type stars known in the whole of the SMC to a mere four. We estimate physical parameters for Sk 183 from analysis of its spectrum. For a single-star model, we estimate an effective temperature of 46 +/- 2 kK, a low mass-loss rate of similar to 10(-7) M-circle dot yr(-1), and a spectroscopic mass of 46(-8)(+ 9) M-circle dot (for an adopted distance modulus of 18.7 mag to the young population in the SMC Wing). An illustrative binary model requires a slightly hotter temperature (similar to 47.5 kK) for the primary component. In either scenario, Sk 183 is the earliest-type star known in N90 and will therefore be the dominant source of hydrogen-ionizing photons. This suggests Sk 183 is the primary influence on the star formation along the inner edge of the nebula. KW - open clusters and associations: individual (NGC 602) KW - stars: early-type KW - stars: fundamental parameters KW - stars: individual (Sanduleak 183) Y1 - 2012 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1088/0004-637X/753/2/173 SN - 0004-637X VL - 753 IS - 2 PB - IOP Publ. Ltd. CY - Bristol ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Hainich, Rainer A1 - Oskinova, Lida A1 - Shenar, Tomer A1 - Marchant Campos, Pablo A1 - Eldridge, J. J. A1 - Sander, Andreas Alexander Christoph A1 - Hamann, Wolf-Rainer A1 - Langer, Norbert A1 - Todt, Helge Tobias T1 - Observational properties of massive black hole binary progenitors JF - Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal N2 - Context: The first directly detected gravitational waves (GW 150914) were emitted by two coalescing black holes (BHs) with masses of ≈ 36 M⊙ and ≈ 29 M⊙. Several scenarios have been proposed to put this detection into an astrophysical context. The evolution of an isolated massive binary system is among commonly considered models. Aims: Various groups have performed detailed binary-evolution calculations that lead to BH merger events. However, the question remains open as to whether binary systems with the predicted properties really exist. The aim of this paper is to help observers to close this gap by providing spectral characteristics of massive binary BH progenitors during a phase where at least one of the companions is still non-degenerate. Methods: Stellar evolution models predict fundamental stellar parameters. Using these as input for our stellar atmosphere code (Potsdam Wolf-Rayet), we compute a set of models for selected evolutionary stages of massive merging BH progenitors at different metallicities. Results: The synthetic spectra obtained from our atmosphere calculations reveal that progenitors of massive BH merger events start their lives as O2-3V stars that evolve to early-type blue supergiants before they undergo core-collapse during the Wolf-Rayet phase. When the primary has collapsed, the remaining system will appear as a wind-fed high-mass X-ray binary. Based on our atmosphere models, we provide feedback parameters, broad band magnitudes, and spectral templates that should help to identify such binaries in the future. Conclusions: While the predicted parameter space for massive BH binary progenitors is partly realized in nature, none of the known massive binaries match our synthetic spectra of massive BH binary progenitors exactly. Comparisons of empirically determined mass-loss rates with those assumed by evolution calculations reveal significant differences. The consideration of the empirical mass-loss rates in evolution calculations will possibly entail a shift of the maximum in the predicted binary-BH merger rate to higher metallicities, that is, more candidates should be expected in our cosmic neighborhood than previously assumed. KW - gravitational waves KW - binaries: close KW - stars: early-type KW - stars: atmospheres KW - stars: winds KW - outflows KW - stars: mass-loss Y1 - 2018 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201731449 SN - 1432-0746 VL - 609 PB - EDP Sciences CY - Les Ulis ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Hainich, Rainer A1 - Pasemann, Diana A1 - Todt, Helge Tobias A1 - Shenar, Tomer A1 - Sander, Andreas Alexander Christoph A1 - Hamann, Wolf-Rainer T1 - Wolf-Rayet stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud I. Analysis of the single WN stars JF - Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal N2 - Context. Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars have a severe impact on their environments owing to their strong ionizing radiation fields and powerful stellar winds. Since these winds are considered to be driven by radiation pressure, it is theoretically expected that the degree of the wind mass-loss depends on the initial metallicity of WR stars. Aims. Following our comprehensive studies of WR stars in the Milky Way, M31, and the LMC, we derive stellar parameters and mass-loss rates for all seven putatively single WN stars known in the SMC. Based on these data, we discuss the impact of a low-metallicity environment on the mass loss and evolution of WR stars. Methods. The quantitative analysis of the WN stars is performed with the Potsdam Wolf-Rayet (PoWR) model atmosphere code. The physical properties of our program stars are obtained from fitting synthetic spectra to multi-band observations. Results. In all SMC WN stars, a considerable surface hydrogen abundance is detectable. The majority of these objects have stellar temperatures exceeding 75 kK, while their luminosities range from 10(5.5) to 10(6.1) L-circle dot. The WN stars in the SMC exhibit on average lower mass-loss rates and weaker winds than their counterparts in the Milky Way, M31, and the LMC. Conclusions. By comparing the mass-loss rates derived for WN stars in different Local Group galaxies, we conclude that a clear dependence of the wind mass-loss on the initial metallicity is evident, supporting the current paradigm that WR winds are driven by radiation. A metallicity effect on the evolution of massive stars is obvious from the HRD positions of the SMC WN stars at high temperatures and high luminosities. Standard evolution tracks are not able to reproduce these parameters and the observed surface hydrogen abundances. Homogeneous evolution might provide a better explanation for their evolutionary past. KW - stars: Wolf-Rayet KW - Magellanic Clouds KW - stars: early-type KW - stars: atmospheres KW - stars: winds, outflows KW - stars: mass-loss Y1 - 2015 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201526241 SN - 1432-0746 VL - 581 PB - EDP Sciences CY - Les Ulis ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Hainich, Rainer A1 - Ramachandran, Varsha A1 - Shenar, Tomer A1 - Sander, Andreas Alexander Christoph A1 - Todt, Helge Tobias A1 - Gruner, David A1 - Oskinova, Lida A1 - Hamann, Wolf-Rainer T1 - PoWR grids of non-LTE model atmospheres for OB-type stars of various metallicities JF - Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal N2 - The study of massive stars in different metallicity environments is a central topic of current stellar research. The spectral analysis of massive stars requires adequate model atmospheres. The computation of such models is difficult and time-consuming. Therefore, spectral analyses are greatly facilitated if they can refer to existing grids of models. Here we provide grids of model atmospheres for OB-type stars at metallicities corresponding to the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds, as well as to solar metallicity. In total, the grids comprise 785 individual models. The models were calculated using the state-of-the-art Potsdam Wolf-Rayet (PoWR) model atmosphere code. The parameter domain of the grids was set up using stellar evolution tracks. For all these models, we provide normalized and flux-calibrated spectra, spectral energy distributions, feedback parameters such as ionizing photons, Zanstra temperatures, and photometric magnitudes. The atmospheric structures (the density and temperature stratification) are available as well. All these data are publicly accessible through the PoWR website. KW - stars: massive KW - stars: early-type KW - stars: atmospheres KW - stars: winds KW - outflows KW - stars: mass-loss KW - radiative transfer Y1 - 2019 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201833787 SN - 1432-0746 VL - 621 PB - EDP Sciences CY - Les Ulis ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Hainich, Rainer A1 - Ruehling, Ute A1 - Todt, Helge Tobias A1 - Oskinova, Lida A1 - Liermann, A. A1 - Graefener, G. A1 - Foellmi, C. A1 - Schnurr, O. A1 - Hamann, Wolf-Rainer T1 - The Wolf-Rayet stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud - A comprehensive analysis of the WN class JF - Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal N2 - Context. Massive stars, although being important building blocks of galaxies, are still not fully understood. This especially holds true for Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars with their strong mass loss, whose spectral analysis requires adequate model atmospheres. Aims. Following our comprehensive studies of the WR stars in the Milky Way, we now present spectroscopic analyses of almost all known WN stars in the LMC. Methods. For the quantitative analysis of the wind-dominated emission-line spectra, we employ the Potsdam Wolf-Rayet (PoWR) model atmosphere code. By fitting synthetic spectra to the observed spectral energy distribution and the available spectra (ultraviolet and optical), we obtain the physical properties of 107 stars. Results. We present the fundamental stellar and wind parameters for an almost complete sample of WN stars in the LMC. Among those stars that are putatively single, two different groups can be clearly distinguished. While 12% of our sample are more luminous than 10(6) L-circle dot and contain a significant amount of hydrogen, 88% of the WN stars, with little or no hydrogen, populate the luminosity range between log (L/L-circle dot) = 5.3 ... 5.8. Conclusions. While the few extremely luminous stars (log (L/L-circle dot) > 6), if indeed single stars, descended directly from the main sequence at very high initial masses, the bulk of WN stars have gone through the red-supergiant phase. According to their luminosities in the range of log (L/L-circle dot) = 5.3 ... 5.8, these stars originate from initial masses between 20 and 40 M-circle dot. This mass range is similar to the one found in the Galaxy, i.e. the expected metallicity dependence of the evolution is not seen. Current stellar evolution tracks, even when accounting for rotationally induced mixing, still partly fail to reproduce the observed ranges of luminosities and initial masses. Moreover, stellar radii are generally larger and effective temperatures correspondingly lower than predicted from stellar evolution models, probably due to subphotospheric inflation. KW - stars: Wolf-Rayet KW - Magellanic Clouds KW - stars: early-type KW - stars: atmospheres KW - stars: winds, outflows KW - stars: mass-loss Y1 - 2014 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201322696 SN - 0004-6361 SN - 1432-0746 VL - 565 PB - EDP Sciences CY - Les Ulis ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Liermann, A. A1 - Hamann, Wolf-Rainer A1 - Oskinova, Lida T1 - The Quintuplet cluster III. Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and cluster age JF - Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal N2 - The Quintuplet, one of three massive stellar clusters in the Galactic center (GC), is located about 30 pc in projection from Sagittarius A*. We aim at the construction of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram (HRD) of the cluster to study its evolution and to constrain its star-formation history. For this purpose we use the most complete spectral catalog of the Quintuplet stars. Based on the K-band spectra we determine stellar temperatures and luminosities for all stars in the catalog under the assumption of a uniform reddening towards the cluster. We find two groups in the resulting HRD: early-type OB stars and late-type KM stars, well separated from each other. By comparison with Geneva stellar evolution models we derive initial masses exceeding 8 M-circle dot for the OB stars. In the HRD these stars are located along an isochrone corresponding to an age of about 4 Myr. This confirms previous considerations, where a similar age estimate was based on the presence of evolved Wolf-Rayet stars in the cluster. We derive number ratios for the various spectral subtype groups (e.g. N-WR/N-O, N-WC/N-WN) and compare them with predictions of population synthesis models. We find that an instantaneous burst of star formation at about 3.3 to 3.6 Myr ago is the most likely scenario to form the Quintuplet cluster. Furthermore, we apply a mass-luminosity relation to construct the initial mass function (IMF) of the cluster. We find indications for a slightly top-heavy IMF. The late-type stars in the LHO catalog are red giant branch (RGB) stars or red supergiants (RSGs) according to their spectral signatures. Under the assumption that they are located at about the distance of the Galactic center we can derive their luminosities. The comparison with stellar evolution models reveals that the initial masses of these stars are lower than 15 M-circle dot implying that they needed about 15 Myr (RSG) or even more than 30 Myr (RGB) to evolve into their present stage. It might be suspected that these late-type stars do not physically belong to the Quintuplet cluster. Indeed, most of them disqualify as cluster members because their radial velocities differ too much from the cluster average. Nevertheless, five of the brightest RGB/RSG stars from the LHO catalog share the mean radial velocity of the Quintuplet, and thus remain highly suspect for being gravitationally bound members. If so, this would challenge the cluster formation and evolution scenario. KW - stars: late-type KW - Hertzsprung-Russell and C-M diagrams KW - infrared: stars KW - stars: early-type KW - open cluster and associations: individual: Quintuplet Y1 - 2012 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201117534 SN - 0004-6361 VL - 540 PB - EDP Sciences CY - Les Ulis ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Pablo, Herbert A1 - Richardson, Noel D. A1 - Moffat, Anthony F. J. A1 - Corcoran, Michael A1 - Shenar, Tomer A1 - Benvenuto, Omar A1 - Fuller, Jim A1 - Naze, Yael A1 - Hoffman, Jennifer L. A1 - Miroshnichenko, Anatoly A1 - Apellaniz, Jesus Maiz A1 - Evans, Nancy A1 - Eversberg, Thomas A1 - Gayley, Ken A1 - Gull, Ted A1 - Hamaguchi, Kenji A1 - Hamann, Wolf-Rainer A1 - Henrichs, Huib A1 - Hole, Tabetha A1 - Ignace, Richard A1 - Iping, Rosina A1 - Lauer, Jennifer A1 - Leutenegger, Maurice A1 - Lomax, Jamie A1 - Nichols, Joy A1 - Oskinova, Lida A1 - Owocki, Stan A1 - Pollock, Andy A1 - Russell, Christopher M. P. A1 - Waldron, Wayne A1 - Buil, Christian A1 - Garrel, Thierry A1 - Graham, Keith A1 - Heathcote, Bernard A1 - Lemoult, Thierry A1 - Li, Dong A1 - Mauclaire, Benjamin A1 - Potter, Mike A1 - Ribeiro, Jose A1 - Matthews, Jaymie A1 - Cameron, Chris A1 - Guenther, David A1 - Kuschnig, Rainer A1 - Rowe, Jason A1 - Rucinski, Slavek A1 - Sasselov, Dimitar A1 - Weiss, Werner T1 - A coordinated X-Ray and optical campaign of the nearest massive eclipsing binary, delta ORIONIS Aa. III. Analysis of optical photometric (most) and spectroscopic (ground based) variations JF - The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics N2 - We report on both high-precision photometry from the Microvariability and Oscillations of Stars (MOST) space telescope and ground-based spectroscopy of the triple system delta Ori A, consisting of a binary O9.5II+early-B (Aa1 and Aa2) with P = 5.7 days, and a more distant tertiary (O9 IV P > 400 years). This data was collected in concert with X-ray spectroscopy from the Chandra X-ray Observatory. Thanks to continuous coverage for three weeks, the MOST light curve reveals clear eclipses between Aa1 and Aa2 for the first time in non-phased data. From the spectroscopy, we have a well-constrained radial velocity (RV) curve of Aa1. While we are unable to recover RV variations of the secondary star, we are able to constrain several fundamental parameters of this system and determine an approximate mass of the primary using apsidal motion. We also detected second order modulations at 12 separate frequencies with spacings indicative of tidally influenced oscillations. These spacings have never been seen in a massive binary, making this system one of only a handful of such binaries that show evidence for tidally induced pulsations. KW - binaries: close KW - binaries: eclipsing KW - stars: early-type KW - stars: individual (delta Ori A) KW - stars: mass-loss KW - stars: variables: general Y1 - 2015 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1088/0004-637X/809/2/134 SN - 0004-637X SN - 1538-4357 VL - 809 IS - 2 PB - IOP Publ. Ltd. CY - Bristol ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ramachandran, Varsha A1 - Hainich, Rainer A1 - Hamann, Wolf-Rainer A1 - Oskinova, Lida A1 - Shenar, T. A1 - Sander, Andreas Alexander Christoph A1 - Todt, Helge Tobias A1 - Gallagher, John S. T1 - Stellar population of the superbubble N206 in the LMC I. Analysis of the Of-type stars JF - Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal N2 - Context. Massive stars severely influence their environment by their strong ionizing radiation and by the momentum and kinetic energy input provided by their stellar winds and supernovae. Quantitative analyses of massive stars are required to understand how their feedback creates and shapes large scale structures of the interstellar medium. The giant H II region N206 in the Large Magellanic Cloud contains an OB association that powers a superbubble filled with hot X-ray emitting gas, serving as an ideal laboratory in this context. Aims. We aim to estimate stellar and wind parameters of all OB stars in N206 by means of quantitative spectroscopic analyses. In this first paper, we focus on the nine Of-type stars located in this region. We determine their ionizing flux and wind mechanical energy. The analysis of nitrogen abundances in our sample probes rotational mixing. Methods. We obtained optical spectra with the multi-object spectrograph FLAMES at the ESO-VLT. When possible, the optical spectroscopy was complemented by UV spectra from the HST, IUE, and FUSE archives. Detailed spectral classifications are presented for our sample Of-type stars. For the quantitative spectroscopic analysis we used the Potsdam Wolf-Rayet model atmosphere code. We determined the physical parameters and nitrogen abundances of our sample stars by fitting synthetic spectra to the observations. Results. The stellar and wind parameters of nine Of-type stars, which are largely derived from spectral analysis are used to construct wind momentum luminosity relationship. We find that our sample follows a relation close to the theoretical prediction, assuming clumped winds. The most massive star in the N206 association is an Of supergiant that has a very high mass-loss rate. Two objects in our sample reveal composite spectra, showing that the Of primaries have companions of late O subtype. All stars in our sample have an evolutionary age of less than 4 million yr, with the O2-type star being the youngest. All these stars show a systematic discrepancy between evolutionary and spectroscopic masses. All stars in our sample are nitrogen enriched. Nitrogen enrichment shows a clear correlation with increasing projected rotational velocities. Conclusions. The mechanical energy input from the Of stars alone is comparable to the energy stored in the N206 superbubble as measured from the observed X-ray and H alpha emission. KW - stars: early-type KW - Magellanic Clouds KW - stars: atmospheres KW - stars: winds, outflows KW - stars: mass-loss KW - stars: massive Y1 - 2017 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201731093 SN - 1432-0746 SN - 0004-6361 VL - 609 PB - EDP Sciences CY - Les Ulis ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Sander, Andreas Alexander Christoph A1 - Fürst, F. A1 - Kretschmar, P. A1 - Oskinova, Lida A1 - Todt, Helge Tobias A1 - Hainich, Rainer A1 - Shenar, Tomer A1 - Hamann, Wolf-Rainer T1 - Coupling hydrodynamics with comoving frame radiative transfer BT - Stellar wind stratification in the high-mass X-ray binary Vela X-1 JF - Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal N2 - Aims. To gain a realistic picture of the donor star in Vela X-1, we constructed a hydrodynamically consistent atmosphere model describing the wind stratification while properly reproducing the observed donor spectrum. To investigate how X-ray illumination affects the stellar wind, we calculated additional models for different X-ray luminosity regimes. Methods. We used the recently updated version of the Potsdam Wolf-Rayet code to consistently solve the hydrodynamic equation together with the statistical equations and the radiative transfer. Results. The wind flow in Vela X-1 is driven by ions from various elements, with Fe III and S III leading in the outer wind. The model-predicted mass-loss rate is in line with earlier empirical studies. The mass-loss rate is almost unaffected by the presence of the accreting NS in the wind. The terminal wind velocity is confirmed at u(infinity) approximate to 600 km s(-1). On the other hand, the wind velocity in the inner region where the NS is located is only approximate to 100 km s(-1), which is not expected on the basis of a standard beta-velocity law. In models with an enhanced level of X-rays, the velocity field in the outer wind can be altered. If the X-ray flux is too high, the acceleration breaks down because the ionization increases. Conclusions. Accounting for radiation hydrodynamics, our Vela X-1 donor atmosphere model reveals a low wind speed at the NS location, and it provides quantitative information on wind driving in this important HMXB. KW - stars: mass-loss KW - stars: winds, outflows KW - stars: early-type KW - stars: atmospheres KW - stars: massive KW - X-rays: binaries Y1 - 2018 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201731575 SN - 1432-0746 VL - 610 PB - EDP Sciences CY - Les Ulis ER -