Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Variable stars'

Variable star analysis and classification is an important task in the understanding of stellar features and processes. While historically classifications have been done manually by highly skilled experts, the recent and rapid expansion in the quantity and quality of data has demanded new techniques, most notably automatic classification through supervised machine learning. I present a study on variable stars in the Kepler field using these techniques, and the novel work of unsupervised learning. I use new methods of characterization and multiple independent classifiers to produce an ensemble classifier that equals or matches existing classification abilities. I also explore the possibilities of unsupervised learning in making novel feature discovery in stars.

The magnetic rotator model has long been the favored explanation for coherent photometric modulations in the DQ Herculis class of cataclysmic variables. However, to date, all evidence supporting this model has been of the indirect variety. Unlike their synchronously rotating cousins, the AM Herculis objects, DQ Herculis stars have not yet been discovered to emit polarized radiation. Therefore, in light of this crucial lack, the evidence used to place these objects in the magnetic cataclysmic variable category has been strictly circumstantial, based primarily on the coherence of the photometric periodicities. In this work, time-resolved spectroscopy of four long-period DQ Herculis stars is performed. In addition, two of the same objects are observed with a new, sensitive circular polarimeter. Chapters II and III describe these observations and the results of each. To summarize, coherent variations in the wavelength of emission lines were found with the spectroscopic observations. A model is put forth, explaining this phenomenon as being due to varying illumination from a bright spot on the primary. This, of course, adds strength to the magnetic rotator model. Secondly, circular polarization was definitely found in one object studied, and possibly in a second. Therefore, for the first time, there is direct evidence of the magnetic nature of these binaries. In Chapter IV, the model of the rotating bright spot illuminating the disk is explored in further detail, including modeling with a minicomputer. Afterward, a problem brought out by the low polarization coupled with large amplitude photometric variations and a cool spectrum is investigated, namely, is it possible to produce large amounts of cyclotron radiation without producing large amounts of circular polarization? The results tend to show that, for a large emitting area, the answer is yes. Chapter V is a summary of the rest of the work.

Here, we present the results from our analysis of 6 yr of optical photometry taken by the Siding Spring Survey (SSS). This completes a search for periodic variable stars within the 30 000 deg(2) of the sky covered by the Catalina Surveys. The current analysis covers 81 million sources with declinations between -20 degrees. and -75 degrees. with median magnitudes in the range 11 < V < 19.5. We find approximately 34 000 new periodic variable stars in addition to the similar to 9000 RR Lyrae that we previously discovered in SSS data. This brings the total number of periodic variables identified in Catalina data to similar to 110 000. The new SSS periodic variable stars mainly consist of eclipsing binaries, RR Lyrae, LPVs, RS CVn stars, delta Scutis, and Anomalous Cepheids. By cross-matching these variable stars with those from prior surveys, we find that similar to 90 per cent of the sources are new discoveries and recover similar to 95 per cent of the known periodic variables in the survey region. For the known sources, we find excellent agreement between our catalogue and prior values of luminosity, period, and amplitude. However, we find many variable stars that had previously been misclassified. Examining the distribution of RR Lyrae, we find a population associated with the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) that extends more than 20 degrees from its centre confirming recent evidence for the existence of a very extended stellar halo in the LMC. By combining SSS photometry with Dark Energy Survey data, we identify additional LMC halo RR Lyrae, thus confirming the significance of the population.

This thesis presents the initiation of a multi-site photometric programme to examine the extraordinary behaviour displayed by 18 R Coronae Borealis (RCB) stars in the Magellanic Clouds (MCs). RCB stars exhibit a unique variability whereby they undergo rapid declines of up to several magnitudes. The decline may take several weeks, whereas the recovery to maximum light may take months or even years. The accepted wisdom for the cause of these enigmatic declines is a phenomenon whereby dust formed in the stellar environment reduces the brightness by as much as eight magnitudes (Clayton 1996). This is followed by the recovery phase during which the dust becomes homogeneously distributed in the stellar environment. The monitoring programme comprised the collection of UBVRI photometric data using five telescopes located at three different southern hemisphere longitudes (Las Campanas Observatory in Chile, Mount John University Observatory (MJUO) in New Zealand and the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) in South Africa). The Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE), that operates at Las Campanas Observatory, provided the longest extent of data (December 1994 to February 2008). This was supplemented by data collected with telescopes at MJUO (September 2007 to January 2008) and SALTICAM on SALT (October 2007 to February 2008). Data calibration across the five instruments was a key element of the analysis, and entailed the use of F116 (an F region standard star) and other tertiary standards. Two important RCB characteristics, the enigmatic declines and the pulsational variability, form the bulk of the analysis presented in this thesis. Examination of the data acquired in the V and I filters resulted in the identification of a total of 18 RCB declines occurring in four stars (three stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and one in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC)). Construction of colour-magnitude diagrams (V −I vs V ), during the recovery to maximum light were undertaken in order to study the unique colour behaviour associated with the RCB declines. The combined recovery slope for the four stars was determined to be [(delta V)/(delta(V −I))] = 3.37 ± 0.24, which is similar to the value of [(delta V)/(delta(V −I))] = 3.1 ± 0.1 calculated for galactic RCB stars (Skuljan et al. 2003). In addition, the slopes calculated for the stars in the LMC ([(delta V)/(delta(V −I))]LMC = 3.34 ± 0.21) and SMC ([(delta V)/(delta((V −I))]SMC = 3.21 ± 0.22) alone, also agree to within their uncertainty. These results may imply that the nature of the dust (i.e. the particle size) is similar in both our Galaxy and the MCs. The pulsation analysis focused on the identification of pulsation periods in nine RCB stars in the MCs. Two different methods, Fourier analysis and dominant period subtraction, were employed for this purpose. Periodic variations are apparent in these stars, and for the majority, a period of around 40 days (common in RCB stars, Lawson et al. 1990, 1994) was detected using the second identification method. In the future, frequent data collection over several years, and more sophisticated pulsation identification techniques, will increase the probability of extracting individual periods from the complex RCB light curves.

Despite being observed since the XVIIIth century, Algol systems and related objects are

still rather poorly understood. We know that they are composed by a generally B-A main sequence

star and a lighter but more evolved companion star. This paradox is explained by the transfer of mass

between the two stars, but new problems arose. In particular, I studied the mass-transfer driven spin-

up of the accreting star that drives the star to critical rotation and the puzzling, indirectly observed, non-conservative evolution.
Doctorat en Sciences
info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Cataclysmic variable stars (CVs) are interacting binary systems. One of the stars (referred to as the primary) is a white dwarf, the other (referred to as the secondary) is usually a late main sequence star such as a red dwarf. Due to the closeness of the two stars, the white dwarf accretes gasses from the secondary. If the white dwarf does not possess a strong magnetic field, these gasses go into orbit, forming an accretion disk around the primary. If the white dwarf does possess a strong magnetic field, the gasses cannot form an accretion disk because they are entrained by the magnetic field lines. Cataclysmic variable stars in which the magnetic field is strong enough to prevent the formation of the accretion disk are called AM Herculis-type systems, after their prototype. In this study, the time-resolved spectroscopy of two AM Herculis-type binary systems, QQ Vul and EF Eri, are analyzed. In addition, Doppler Tomography, an analysis technique previously applied primarily to cataclysmic variable stars with accretion disks, is applied to these systems.
Department of Physics and Astronomy

The aim of this thesis is to revisit the properties of white dwarf stars in the Solar neighbourhood (distance > 100 pc), in particular their magnetic fields, the occurrence of binarity and their space density. This thesis presents observations and analysis of a sample of white dwarfs from the southern hemisphere. Over 80 objects were observed spectroscopically, and 65 of these were also observed with a spectropolarimeter. Many of the white dwarfs observed belong to the Solar neighbourhood, and can be used to study the star formation and evolution in this region. Our spectropolarimetric measurements helped constrain the fraction of magnetic white dwarfs in the Solar neighbourhood. Combining data from different surveys, I found a higher fraction of these objects in the relatively old local population than in other younger selections such as the Palomar-Green survey which suggests magnetic field evolution in white dwarfs, or different sets of progenitors. The progenitors of magnetic white dwarfs have been assumed to be Ap and Bp stars, however I find that the properties and number of Ap and Bp stars would only explain white dwarfs with magnetic fields larger than 100 MG. The number of known white dwarfs is believed to be complete to about 13 pc, however the sample is certainly incomplete to 20 pc from the Sun. To identify new white dwarfs in the Solar neighbourhood, some possibly magnetic or in binaries, numerous candidate white dwarfs from the Revised NLTT catalogue have been observed, which resulted in the discovery of 13 new white dwarfs, with 4 of these having a distance that places them within 20 pc of the Sun. The candidates were selected using a V - J reduced-proper-motion diagram and optical-infrared diagram. A total of 417 white dwarf candidates were selected, 200 of these have already been spectroscopically confirmed as white dwarfs. Spectroscopic confirmation is required for the remaining 217 candidates, many of these are likely to belong to the Solar neighbourhood. Four close binaries consisting of a white dwarf and a cool companion were also observed, for which atmospheric and orbital parameters were obtained. The photometry for two of these binary systems, BPM 71214 and EC 13471-1258 shows that the secondary stars are filling their Roche lobes, and combined with their orbital parameters, these systems are very good candidates for hibernating novae. The time of their previous interaction or the extent of this interaction are unknown. The two other binary systems, BPM 6502 and EUVE J0720-31.7 are post-common envelope binaries. BPM 6502 is not expected to interact within a Hubble time, however EUVE J0720-31 is expected to become a cataclysmic variable within a Hubble time. The atmospheric parameters of the white dwarfs were determined using model atmosphere codes which were modified for the present study to include convective energy transfer, self-broadening and Lyman satellite features.

The aim of this thesis is to revisit the properties of white dwarf stars in the Solar neighbourhood (distance > 100 pc), in particular their magnetic fields, the occurrence of binarity and their space density. This thesis presents observations and analysis of a sample of white dwarfs from the southern hemisphere. Over 80 objects were observed spectroscopically, and 65 of these were also observed with a spectropolarimeter. Many of the white dwarfs observed belong to the Solar neighbourhood, and can be used to study the star formation and evolution in this region. Our spectropolarimetric measurements helped constrain the fraction of magnetic white dwarfs in the Solar neighbourhood. Combining data from different surveys, I found a higher fraction of these objects in the relatively old local population than in other younger selections such as the Palomar-Green survey which suggests magnetic field evolution in white dwarfs, or different sets of progenitors. The progenitors of magnetic white dwarfs have been assumed to be Ap and Bp stars, however I find that the properties and number of Ap and Bp stars would only explain white dwarfs with magnetic fields larger than 100 MG. The number of known white dwarfs is believed to be complete to about 13 pc, however the sample is certainly incomplete to 20 pc from the Sun. To identify new white dwarfs in the Solar neighbourhood, some possibly magnetic or in binaries, numerous candidate white dwarfs from the Revised NLTT catalogue have been observed, which resulted in the discovery of 13 new white dwarfs, with 4 of these having a distance that places them within 20 pc of the Sun. The candidates were selected using a V - J reduced-proper-motion diagram and optical-infrared diagram. A total of 417 white dwarf candidates were selected, 200 of these have already been spectroscopically confirmed as white dwarfs. Spectroscopic confirmation is required for the remaining 217 candidates, many of these are likely to belong to the Solar neighbourhood. Four close binaries consisting of a white dwarf and a cool companion were also observed, for which atmospheric and orbital parameters were obtained. The photometry for two of these binary systems, BPM 71214 and EC 13471-1258 shows that the secondary stars are filling their Roche lobes, and combined with their orbital parameters, these systems are very good candidates for hibernating novae. The time of their previous interaction or the extent of this interaction are unknown. The two other binary systems, BPM 6502 and EUVE J0720-31.7 are post-common envelope binaries. BPM 6502 is not expected to interact within a Hubble time, however EUVE J0720-31 is expected to become a cataclysmic variable within a Hubble time. The atmospheric parameters of the white dwarfs were determined using model atmosphere codes which were modified for the present study to include convective energy transfer, self-broadening and Lyman satellite features.

We present HST spectroscopy for 45 cataclysmic variables (CVs), observed with HST/COS and HST/STIS. For 36 CVs, the white dwarf is recognisable through its broad Ly a absorption profile and we measure the white dwarf effective temperatures (T-eff) by fitting the HST data assuming log g = 8.35, which corresponds to the average mass for CV white dwarfs (similar or equal to 0.8M(circle dot)). Our results nearly double the number of CV white dwarfs with an accurate temperature measurement. We find that CVs above the period gap have, on average, higher temperatures (< T-eff > similar or equal to 23 000 K) and exhibit much more scatter compared to those below the gap (< T-eff >similar or equal to 15 000 K). While this behaviour broadly agrees with theoretical predictions, some discrepancies are present: ( i) all our new measurements above the gap are characterized by lower temperatures (T-eff similar or equal to 16 000-26 000 K) than predicted by the present-day CV population models (T-eff similar or equal to 38 000-43 000 K); (ii) our results below the gap are not clustered in the predicted narrow track and exhibit in particular a relatively large spread near the period minimum, which may point to some shortcomings in the CV evolutionary models. Finally, in the standard model of CV evolution, reaching the minimum period, CVs are expected to evolve back towards longer periods with mean accretion rates. M less than or similar to 2 x 10(-11)M(circle dot)yr(-1), corresponding to T-eff less than or similar to 11 500 K. We do not unambiguously identify any such system in our survey, suggesting that this major component of the predicted CV population still remains elusive to observations.

The study of variable stars is extremely important to the astronomical field of scientific research. Variable stars must be methodically studied, usually by amateur astronomers over a long period of time, in order to provide professional astronomers important data that allows them to further analyze variable star behavior.Variable stars are unique because their pulsation produces visible changes in luminosity. This pulsation allows amateur astronomers to visually observe and identify variable stars. This type of research and study is special because amateurs can make a real contribution to the field.My objective was to become an amateur astronomer in the hopes that I could discover variable stars and contribute my findings to the greater astronomical scientific community. In completing this task, my overall goal was to better understand the true nature of science in order to improve my teaching in a secondary science classroom.

The Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is an excellent distance calibrator in the Cosmological Distance Ladder. We present the first direct distance determination to M31 using eclipsing binaries (EBs). EBs provides direct distance determinations because the fundamental properties of their components can be measured without any previous calibration. Distance determination with EBs requires, at least, two data sets: time series photometry and spectroscopy.
We obtained high quality light curves (rms~0.01 mag) from a 34'x34' photometric survey in M31 (in Johnson B and V filters) carried out at the 2.5 m Isaac Newton Telescope (La Palma, Spain). This survey provided light curves for almost 4000 variable stars, with over 400 EBs and 400 Cepheids. The 24 brightest EBs (V<20.5 mag) with deeper eclipses (dV>0.2 mag) were selected as optimum candidates for distance determination. Five of these EBs (located in a 5'x5' region) were selected to be observed with the multi-object spectrograph (GMOS) at the Gemini-North telescope. We obtained accurate radial velocities for the four brightest EBs observed with GMOS, enabling the first direct determination of masses and radii of stars in M31. Two of these EBs were used to derive a direct distance determination to M31 of (m-M)o=24.36+/-0.08 mag.
Another system is the most massive EB with apsidal motion ever reported, enabling the analysis of the distribution of matter in the interior of stars with masses larger than 40 Msun. In all cases, the direct determination of masses and radii allowed a direct comparison with stellar evolutionary models, providing the evolutionary stage for each system. In addition to the EB analysis, we also performed a comprehensive study of Cepheids in M31. The obtained results showed that blending is as important as metallicity correction when determining Cepheid distances to Local Group galaxies and provided an additional distance determination to M31 of (m-M)o=24.32+-0.12 mag, fully compatible with the EB distance. Finally, we also discovered a large flare during the acquisition of the photometric catalog. The performed study revealed that the underlying source was a dM star having one of the most energetic flares ever observed.
La Galàxia d'Andròmeda (M31) és un excel·lent calibrador de l'escala cosmològica de distàncies. Presentem la primera determinació directa de la distància a M31 mitjançant binàries eclipsants (EBs). Les EBs proporcionen determinacions directes de la distància perquè les propietats físiques dels seus components es poden mesurar sense cap calibratge previ. Les determinacions de distància a partir de EBs requereixen, almenys, dos tipus d'observacions: series fotomètriques i espectroscòpia. Vam obtenir corbes de llum de gran qualitat (rms~0.01 mag) amb el telescopi Isaac Newton (a La Palma) d'un camp de 34'x34' a M31 (amb els filtres Johnson B i V). Aquest estudi va proporcionar corbes de llum de gairebé 4000 estrelles variables, amb més de 400 EBs i 400 Cefeides.
Les 24 EBs més brillants (V<20.5 mag) i amb eclipsis més profunds (dV>0.2 mag) es van seleccionar com a candidates idònies per determinar-ne la distància. Cinc d'aquestes EBs (situades en una regió de 5'x5') es van selecccionar per observar-se amb l'espectrògraf multiobjecte (GMOS) al telescopi Gemini-North. Vam obtenir velocitats radials d'alta qualitat per a les quatre EBs més brillants observades amb GMOS, permetent la primera determinació directa de masses i radis d'estrelles a M31. Dues d'aquestes EBs van ser utilitzades per obtenir una determinació directa de la distància a M31 de (m-M)o=24.36+/-0.08 mag. Un altre sistema va resultar ser el sistema més massiu amb moviment apsidal mai detectat, permetent l'anàlisi de la distribución de matèria a l'interior de les estrelles amb masses superiors a 40 masses solars. En tots els casos, la determinació directa de les masses i els radis va permetre una comparació directa amb models estel·lars, proporcionant l'estadi evolutiu de cada sistema.
Paral·lelament a l'anàlisi de binàries, vam realitzar un exhaustiu estudi de les Cefeides de M31. Els resultats obtinguts van demostrar que l'efecte de la confusió de diverses fonts (blending) és tant important com la correcció de metal·licitat per a la determinació de distàncies amb Cefeides al Grup Local i van proporcionar una distància addicional a M31 de (m-M)o=24.32+/-0.12 mag, completament compatible amb la distància de les EBs. Finalment, vam descobrir una gran fulguració estel·lar durant l'adquisició del catàleg fotomètric. L'estudi realitzat va revelar que la font era una estrella dM, amb una de les fulguracions més energètiques mai observades.
La Galaxia de Andrómeda (M31) es un excelente calibrador de la escala cosmológica de distancias. Presentamos la primera determinación directa de la distancia a M31 mediante binarias eclipsantes (EBs). Las EBs proporcionan determinaciones directas de la distancia porque las propiedades físicas de sus componentes se pueden medir sin ningún tipo de calibración previa. Las determinaciones de distancia a partir de EBs requieren, como mínimo, dos tipos de observaciones: series fotométricas y espectroscopia. Obtuvimos curvas de luz de gran calidad (rms~0.01 mag) con el telescopio Isaac Newton (en La Palma) en un campo de 34'x34' en M31 (con los filtros Johnson B y V). Este estudio proporcionó curvas de luz para casi 4000 estrellas variables, con más de 400 EBs y 400 Cefeidas. Las 24 EBs más brillantes (V<20.5 mag) y con eclipses más profundos (dV>0.2 mag) se seleccionaron como candidatos idóneos para determinar la distancia. Cinco de estas EBs (situadas en una región de 5'x5') se seleccionaron para ser observadas con el espectrógrafo multiobjeto (GMOS) en el telescopio Gemini-North. Obtuvimos velocidades radiales de alta calidad para las cuatro EBs más brillantes observadas con GMOS, permitiendo la primera determinación directa de masas y radios para estrellas de M31. Dos de estas EBs fueron utilizadas para obtener una determinación directa de la distancia a M31 de (m-M)o=24.36+/-0.08 mag.
Otro sistema resultó ser el sistema más masivo con movimiento apsidal nunca detectado, permitiendo el análisis de la distribución de materia en el interior de las estrellas con masas superiores a 40 masas solares. En todos los casos, la determinación directa de masas y radios permitió una comparación directa con modelos estelares, proporcionando así el estadio evolutivo de cada sistema. Paralelamente al análisis de binarias, realizamos un exhaustivo estudio de las Cefeidas en M31. Los resultados obtenidos demostraron que el efecto de la confusión de varias fuentes (blending) es tan importante como la corrección de metalicidad para la determinación de distancias con Cefeidas en el Grupo Local y proporcionaron una distancia adicional a M31 de (m-M)o=24.32+/-0.12 mag, completamente compatible con la distancia de las EBs. Finalmente, se descubrió una gran fulguración estelar durante la adquisición del catálogo fotométrico. El estudio realizado reveló que la fuente era una estrella dM, presentando una de las fulguraciones más energéticas nunca observadas.