Understanding AGB evolution in Galactic bulge stars from high-resolution infrared spectroscopy

Autor(en)
Stefan Uttenthaler, Joris A D L Blommaert, Peter R. Wood, Thomas Lebzelter, Bernhard Aringer
Abstrakt

An analysis of high-resolution near-infrared spectra of a sample of 45 asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars towards the Galactic bulge is presented. The sample consists of two subsamples, a larger one in the inner and intermediate bulge, and a smaller one in the outer bulge. The data are analysed with the help of hydrostatic model atmospheres and spectral synthesis. We derive the radial velocity of all stars, and the atmospheric chemical mix ([Fe/H], C/O, 12C/13C, Al, Si, Ti, and Y) where possible. Our ability to model the spectra is mainly limited by the (in)completeness of atomic and molecular line lists, at least for temperatures down to Teff ≈ 3100 K. We find that the subsample in the inner and intermediate bulge is quite homogeneous, with a slightly subsolar mean metallicity and only few stars with supersolar metallicity, in agreement with previous studies of non-variable M-type giants in the bulge. All sample stars are oxygen-rich, C/O < 1.0. The C/O and carbon isotopic ratios suggest that third dredge-up (3DUP) is absent among the sample stars, except for two stars in the outer bulge that are known to contain technetium. These stars are also more metal-poor than the stars in the intermediate or inner bulge. Current stellar masses are determined from linear pulsation models. The masses, metallicities and 3DUP behaviour are compared to AGB evolutionary models. We conclude that these models are partly in conflict with our observations. Furthermore, we conclude that the stars in the inner and intermediate bulge belong to a more metal-rich population that follows bar-like kinematics, whereas the stars in the outer bulge belong to the metal-poor, spheroidal bulge population.

Organisation(en)
Institut für Astrophysik
Externe Organisation(en)
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Australian National University
Journal
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Band
451
Seiten
1750 - 1769
Anzahl der Seiten
20
ISSN
0035-8711
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stv1052
Publikationsdatum
08-2015
Peer-reviewed
Ja
ÖFOS 2012
103003 Astronomie, 103004 Astrophysik
Schlagwörter
ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete
Astronomy and Astrophysics, Space and Planetary Science
Link zum Portal
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/de/publications/understanding-agb-evolution-in-galactic-bulge-stars-from-highresolution-infrared-spectroscopy(78d89660-aa06-4749-bb4d-b02049e4aaa1).html