TY  - JOUR
A1  - Hünemörder, David P.
A1  - Oskinova, Lida
A1  - Ignace, Richard
A1  - Waldron, Wayne L.
A1  - Todt, Helge Tobias
A1  - Hamaguchi, Kenji
A1  - Kitamoto, Shunji
T1  - On the weak-wind problem in massive stars X-ray spectra reveal a massive hot wind in mu columbaea
JF  - The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics ; Part 2, Letters
N2  - mu Columbae is a prototypical weak-wind O star for which we have obtained a high-resolution X-ray spectrum with the Chandra LETG/ACIS instrument and a low-resolution spectrum with Suzaku. This allows us, for the first time, to investigate the role of X-rays on the wind structure in a bona fide weak-wind system and to determine whether there actually is a massive hot wind. The X-ray emission measure indicates that the outflow is an order of magnitude greater than that derived from UV lines and is commensurate with the nominal wind-luminosity relationship for O stars. Therefore, the "weak-wind problem"-identified from cool wind UV/optical spectra-is largely resolved by accounting for the hot wind seen in X-rays. From X-ray line profiles, Doppler shifts, and relative strengths, we find that this weak-wind star is typical of other late O dwarfs. The X-ray spectra do not suggest a magnetically confined plasma-the spectrum is soft and lines are broadened; Suzaku spectra confirm the lack of emission above 2 keV. Nor do the relative line shifts and widths suggest any wind decoupling by ions. The He-like triplets indicate that the bulk of the X-ray emission is formed rather close to the star, within five stellar radii. Our results challenge the idea that some OB stars are "weak-wind" stars that deviate from the standard wind-luminosity relationship. The wind is not weak, but it is hot and its bulk is only detectable in X-rays.
KW  - stars: early-type
KW  - stars: individual (mu Col)
KW  - stars: mass-loss
KW  - X-rays: stars
Y1  - 2012
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1088/2041-8205/756/2/L34
SN  - 2041-8205
VL  - 756
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  - 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  - 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  - Sander, Andreas Alexander Christoph
A1  - Shenar, Tomer
A1  - Hainich, Rainer
A1  - Gimenez-Garcia, Ana
A1  - Todt, Helge Tobias
A1  - Hamann, Wolf-Rainer
T1  - On the consistent treatment of the quasi-hydrostatic layers in hot star atmospheres
JF  - Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal
N2  - Context. Spectroscopic analysis remains the most common method to derive masses of massive stars, the most fundamental stellar parameter. While binary orbits and stellar pulsations can provide much sharper constraints on the stellar mass, these methods are only rarely applicable to massive stars. Unfortunately, spectroscopic masses of massive stars heavily depend on the detailed physics of model atmospheres.
 Aims. We demonstrate the impact of a consistent treatment of the radiative pressure on inferred gravities and spectroscopic masses of massive stars. Specifically, we investigate the contribution of line and continuum transitions to the photospheric radiative pressure. We further explore the effect of model parameters, e.g., abundances, on the deduced spectroscopic mass. Lastly, we compare our results with the plane-parallel TLUSTY code, commonly used for the analysis of massive stars with photospheric spectra.
 Methods. We calculate a small set of O-star models with the Potsdam Wolf-Rayet (PoWR) code using different approaches for the quasi-hydrostatic part. These models allow us to quantify the effect of accounting for the radiative pressure consistently. We further use PoWR models to show how the Doppler widths of line profiles and abundances of elements such as iron affect the radiative pressure, and, as a consequence, the derived spectroscopic masses.
 Results. Our study implies that errors on the order of a factor of two in the inferred spectroscopic mass are to be expected when neglecting the contribution of line and continuum transitions to the radiative acceleration in the photosphere. Usage of implausible microturbulent velocities, or the neglect of important opacity sources such as Fe, may result in errors of approximately 50% in the spectroscopic mass. A comparison with TLUSTY model atmospheres reveals a very good agreement with PoWR at the limit of low mass-loss rates.
KW  - stars: early-type
KW  - stars: mass-loss
KW  - stars: winds, outflows
KW  - stars: atmospheres
KW  - stars: fundamental parameters
KW  - stars: massive
Y1  - 2015
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201425356
SN  - 0004-6361
SN  - 1432-0746
VL  - 577
PB  - EDP Sciences
CY  - Les Ulis
ER  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Shenar, Tomer
A1  - Oskinova, Lida
A1  - Hamann, Wolf-Rainer
A1  - Corcoran, Michael F.
A1  - Moffat, Anthony F. J.
A1  - Pablo, Herbert
A1  - Richardson, Noel D.
A1  - Waldron, Wayne L.
A1  - Huenemoerder, David P.
A1  - Maiz Apellaniz, Jesus
A1  - Nichols, Joy S.
A1  - Todt, Helge Tobias
A1  - Naze, Yael
A1  - Hoffman, Jennifer L.
A1  - Pollock, Andy M. T.
A1  - Negueruela, Ignacio
T1  - A coordinated X-Ray and optical campaign of the nearest massive eclipsing binary, delta ORIONIS Aa. IV. A multiwavelength, non-lte spectroscopic analysis
JF  - The astrophysical journal : an international review of spectroscopy and astronomical physics
N2  - Eclipsing systems of massive stars allow one to explore the properties of their components in great detail. We perform a multi-wavelength, non-LTE analysis of the three components of the massive multiple system delta Ori A, focusing on the fundamental stellar properties, stellar winds, and X-ray characteristics of the system. The primary's distance-independent parameters turn out to be characteristic for its spectral type (O9.5 II), but usage of the Hipparcos parallax yields surprisingly low values for the mass, radius, and luminosity. Consistent values follow only if delta Ori lies at about twice the Hipparcos distance, in the vicinity of the sigma-Orionis cluster. The primary and tertiary dominate the spectrum and leave the secondary only marginally detectable. We estimate the V-band magnitude difference between primary and secondary to be Delta V approximate to 2.(m)8. The inferred parameters suggest that the secondary is an early B-type dwarf (approximate to B1 V), while the tertiary is an early B-type subgiant (approximate to B0 IV). We find evidence for rapid turbulent velocities (similar to 200 km s(-1)) and wind inhomogeneities, partially optically thick, in the primary's wind. The bulk of the X-ray emission likely emerges from the primary's stellar wind (logL(X)/L-Bol approximate to -6.85), initiating close to the stellar surface at R-0 similar to 1.1 R-*. Accounting for clumping, the mass-loss rate of the primary is found to be log (M) over dot approximate to -6.4 (M-circle dot yr(-1))., which agrees with hydrodynamic predictions, and provides a consistent picture along the X-ray, UV, optical, and radio spectral domains.
KW  - binaries: close
KW  - binaries: eclipsing
KW  - stars: early-type
KW  - stars: individual ([HD 36486]delta Ori A)
KW  - X-rays: stars
Y1  - 2015
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1088/0004-637X/809/2/135
SN  - 0004-637X
SN  - 1538-4357
VL  - 809
IS  - 2
PB  - IOP Publ. Ltd.
CY  - Bristol
ER  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Steinke, Martin
A1  - Oskinova, Lida
A1  - Hamann, Wolf-Rainer
A1  - Sander, Andreas Alexander Christoph
A1  - Liermann, A.
A1  - Todt, Helge Tobias
T1  - Analysis of the WN star WR102c, its WR nebula, and the associated cluster of massive stars in the Sickle Nebula
JF  - Tectonophysics : international journal of geotectonics and the geology and physics of the interior of the earth
N2  - Context. The massive Wolf-Rayet type star WR102c is located near the Quintuplet Cluster, one of the three massive star clusters in the Galactic centre region. Previous studies indicated that WR102c may have a dusty circumstellar nebula and is among the main ionising sources of the Sickle Nebula associated with the Quintuplet Cluster. Aims. The goals of our study are to derive the stellar parameters of WR102c from the analysis of its spectrum and to investigate its stellar and nebular environment. Methods. We obtained observations with the ESO VLT integral field spectrograph SINFONI in the K-band, extracted the stellar spectra, and analysed them by means of stellar atmosphere models. Results. Our new analysis supersedes the results previously reported for WR102c. We significantly decrease its bolometric luminosity and hydrogen content. We detect four early OB type stars close to WR102c. These stars have radial velocities similar to that of WR102c. We suggest that together with WR102c these stars belong to a distinct star cluster with a total mass of similar to 1000 M-circle dot. We identify a new WR nebula around WR102c in the SINFONI map of the di ff use Br gamma emission and in the HST Pa ff images. The Br gamma line at di ff erent locations is not significantly broadened and similar to the width of nebular emission elsewhere in the H i i region around WR102c. Conclusions. The massive star WR102c located in the Galactic centre region resides in a star cluster containing additional early-type stars. The stellar parameters of WR102c are typical for hydrogen-free WN6 stars. We identify a nebula surrounding WR102c that has a morphology similar to other nebulae around hydrogen-free WR stars, and propose that the formation of this nebula is linked to interaction of the fast stellar wind with the matter ejected at a previous evolutionary stage of WR102c.
KW  - stars: early-type
KW  - stars: individual: WR 102c
KW  - stars: Wolf
KW  - Rayet
KW  - Galaxy: center
KW  - HII regions
KW  - infrared: stars
Y1  - 2016
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201527692
SN  - 1432-0746
VL  - 588
PB  - EDP Sciences
CY  - Les Ulis
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  - Leto, Paolo
A1  - Trigilio, C.
A1  - Oskinova, Lida
A1  - Ignace, R.
A1  - Buemi, C. S.
A1  - Umana, G.
A1  - Ingallinera, A.
A1  - Todt, Helge Tobias
A1  - Leone, F.
T1  - The detection of variable radio emission from the fast rotating magnetic hot B-star HR 7355 and evidence for its X-ray aurorae
JF  - Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
N2  - In this paper, we investigate the multiwavelength properties of the magnetic early B-type star HR 7355. We present its radio light curves at several frequencies, taken with the Jansky Very Large Array, and X-ray spectra, taken with the XMM-Newton X-ray telescope. Modelling of the radio light curves for the Stokes I and V provides a quantitative analysis of the HR 7355 magnetosphere. A comparison between HR 7355 and a similar analysis for the Ap star CU Vir allows us to study how the different physical parameters of the two stars affect the structure of the respective magnetospheres where the non-thermal electrons originate. Our model includes a cold thermal plasma component that accumulates at high magnetic latitudes that influences the radio regime, but does not give rise to X-ray emission. Instead, the thermal X-ray emission arises from shocks generated by wind stream collisions close to the magnetic equatorial plane. The analysis of the X-ray spectrum of HR 7355 also suggests the presence of a non-thermal radiation. Comparison between the spectral index of the power-law X-ray energy distribution with the non-thermal electron energy distribution indicates that the non-thermal X-ray component could be the auroral signature of the non-thermal electrons that impact the stellar surface, the same non-thermal electrons that are responsible for the observed radio emission. On the basis of our analysis, we suggest a novel model that simultaneously explains the X-ray and the radio features of HR 7355 and is likely relevant for magnetospheres of other magnetic early-type stars.
KW  - stars: chemically peculiar
KW  - stars: early-type
KW  - stars: individual: HR 7355
KW  - stars: magnetic field
KW  - radio continuum: stars
KW  - X-rays: stars
Y1  - 2017
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stx267
SN  - 0035-8711
SN  - 1365-2966
VL  - 467
SP  - 2820
EP  - 2833
PB  - Oxford Univ. Press
CY  - Oxford
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  - Leto, Paolo
A1  - Trigilio, C.
A1  - Oskinova, Lida
A1  - Ignace, R.
A1  - Buemi, C. S.
A1  - Umana, G.
A1  - Ingallinera, A.
A1  - Leone, Francesco
A1  - Phillips, N. M.
A1  - Agliozzo, Claudia
A1  - Todt, Helge Tobias
A1  - Cerrigone, L.
T1  - A combined multiwavelength VLA/ALMA/Chandra study unveils the complex magnetosphere of the B-type star HR5907
JF  - Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
N2  - We present new radio/millimeter measurements of the hot magnetic star HR5907 obtained with the VLA and ALMA interferometers. We find that HR5907 is the most radio luminous early type star in the cm-mm band among those presently known. Its multi-wavelength radio light curves are strongly variable with an amplitude that increases with radio frequency. The radio emission can be explained by the populations of the non-thermal electrons accelerated in the current sheets on the outer border of the magnetosphere of this fast-rotating magnetic star. We classify HR5907 as another member of the growing class of strongly magnetic fast-rotating hot stars where the gyro-synchrotron emission mechanism efficiently operates in their magnetospheres. The new radio observations of HR5907 are combined with archival X-ray data to study the physical condition of its magnetosphere. The X-ray spectra of HR5907 show tentative evidence for the presence of non-thermal spectral component. We suggest that non-thermal X-rays originate a stellar X-ray aurora due to streams of non-thermal electrons impacting on the stellar surface. Taking advantage of the relation between the spectral indices of the X-ray power-law spectrum and the non-thermal electron energy distributions, we perform 3-D modelling of the radio emission for HR5907. The wavelength-dependent radio light curves probe magnetospheric layers at different heights above the stellar surface. A detailed comparison between simulated and observed radio light curves leads us to conclude that the stellar magnetic field of HR 5907 is likely non-dipolar, providing further indirect evidence of the complex magnetic field topology of HR5907.
KW  - stars: chemically peculiar
KW  - stars: early-type
KW  - stars: individual: HR 5907
KW  - stars: magnetic field
KW  - radio continuum: stars
KW  - X-rays: stars
Y1  - 2018
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/sty244
SN  - 0035-8711
SN  - 1365-2966
VL  - 476
IS  - 1
SP  - 562
EP  - 579
PB  - Oxford Univ. Press
CY  - Oxford
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  - 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  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Leto, Paolo
A1  - Trigilio, C.
A1  - Oskinova, Lida
A1  - Ignace, R.
A1  - Buemi, C. S.
A1  - Umana, G.
A1  - Cavallaro, Francesco
A1  - Ingallinera, A.
A1  - Bufano, F.
A1  - Phillips, N. M.
A1  - Agliozzo, Claudia
A1  - Cerrigone, L.
A1  - Todt, Helge Tobias
A1  - Riggi, S.
A1  - Leone, Francesco
T1  - The polarization mode of the auroral radio emission from the early-type star HD 142301
JF  - Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
N2  - We report the detection of the auroral radio emission from the early-type magnetic star HD142301. New VLA observations of HD142301 detected highly polarized amplified emission occurring at fixed stellar orientations. The coherent emission mechanism responsible for the stellar auroral radio emission amplifies the radiation within a narrow beam, making the star where this phenomenon occurs similar to a radio lighthouse. The elementary emission process responsible for the auroral radiation mainly amplifies one of the two magneto-ionic modes of the electromagnetic wave. This explains why the auroral pulses are highly circularly polarized. The auroral radio emission of HD142301 is characterized by a reversal of the sense of polarization as the star rotates. The effective magnetic field curve of HD142301 is also available making it possible to correlate the transition from the left to the right-hand circular polarization sense ( and vice versa) of the auroral pulses with the known orientation of the stellar magnetic field. The results presented in this letter have implications for the estimation of the dominant magneto-ionic mode amplified within the HD142301 magnetosphere.
KW  - masers
KW  - polarization
KW  - stars: early-type
KW  - stars: individual: HD142301
KW  - stars: magnetic field
KW  - radio continuum: stars
Y1  - 2018
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1093/mnrasl/sly179
SN  - 0035-8711
SN  - 1365-2966
VL  - 482
IS  - 1
SP  - L4
EP  - L8
PB  - Oxford Univ. Press
CY  - Oxford
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  -