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Nils Ryde

Nils Ryde

Professor

Nils Ryde

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

Author

  • S. Uttenthaler
  • J. A. D. L. Blommaert
  • P. R. Wood
  • T. Lebzelter
  • B. Aringer
  • M. Schultheis
  • Nils Ryde

Summary, in English

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, C-12/C-13, 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 T-eff approximate to 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.

Department/s

  • Lund Observatory - Undergoing reorganization

Publishing year

2015

Language

English

Pages

1750-1769

Publication/Series

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

Volume

451

Issue

2

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Topic

  • Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology

Keywords

  • stars: AGB and post-AGB
  • stars: evolution
  • stars: late-type
  • Galaxy:
  • bulge

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1365-2966