New results on long secondary periods in red giants

C. P. Nicholls, P. R. Wood, M. R.L. Cioni, I. Soszynski

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Approximately 30% of variable red giants have light curves which show a Long Secondary Period (LSP) in addition to their primary oscillation. No model has been proposed that can satisfactorily explain the LSPs. Here we present velocity curves obtained from VLT spectra for a large sample of LMC red giants exhibiting LSPs. We use the velocity data in addition to both MACHO and OGLE light curves to examine the properties of the stars, and to evaluate models for the cause of LSPs. Extant models generally involve either binarity or pulsation. We show that both of these have severe problems explaining the light and velocity variations. However, new mid-infrared observations of stars with LSPs indicate the presence of a significant amount of circumstellar dust, most likely in a disk-like configuration. This observation favours the presence of a binary companion.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationStellar Pulsation
Subtitle of host publicationChallenges for Theory and Observation - Proceedings of the International Conference
Pages122-126
Number of pages5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009
EventInternational Conference on Stellar Pulsation: Challenges for Theory and Observation - Santa Fe, NM, United States
Duration: 31 May 20095 Jun 2009

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume1170
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on Stellar Pulsation: Challenges for Theory and Observation
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySanta Fe, NM
Period31/05/095/06/09

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