TY  - JOUR
A1  - Toala, Jesús Alberto
A1  - Oskinova, Lida
A1  - Ignace, R.
T1  - On the Absence of Non-thermal X-Ray Emission around Runaway O Stars
JF  - The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics ; Part 2, Letters
N2  - Theoretical models predict that the compressed interstellar medium around runaway O stars can produce highenergy non-thermal diffuse emission, in particular, non-thermal X-ray and gamma-ray emission. So far, detection of nonthermal X-ray emission was claimed for only one runaway star, AE Aur. We present a search for non-thermal diffuse X-ray emission from bow shocks using archived XMM-Newton observations for a clean sample of six welldetermined runaway O stars. We find that none of these objects present diffuse X-ray emission associated with their bow shocks, similarly to previous X-ray studies toward. zeta ph and BD+ 43 degrees 3654. We carefully investigated multi-wavelength observations of AE Aur and could not confirm previous findings of non-thermal X-rays. We conclude that so far there is no clear evidence of non-thermal extended emission in bow shocks around runaway O stars.
KW  - stars: massive
KW  - stars: mass-loss
KW  - stars: winds, outflows
KW  - X-rays: ISM
Y1  - 2017
U6  - https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/aa667c
SN  - 2041-8205
SN  - 2041-8213
VL  - 838
SP  - 1
EP  - 32
PB  - IOP Publ. Ltd.
CY  - Bristol
ER  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Sander, Andreas Alexander Christoph
A1  - Hamann, Wolf-Rainer
A1  - Todt, Helge Tobias
A1  - Hainich, Rainer
A1  - Shenar, Tomer
T1  - Coupling hydrodynamics with comoving frame radiative transfer I. A unified approach for OB and WR stars
JF  - Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal
N2  - Context. For more than two decades, stellar atmosphere codes have been used to derive the stellar and wind parameters of massive stars. Although they have become a powerful tool and sufficiently reproduce the observed spectral appearance, they can hardly be used for more than measuring parameters. One major obstacle is their inconsistency between the calculated radiation field and the wind stratification due to the usage of prescribed mass-loss rates and wind-velocity fields. Aims. We present the concepts for a new generation of hydrodynamically consistent non-local thermodynamical equilibrium (nonLTE) stellar atmosphere models that allow for detailed studies of radiation-driven stellar winds. As a first demonstration, this new kind of model is applied to a massive O star. Methods. Based on earlier works, the PoWR code has been extended with the option to consistently solve the hydrodynamic equation together with the statistical equations and the radiative transfer in order to obtain a hydrodynamically consistent atmosphere stratification. In these models, the whole velocity field is iteratively updated together with an adjustment of the mass-loss rate. Results. The concepts for obtaining hydrodynamically consistent models using a comoving-frame radiative transfer are outlined. To provide a useful benchmark, we present a demonstration model, which was motivated to describe the well-studied O4 supergiant zeta Pup. The obtained stellar and wind parameters are within the current range of literature values. Conclusions. For the first time, the PoWR code has been used to obtain a hydrodynamically consistent model for a massive O star. This has been achieved by a profound revision of earlier concepts used for Wolf-Rayet stars. The velocity field is shaped by various elements contributing to the radiative acceleration, especially in the outer wind. The results further indicate that for more dense winds deviations from a standard beta-law occur.
KW  - stars: mass-loss
KW  - stars: winds, outflows
KW  - stars: early-type
KW  - stars: atmospheres
KW  - stars: fundamental parameters
KW  - stars: massive
Y1  - 2017
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201730642
SN  - 1432-0746
VL  - 603
PB  - EDP Sciences
CY  - Les Ulis
ER  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Oskinova, Lida
A1  - Huenemoerder, D. P.
A1  - Hamann, Wolf-Rainer
A1  - Shenar, Tomer
A1  - Sander, Andreas Alexander Christoph
A1  - Ignace, R.
A1  - Todt, Helge Tobias
A1  - Hainich, Rainer
T1  - On the Binary Nature of Massive Blue Hypergiants: High-resolution X-Ray Spectroscopy Suggests That Cyg OB2 12 is a Colliding Wind Binary
JF  - The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics
N2  - The blue hypergiant Cyg OB2 12 (B3Ia(+)) is a representative member of the class of very massive stars in a poorly understood evolutionary stage. We obtained its high-resolution X-ray spectrum using the Chandra observatory. PoWR model atmospheres were calculated to provide realistic wind opacities and to establish the wind density structure. We find that collisional de-excitation is the dominant mechanism depopulating the metastable upper levels of the forbidden lines of the He-like ions Si XIV and Mg XII. Comparison between the model and observations reveals that X-ray emission is produced in a dense plasma, which could reside only at the photosphere or in a colliding wind zone between binary components. The observed X-ray spectra are well-fitted by thermal plasma models, with average temperatures in excess of 10 MK. The wind speed in Cyg OB2 12 is not high enough to power such high temperatures, but the collision of two winds in a binary system can be sufficient. We used archival data to investigate the X-ray properties of other blue hypergiants. In general, stars of this class are not detected as X-ray sources. We suggest that our new Chandra observations of Cyg OB2 12 can be best explained if Cyg OB2 12 is a colliding wind binary possessing a late O-type companion. This makes Cyg OB2 12 only the second binary system among the 16 known Galactic hypergiants. This low binary fraction indicates that the blue hypergiants are likely products of massive binary evolution during which they either accreted a significant amount of mass or already merged with their companions.
KW  - stars: individual (Cyg OB2 12)
KW  - stars: massive
KW  - stars: mass-loss
KW  - stars: winds, outflows
KW  - supergiants
KW  - X-rays: stars
Y1  - 2017
U6  - https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/aa7e79
SN  - 0004-637X
SN  - 1538-4357
VL  - 845
PB  - IOP Publ. Ltd.
CY  - Bristol
ER  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Bozzo, Enrico
A1  - Oskinova, Lida
A1  - Lobel, A.
A1  - Hamann, Wolf-Rainer
T1  - The super-orbital modulation of supergiant high-mass X-ray binaries
JF  - Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal
N2  - The long-term X-ray light curves of classical supergiant X-ray binaries and supergiant fast X-ray transients show relatively similar super-orbital modulations, which are still lacking a sound interpretation. We propose that these modulations are related to the presence of corotating interaction regions (CIRs) known to thread the winds of OB supergiants. To test this hypothesis, we couple the outcomes of three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamic models for the formation of CIRs in stellar winds with a simplified recipe for the accretion onto a neutron star. The results show that the synthetic X-ray light curves are indeed modulated by the presence of the CIRs. The exact period and amplitude of these modulations depend on a number of parameters governing the hydrodynamic wind models and on the binary orbital configuration. To compare our model predictions with the observations, we apply the 3D wind structure previously shown to well explain the appearance of discrete absorption components in the UV time series of a prototypical B0.5I-type supergiant. Using the orbital parameters of IGRJ 16493-4348, which has the same B0.5I donor spectral type, the period and modulations in the simulated X-ray light curve are similar to the observed ones, thus providing support to our scenario. We propose that the presence of CIRs in donor star winds should be considered in future theoretical and simulation efforts of wind-fed X-ray binaries.
KW  - X-rays: stars
KW  - X-rays: binaries
KW  - gamma rays: stars
KW  - stars: massive
KW  - stars: neutron
Y1  - 2017
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201731930
SN  - 1432-0746
VL  - 606
PB  - EDP Sciences
CY  - Les Ulis
ER  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Ignace, R.
A1  - Hole, K. T.
A1  - Oskinova, Lida
A1  - Rotter, J. P.
T1  - An X-Ray Study of Two B plus B Binaries: AH Cep and CW Cep
JF  - The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics
N2  - AH Cep and CW Cep are both early B-type binaries with short orbital periods of 1.8. days and 2.7. days, respectively. All four components are B0.5V types. The binaries are also double-lined spectroscopic and eclipsing. Consequently, solutions for orbital and stellar parameters make the pair of binaries ideal targets for a study of the colliding winds between two B. stars. Chandra ACIS-I observations were obtained to determine X-ray luminosities. AH. Cep was detected with an unabsorbed X-ray luminosity at a 90% confidence interval of (9-33) x 10(30) erg s(-1), or (0.5-1.7) x 10(-7) L-Bol , relative to the combined Bolometric luminosities of the two components. While formally consistent with expectations for embedded wind shocks, or binary wind collision, the near-twin system of CW Cep was a surprising nondetection. For CW Cep, an upper limit was determined with L-X/L-Bol < 10(-8), again for the combined components. One difference between these two systems is that AH Cep is part of a multiple system. The X-rays from AH. Cep may not arise from standard wind shocks nor wind collision, but perhaps instead from magnetism in any one of the four components of the system. The possibility could be tested by searching for cyclic X-ray variability in AH. Cep on the short orbital period of the inner B. stars.
KW  - stars: early-type
KW  - stars: individual (AH Cep, CW Cep)
KW  - stars: massive
KW  - stars: winds
KW  - outflows X-rays: binaries
Y1  - 2017
U6  - https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/aa93ea
SN  - 0004-637X
SN  - 1538-4357
VL  - 850
PB  - IOP Publ. Ltd.
CY  - Bristol
ER  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Grinberg, Victoria
A1  - Hell, Natalie
A1  - El Mellah, Ileyk
A1  - Neilsen, Joseph
A1  - Sander, Andreas Alexander Christoph
A1  - Leutenegger, Maurice
A1  - Fürst, Felix
A1  - Huenemoerder, David P.
A1  - Kretschmar, Peter
A1  - Kuehnel, Matthias
A1  - Martinez-Nunez, Silvia
A1  - Niu, Shu
A1  - Pottschmidt, Katja
A1  - Schulz, Norbert S.
A1  - Wilms, Joern
A1  - Nowak, Michael A.
T1  - The clumpy absorber in the high-mass X-ray binary Vela X-1
JF  - Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal
N2  - Bright and eclipsing, the high-mass X-ray binary Vela X-1 offers a unique opportunity to study accretion onto a neutron star from clumpy winds of O/B stars and to disentangle the complex accretion geometry of these systems. In Chandra-HETGS spectroscopy at orbital phase similar to 0.25, when our line of sight towards the source does not pass through the large-scale accretion structure such as the accretion wake, we observe changes in overall spectral shape on timescales of a few kiloseconds. This spectral variability is, at least in part, caused by changes in overall absorption and we show that such strongly variable absorption cannot be caused by unperturbed clumpy winds of O/B stars. We detect line features from high and low ionization species of silicon, magnesium, and neon whose strengths and presence depend on the overall level of absorption. These features imply a co-existence of cool and hot gas phases in the system, which we interpret as a highly variable, structured accretion flow close to the compact object such as has been recently seen in simulations of wind accretion in high-mass X-ray binaries.
KW  - X-rays: individuals: Vela X-1
KW  - X-rays: binaries
KW  - stars: winds, outflows
KW  - stars: massive
Y1  - 2017
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201731843
SN  - 1432-0746
VL  - 608
PB  - EDP Sciences
CY  - Les Ulis
ER  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Przybilla, Norbert
A1  - Fossati, Luca
A1  - Hubrig, Swetlana
A1  - Nieva, M. -F.
A1  - Jaervinen, S. P.
A1  - Castro, Norberto
A1  - Schoeller, M.
A1  - Ilyin, Ilya
A1  - Butler, Keith
A1  - Schneider, F. R. N.
A1  - Oskinova, Lida
A1  - Morel, T.
A1  - Langer, N.
A1  - de Koter, A.
T1  - B fields in OB stars (BOB): Detection of a magnetic field in the He-strong star CPD-57 degrees 3509
JF  - Organic letters
N2  - Methods. Spectropolarimetric observations with FORS2 and HARPSpol are analysed using two independent approaches to quantify the magnetic field strength. A high-S/N FLAMES/GIRAFFE spectrum is analysed using a hybrid non-LTE model atmosphere technique. Comparison with stellar evolution models constrains the fundamental parameters of the star. Results. We obtain a firm detection of a surface averaged longitudinal magnetic field with a maximum amplitude of about 1 kG. Assuming a dipolar configuration of the magnetic field, this implies a dipolar field strength larger than 3.3 kG. Moreover, the large amplitude and fast variation (within about 1 day) of the longitudinal magnetic field implies that CPD-57 degrees 3509 is spinning very fast despite its apparently slow projected rotational velocity. The star should be able to support a centrifugal magnetosphere, yet the spectrum shows no sign of magnetically confined material; in particular, emission in H alpha is not observed. Apparently, the wind is either not strong enough for enough material to accumulate in the magnetosphere to become observable or, alternatively, some leakage process leads to loss of material from the magnetosphere. The quantitative spectroscopic analysis of the star yields an effective temperature and a logarithmic surface gravity of 23 750 +/- 250 K and 4.05 +/- 0.10, respectively, and a surface helium fraction of 0.28 +/- 0.02 by number. The surface abundances of C, N, O, Ne, S, and Ar are compatible with the cosmic abundance standard, whereas Mg, Al, Si, and Fe are depleted by about a factor of 2. This abundance pattern can be understood as the consequence of a fractionated stellar wind. CPD-57 degrees 3509 is one of the most evolved He-strong stars known with an independent age constraint due to its cluster membership.
KW  - stars: abundances
KW  - stars: atmospheres
KW  - stars: evolution
KW  - stars: magnetic field
KW  - stars: individual: CPD-57 degrees 3509
KW  - stars: massive
Y1  - 2016
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201527646
SN  - 1432-0746
VL  - 587
PB  - EDP Sciences
CY  - Les Ulis
ER  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Shenar, Tomer
A1  - Hainich, Rainer
A1  - Todt, Helge Tobias
A1  - Sander, Andreas Alexander Christoph
A1  - Hamann, Wolf-Rainer
A1  - Moffat, Anthony F. J.
A1  - Eldridge, J. J.
A1  - Pablo, H.
A1  - Oskinova, Lida
A1  - Richardson, N. D.
T1  - Wolf-Rayet stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud II. Analysis of the binaries
JF  - American mineralogist : an international journal of earth and planetary materials
N2  - Context. Massive Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars are evolved massive stars (M-i greater than or similar to 20 M-circle dot) characterized by strong mass-loss. Hypothetically, they can form either as single stars or as mass donors in close binaries. About 40% of all known WR stars are confirmed binaries, raising the question as to the impact of binarity on the WR population. Studying WR binaries is crucial in this context, and furthermore enable one to reliably derive the elusive masses of their components, making them indispensable for the study of massive stars. Aims. By performing a spectral analysis of all multiple WR systems in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), we obtain the full set of stellar parameters for each individual component. Mass-luminosity relations are tested, and the importance of the binary evolution channel is assessed. Methods. The spectral analysis is performed with the PotsdamWolf-Rayet (PoWR) model atmosphere code by superimposing model spectra that correspond to each component. Evolutionary channels are constrained using the Binary Population and Spectral Synthesis (BPASS) evolution tool. Results. Significant hydrogen mass fractions (0.1 < X-H < 0.4) are detected in all WN components. A comparison with mass-luminosity relations and evolutionary tracks implies that the majority of the WR stars in our sample are not chemically homogeneous. The WR component in the binary AB6 is found to be very luminous (log L approximate to 6.3 [L-circle dot]) given its orbital mass (approximate to 10 M-circle dot), presumably because of observational contamination by a third component. Evolutionary paths derived for our objects suggest that Roche lobe overflow had occurred in most systems, affecting their evolution. However, the implied initial masses (greater than or similar to 60 M-circle dot) are large enough for the primaries to have entered the WR phase, regardless of binary interaction. Conclusions. Together with the results for the putatively single SMC WR stars, our study suggests that the binary evolution channel does not dominate the formation of WR stars at SMC metallicity.
KW  - stars: massive
KW  - stars: Wolf-Rayet
KW  - stars: evolution
KW  - binaries: close
KW  - binaries: symbiotic
KW  - Magellanic Clouds
Y1  - 2016
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201527916
SN  - 1432-0746
VL  - 591
PB  - EDP Sciences
CY  - Les Ulis
ER  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Aldoretta, E. J.
A1  - St-Louis, N.
A1  - Richardson, N. D.
A1  - Moffat, Anthony F. J.
A1  - Eversberg, T.
A1  - Hill, G. M.
A1  - Shenar, Tomer
A1  - Artigau, E.
A1  - Gauza, B.
A1  - Knapen, J. H.
A1  - Kubat, Jiří
A1  - Kubatova, Brankica
A1  - Maltais-Tariant, R.
A1  - Munoz, M.
A1  - Pablo, H.
A1  - Ramiaramanantsoa, T.
A1  - Richard-Laferriere, A.
A1  - Sablowski, D. P.
A1  - Simon-Diaz, S.
A1  - St-Jean, L.
A1  - Bolduan, F.
A1  - Dias, F. M.
A1  - Dubreuil, P.
A1  - Fuchs, D.
A1  - Garrel, T.
A1  - Grutzeck, G.
A1  - Hunger, T.
A1  - Kuesters, D.
A1  - Langenbrink, M.
A1  - Leadbeater, R.
A1  - Li, D.
A1  - Lopez, A.
A1  - Mauclaire, B.
A1  - Moldenhawer, T.
A1  - Potter, M.
A1  - dos Santos, E. M.
A1  - Schanne, L.
A1  - Schmidt, J.
A1  - Sieske, H.
A1  - Strachan, J.
A1  - Stinner, E.
A1  - Stinner, P.
A1  - Stober, B.
A1  - Strandbaek, K.
A1  - Syder, T.
A1  - Verilhac, D.
A1  - Waldschlaeger, U.
A1  - Weiss, D.
A1  - Wendt, A.
T1  - An extensive spectroscopic time series of three Wolf-Rayet stars - I. The lifetime of large-scale structures in the wind of WR 134
JF  - Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
N2  - During the summer of 2013, a 4-month spectroscopic campaign took place to observe the variabilities in three Wolf-Rayet stars. The spectroscopic data have been analysed for WR 134 (WN6b), to better understand its behaviour and long-term periodicity, which we interpret as arising from corotating interaction regions (CIRs) in the wind. By analysing the variability of the He ii lambda 5411 emission line, the previously identified period was refined to P = 2.255 +/- 0.008 (s.d.) d. The coherency time of the variability, which we associate with the lifetime of the CIRs in the wind, was deduced to be 40 +/- 6 d, or similar to 18 cycles, by cross-correlating the variability patterns as a function of time. When comparing the phased observational grey-scale difference images with theoretical grey-scales previously calculated from models including CIRs in an optically thin stellar wind, we find that two CIRs were likely present. A separation in longitude of Delta I center dot a parts per thousand integral 90A degrees was determined between the two CIRs and we suggest that the different maximum velocities that they reach indicate that they emerge from different latitudes. We have also been able to detect observational signatures of the CIRs in other spectral lines (C iv lambda lambda 5802,5812 and He i lambda 5876). Furthermore, a DAC was found to be present simultaneously with the CIR signatures detected in the He i lambda 5876 emission line which is consistent with the proposed geometry of the large-scale structures in the wind. Small-scale structures also show a presence in the wind, simultaneously with the larger scale structures, showing that they do in fact co-exist.
KW  - instabilities
KW  - methods: data analysis
KW  - techniques: spectroscopic
KW  - stars: individual: WR 134
KW  - stars: massive
KW  - stars: Wolf-Rayet
Y1  - 2016
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stw1188
SN  - 0035-8711
SN  - 1365-2966
VL  - 460
SP  - 3407
EP  - 3417
PB  - Oxford Univ. Press
CY  - Oxford
ER  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Fossati, Luca
A1  - Castro, Norberto
A1  - Morel, Thierry
A1  - Langer, Norbert
A1  - Briquet, Maryline
A1  - Carroll, Thorsten Anthony
A1  - Hubrig, Swetlana
A1  - Nieva, Maria-Fernanda
A1  - Oskinova, Lida
A1  - Przybilla, Norbert
A1  - Schneider, Fabian R. N.
A1  - Schoeller, Magnus
A1  - Simon Díaz, Sergio
A1  - Ilyin, Ilya
A1  - de Koter, Alex
A1  - Reisenegger, Andreas
A1  - Sana, Hugues
T1  - B fields in OB stars (BOB): on the detection of weak magnetic fields in the two early B-type stars beta CMa and epsilon CMa Possible lack of a "magnetic desert" in massive stars
JF  - Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal
N2  - Only a small fraction of massive stars seem to host a measurable structured magnetic field, whose origin is still unknown and whose implications for stellar evolution still need to be assessed. Within the context of the "B fields in OB stars (BOB)" collaboration, we used the HARPSpol spectropolarimeter to observe the early B-type stars beta CMa (HD 44743; B1 II/III) and epsilon CMa (HD 52089; B1.5II) in December 2013 and April 2014. For both stars, we consistently detected the signature of a weak (<30 G in absolute value) longitudinal magnetic field, approximately constant with time. We determined the physical parameters of both stars and characterise their X-ray spectrum. For the beta Cep star beta CMa, our mode identification analysis led to determining a rotation period of 13.6 +/- 1.2 days and of an inclination angle of the rotation axis of 57.6 +/- 1.7 degrees, with respect to the line of sight. On the basis of these measurements and assuming a dipolar field geometry, we derived a best fitting obliquity of about 22 degrees and a dipolar magnetic field strength (B-d) of about 100 G (60 < B-d < 230 G within the 1 sigma level), below what is typically found for other magnetic massive stars. This conclusion is strengthened further by considerations of the star's X-ray spectrum. For epsilon CMa we could only determine a lower limit on the dipolar magnetic field strength of 13 G. For this star, we determine that the rotation period ranges between 1.3 and 24 days. Our results imply that both stars are expected to have a dynamical magnetosphere, so the magnetic field is not able to support a circumstellar disk. We also conclude that both stars are most likely core hydrogen burning and that they have spent more than 2/3 of their main sequence lifetime. A histogram of the distribution of the dipolar magnetic field strength for the magnetic massive stars known to date does not show the magnetic field "desert" observed instead for intermediate-mass stars. The biases involved in the detection of (weak) magnetic fields in massive stars with the currently available instrumentation and techniques imply that weak fields might be more common than currently observed. Our results show that, if present, even relatively weak magnetic fields are detectable in massive stars and that more observational effort is probably still needed to properly access the magnetic field incidence.
KW  - stars: atmospheres
KW  - stars: evolution
KW  - stars: magnetic field
KW  - stars: individual: epsilon CMa
KW  - stars: individual: beta CMa
KW  - stars: massive
Y1  - 2015
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201424986
SN  - 0004-6361
SN  - 1432-0746
VL  - 574
PB  - EDP Sciences
CY  - Les Ulis
ER  -