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We present models of the inner region of the circumstellar disk of RY Tau which aim to explain our near-infrared ($K$-band: $2.1\,\mu$m) interferometric observations while remaining consistent with the optical to near-infrared portions of the spectral energy distribution. Our sub-milliarcsecond resolution CHARA Array observations are supplemented with shorter baseline, archival data from PTI, KI and VLTI/GRAVITY and modeled using an axisymmetric Monte Carlo radiative transfer code. The $K$-band visibilities are well-fit by models incorporating a central star illuminating a disk with an inner edge shaped by dust sublimation at $0.210\pm0.005\,$au, assuming a viewing geometry adopted from millimeter interferometry ($65^{\circ}$ inclined with a disk major axis position angle of $23^{\circ}$). This sublimation radius is consistent with that expected of Silicate grains with a maximum size of $0.36-0.40\,\mu$m contributing to the opacity and is an order of magnitude further from the star than the theoretical magnetospheric truncation radius. The visibilities on the longest baselines probed by CHARA indicate that we lack a clear line-of-sight to the stellar photosphere. Instead, our analysis shows that the central star is occulted by the disk surface layers close to the sublimation rim. While we do not see direct evidence of temporal variability in our multi-epoch CHARA observations, we suggest the aperiodic photometric variability of RY~Tau is likely related temporal and/or azimuthal variations in the structure of the disk surface layers., Comment: Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal

Presented are the first interferometric images of cool starspots on the chromospherically active giant λ Andromedae. Using the Michigan Infra-Red Combiner coupled to the Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy Array, 26 interferometric observations were made between 2008 August 17 and 2011 September 24. The photometric time series acquired at Fairborn Observatory spanning 2008 September 20 to 2011 January 20 is also presented. The angular diameter and power-law limb-darkening coefficient of this star are 2.759 ± 0.050 mas and 0.229 ± 0.111, respectively. Starspot properties are obtained from both modeled and SQUEEZE reconstructed images. The images from 2010 through 2011 show anywhere from one to four starspots. The cadence in the data for the 2010 and 2011 data sets is sufficient to measure a stellar rotation period based on apparent starspot motion. This leads to estimates of the rotation period (P 2010 = 61 ± 4.0 days, P 2011 = 54.0 ± 2.4 days) that are consistent with the photometrically determined period of 54.8 days. In addition, the inclination and position angle of the rotation axis are computed for both the 2010 and 2011 data sets; values ( Ψ ¯ = 21.°5, i ¯ = 78.°0) for each are nearly identical between the two years.

The physical processes occurring within the inner few astronomical units of proto-planetary disks surrounding Herbig Ae stars are crucial to setting the environment in which the outer planet-forming disk evolves and put critical constraints on the processes of accretion and planet migration. We present the most complete published sample of high angular resolution H- and K-band observations of the stars HD 163296 and HD 190073, including 30 previously unpublished nights of observations of the former and 45 nights of the latter with the CHARA long-baseline interferometer, in addition to archival VLTI data. We confirm previous observations suggesting significant near-infrared emission originates within the putative dust evaporation front of HD 163296 and show this is the case for HD 190073 as well. The H- and K-band sizes are the same within $(3 \pm 3)\%$ for HD 163296 and within $(6 \pm 10)\%$ for HD 190073. The radial surface brightness profiles for both disks are remarkably Gaussian-like with little or no sign of the sharp edge expected for a dust evaporation front. Coupled with spectral energy distribution analysis, our direct measurements of the stellar flux component at H and K bands suggest that HD 190073 is much younger (, 19 pages, 6 figures

We present comprehensive models of Herbig Ae star, HD 142666, which aim to simultaneously explain its spectral energy distribution (SED) and near-infrared (NIR) interferometry. Our new sub-milliarcsecond resolution CHARA (CLASSIC and CLIMB) interferometric observations, supplemented with archival shorter baseline data from VLTI/PIONIER and the Keck Interferometer, are modeled using centro-symmetric geometric models and an axisymmetric radiative transfer code. CHARA's 330 m baselines enable us to place strong constraints on the viewing geometry, revealing a disk inclined at 58 degrees from face-on with a 160 degree major axis position angle. Disk models imposing vertical hydrostatic equilibrium provide poor fits to the SED. Models accounting for disk scale height inflation, possibly induced by turbulence associated with magneto-rotational instabilities, and invoking grain growth to >1 micron size in the disk rim are required to simultaneously reproduce the SED and measured visibility profile. However, visibility residuals for our best model fits to the SED indicate the presence of unexplained NIR emission, particularly along the apparent disk minor axis, while closure phase residuals indicate a more centro-symmetric emitting region. In addition, our inferred 58 degree disk inclination is inconsistent with a disk-based origin for the UX Ori-type variability exhibited by HD 142666. Additional complexity, unaccounted for in our models, is clearly present in the NIR-emitting region. We propose the disk is likely inclined toward a more edge-on orientation and/or an optically thick outflow component also contributes to the NIR circumstellar flux., Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal

Context. T Tauri stars are low-mass young stars whose disks provide the setting for planet formation. Despite this, their structure is poorly understood. We present new infrared interferometric observations of the SU Aurigae circumstellar environment that offer resolution that is three times higher and a better baseline position angle coverage than previous observations. Aims. We aim to investigate the characteristics of the circumstellar material around SU Aur, constrain the disk geometry, composition and inner dust rim structure. Methods. The CHARA array offers unique opportunities for long baseline observations, with baselines up to 331 m. Using the CLIMB three-telescope combiner in the K-band allows us to measure visibilities as well as closure phase. We undertook image reconstruction for model-independent analysis, and fitted geometric models such as Gaussian and ring distributions. Additionally, the fitting of radiative transfer models constrain the physical parameters of the disk. For the first time, a dusty disk wind is introduced to the radiative transfer code TORUS to model protoplanetary disks. Our implementation is motivated by theoretical models of dusty disk winds, where magnetic field lines drive dust above the disk plane close to the sublimation zone. Results. Image reconstruction reveals an inclined disk with slight asymmetry along its minor-axis, likely due to inclination effects obscuring the inner disk rim through absorption of incident star light on the near-side and thermal re-emission and scattering of the far-side. Geometric modelling of a skewed ring finds the inner rim at 0.17 ± 0.02 au with an inclination of 50.9 ± 1.0° and minor axis position angle 60.8 ± 1.2°. Radiative transfer modelling shows a flared disk with an inner radius at 0.18 au which implies a grain size of 0.4 μm assuming astronomical silicates and a scale height of 15.0 at 100 au. Among the tested radiative transfer models, only the dusty disk wind successfully accounts for the K-band excess by introducing dust above the mid-plane.

Over the last several decades optical interferometers have made substantial gains in ability, evolving from simple two-telescope arrays with 10-m baselines that primarily measured the angular diameters of stars, to four- to six-telescope arrays with 300-m baselines that are capable of imaging objects at high spatial resolution (0.3 milli-arcseconds) and high spectral resolution (R ∼ 30, 000). This chapter highlights how optical interferometers have been used during the last three decades to study single and binary systems containing giant and supergiant stars. It reviews diameter measurements and astrometry for single and binary stars, discusses the asymmetric mass-loss processes seen in asymptotic giant-branch stars, shows how resolving stellar disks is helping to solve long-standing problems related to carbon stars, and summarizes some of the state-of-the-art techniques that are now being used to image spots and convective cells on supergiants.

Here we present the results of the 6th biennial optical interferometry imaging beauty contest. Taking advantage of a unique opportunity, the red supergiant VY CMa and the Mira variable R Car were observed in the astronomical H-band with three 4-telescope configurations of the VLTI-AT array using the PIONIER instrument. The community was invited to participate in the subsequent image reconstruction and interpretation phases of the project. Ten groups submitted entries to the beauty contest, and we found reasonable consistency between images obtained from independent workers using quite different algorithms. We also found that significant differences existed between the submitted images, much greater than in past beauty contests that were all based on simulated data. A novel crowd-sourcing" method allowed consensus median images to be constructed, filtering likely artifacts and retaining real features." We definitively detect strong spots on the surfaces of both stars as well as distinct circumstellar shells of emission (likely water/CO) around R Car. In a close contest, Joel Sanchez (IAA-CSIC/Spain) was named the winner of the 2014 interferometric imaging beauty contest. This process has shown that new comers" can use publicly-available imaging software to interpret VLTI/PIONIER imaging data, as long as sufficient observations are taken to have complete uv coverage { a luxury that is often missing. We urge proposers to request adequate observing nights to collect sufficient data for imaging and for time allocation committees to recognise the importance of uv coverage for reliable interpretation of interferometric data. We believe that the result of the proposed broad international project will contribute to inspiring trust in the image reconstruction processes in optical interferometry.

A classical nova occurs when material accreting onto the surface of a white dwarf in a close binary system ignites in a thermonuclear runaway. Complex structures observed in the ejecta at late stages could result from interactions with the companion during the common envelope phase. Alternatively, the explosion could be intrinsically bipolar, resulting from a localized ignition on the surface of the white dwarf or as a consequence of rotational distortion. Studying the structure of novae during the earliest phases is challenging because of the high spatial resolution needed to measure their small sizes. Here we report near-infrared interferometric measurements of the angular size of Nova Delphini 2013, starting from one day after the explosion and continuing with extensive time coverage during the first 43 days. Changes in the apparent expansion rate can be explained by an explosion model consisting of an optically thick core surrounded by a diffuse envelope. The optical depth of the ejected material changes as it expands. We detect an ellipticity in the light distribution, suggesting a prolate or bipolar structure that develops as early as the second day. Combining the angular expansion rate with radial velocity measurements, we derive a geometric distance to the nova of 4.54 +/- 0.59 kpc from the Sun., Comment: Published in Nature. 32 pages. Final version available at http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v515/n7526/full/nature13834.html

Epsilon Aurigae (epsilon Aur) is a visually bright, eclipsing binary star system with a period of 27.1 years. The cause of each 18-month-long eclipse has been a subject of controversy for nearly 190 years because the companion has hitherto been undetectable. The orbital elements imply that the opaque object has roughly the same mass as the visible component, which for much of the last century was thought to be an F-type supergiant star with a mass of approximately 15M[symbol:see text] (M[symbol:see text], mass of the Sun). The high mass-to-luminosity ratio of the hidden object was originally explained by supposing it to be a hyperextended infrared star or, later, a black hole with an accretion disk, although the preferred interpretation was as a disk of opaque material at a temperature of approximately 500 K, tilted to the line of sight and with a central opening. Recent work implies that the system consists of a low-mass (2.2M[symbol:see text]-3.3M[symbol:see text]) visible F-type star, with a disk at 550 K that enshrouds a single B5V-type star. Here we report interferometric images that show the eclipsing body moving in front of the F star. The body is an opaque disk and appears tilted as predicted. Adopting a mass of 5.9M[symbol:see text] for the B star, we derive a mass of approximately (3.6 +/- 0.7)M[symbol:see text] for the F star. The disk mass is dynamically negligible; we estimate it to contain approximately 0.07M[symbol:see text] (M[symbol:see text], mass of the Earth) if it consists purely of dust.

One of the great challenges in understanding stars is measuring their masses. The best methods for measuring stellar masses include binary interaction, asteroseismology and stellar evolution models, but these methods are not ideal for red giant and supergiant stars. In this work, we propose a novel method for inferring stellar masses of evolved red giant and supergiant stars using interferometric and spectrophotometric observations combined with spherical model stellar atmospheres to measure what we call the stellar mass index, defined as the ratio between the stellar radius and mass. The method is based on the correlation between different measurements of angular diameter, used as a proxy for atmospheric extension, and fundamental stellar parameters. For a given star, spectrophotometry measures the Rosseland angular diameter while interferometric observations generally probe a larger limb-darkened angular diameter. The ratio of these two angular diameters is proportional to the relative extension of the stellar atmosphere, which is strongly correlated to the star's effective temperature, radius and mass. We show that these correlations are strong and can lead to precise measurements of stellar masses., 7 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in ApJ

We report on our progress toward a flexible image reconstruction software for optical interferometry capable of "5D imaging" of stellar surfaces. 5D imaging is here defined as the capability to image directly one or several stars in three dimensions, with both the time and wavelength dependencies taken into account during the reconstruction process. Our algorithm makes use of the Healpix (Gorski et al., 2005) sphere partition scheme to tesselate the stellar surface, 3D Open Graphics Language (OpenGL) to model the spheroid geometry, and the Open Compute Language (OpenCL) framework for all other computations. We use the Monte Carlo Markov Chain software SQUEEZE to solve the image reconstruction problem on the surfaces of these stars. Finally, the Compressed Sensing and Bayesian Evidence paradigms are employed to determine the best regularization for spotted stars. Our algorithm makes use of the Healpix (reference needed) sphere partition scheme to tesselate the stellar surface, 3D Open Graphics Language (OpenGL) to model the spheroid, and the Open Compute Language (OpenCL) framework to model the Roche gravitational potential equation.

The CHARA Array is a six telescope optical/IR interferometer run by the Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy of Georgia State University and is located at Mount Wilson Observatory just to the north of Los Angeles California. The CHARA Array has the largest operational baselines in the world and has been in regular use for scientific observations since 2004. Our most sensitive beam combiner capable of measuring closure phases is the CLassic Interferometry with Multiple Baselines beam combiner known as CLIMB. In this paper we discuss the design and layout of CLIMB with a particular focus on the data analysis methodology. This analysis is presented in a very general form and will have applications in many other beam combiners. We also present examples of on sky data showing the precision and stability of both amplitude and closure phase measurements.

A series of 353 red electronic spectra obtained between 1994 and 2010, and of 171 UBV photometric observations of the 2010 eclipse, were analyzed in an effort to better understand the eclipsing binary eps Aur. The main results follow. (1) We attempted to recover a spectrum of the companion by disentangling the observed spectra of the eps Aur binary failed, but we were able to disentangle the spectrum of telluric lines and obtain a mean spectrum of the F-type primary star. The latter was then compared to a grid of synthetic spectra for a number of plausible values of T(eff) and log(g), but a reasonably good match was not found. However, we conclude that the observed spectrum is that of a low-gravity star. (2) We examined changes in the complex H-alpha line profiles over the past 16 years, with particular emphasis on the 2009-2011 eclipse period, by subtracting a mean out-of-eclipse H-alpha profile (appropriately shifted in radial velocity) from the observed spectra. We find that the dark disk around the unseen companion has an extended 'atmosphere' that manifests itself via blueshifted and redshifted H-alpha 'shell' absorptions seen projected against the F star. Significantly, the H-alpha shell line first appeared three years before first contact of the optical eclipse when the system was not far past maximum separation. (3) Analyses of radial velocities and central intensities of several strong, unblended spectral lines, as well as UBV photometry, demonstrated that these observables showed apparent multiperiodic variability during eclipse. The dominant period of 66.21 was common to all the observables, but with different phase shifts between these variables. This result strongly supports our earlier suggestion that the photometric variability seen during eclipse is intrinsic to the F star, and therefore, the idea of a central brightening due to a hole in the disk should be abandoned., accepted for publication in A&A (April 5, 2011)

We present the results of the fourth Optical/IR Interferometry Imaging Beauty Contest. The contest consists of blind imaging of test data sets derived from model sources and distributed in the OI-FITS format. The test data consists of spectral data sets on an object "observed" in the infrared with spectral resolution. There were 4 different algorithms competing this time: BSMEM the Bispectrum Maximum Entropy Method by Young, Baron & Buscher; RPR the Recursive Phase Reconstruction by Rengaswamy; SQUEEZE a Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm by Baron, Monnier & Kloppenborg; and, WISARD the Weak-phase Interferometric Sample Alternating Reconstruction Device by Vannier & Mugnier. The contest model image, the data delivered to the contestants and the rules are described as well as the results of the image reconstruction obtained by each method. These results are discussed as well as the strengths and limitations of each algorithm., To be published in SPIE 2010 "Optical and infrared interferometry II"

The advent of GPU hardware and associated software libraries for scientific computing renders possible acceleration of parallelisable problems by a typical factor of 10-100. We present the first GPU-accelerated and open source image reconstruction software for optical/infrared interferometry, making use of the OpenCL library. Finally we evaluate how this improvement in speed may translate in terms of improvement in image reconstruction quality for currently computationnally intensive algorithms.

Imaging large intensity gradients for rapid rotators, complicated spot patterns on rotating RS CVn binaries, and diffuse disk emission around Young Stellar Objects requires advanced imaging methods beyond the current image reconstruction paradigms in optical/infrared interferometry. We report on the ongoing development of SQUEEZE, a flexible software for optical and infrared interferometry capable of simultaneous model-fitting and image reconstruction, and possessing useful new capabilities such as imaging on a spheroid. We treat the problem of the local minimas due to the "missing phase" and explore the use of non-pixel-based reconstructions within the Bayesian evidence and compressed sensing frameworks.

We report new and archival K-band interferometric uniform disk diameters obtained with the Palomar Testbed Interferometer for the eclipsing binary star $\epsilon$ Aurigae, in advance of the start of its eclipse in 2009. The observations were inteded to test whether low amplitude variations in the system are connected with the F supergiant star (primary), or with the intersystem material connecting the star with the enormous dark disk (secondary) inferred to cause the eclipses. Cepheid-like radial pulsations of the F star are not detected, nor do we find evidence for proposed 6% per decade shrinkage of the F star. The measured 2.27 +/- 0.11 milli-arcsecond K band diameter is consistent with a 300 times solar radius F supergiant star at the Hipparcos distance of 625 pc. These results provide an improved context for observations during the 2009-2011 eclipse., Comment: Accepted for Ap.J. Letters, Oct. 2008

We report on a total of 106 nights of optical interferometric observations of the $\epsilon$ Aurigae system taken during the last 14 years by four beam combiners at three different interferometric facilities. This long sequence of data provides an ideal assessment of the system prior to, during, and after the recent 2009-2011 eclipse. We have reconstructed model-independent images from the 10 in-eclipse epochs which show that a disk-like object is indeed responsible for the eclipse. Using new 3D, time-dependent modeling software, we derive the properties of the F-star (diameter, limb darkening), determine previously unknown orbital elements ($\Omega$, $i$), and access the global structures of the optically thick portion of the eclipsing disk using both geometric models and approximations of astrophysically relevant density distributions. These models may be useful in future hydrodynamical modeling of the system. Lastly, we address several outstanding research questions including mid-eclipse brightening, possible shrinking of the F-type primary, and any warps or sub-features within the disk., Comment: 105 pages, 57 figures. This is an author-created, un-copyedited version of an article accepted for publication in Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series. IOP Publishing Ltd is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this version of the manuscript or any version derived from it

We report here on a series of medium resolution spectro-photometric observations of the enigmatic long period eclipsing binary epsilon Aurigae, during its eclipse interval of 2009-2011, using near-infrared spectra obtained with SpeX on the Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF), mid-infrared spectra obtained with BASS on AOES and IRTF, MIRSI on IRTF, and MIRAC4 on the MMT, along with mid-infrared photometry using MIRSI on IRTF and MIRAC4 on the MMT, plus 1995-2000 timeframe published photometry and data obtained with Denver's TNTCAM2 at WIRO. The goals of these observations included: (1) comparing eclipse depths with prior eclipse data, (2) confirming the re-appearance of CO absorption bands at and after mid-eclipse, associated with sublimation in the disk, (3) seeking evidence for any mid-infrared solid state spectral features from particles in the disk, and (4) providing evidence that the externally irradiated disk has azimuthal temperature differences. IR eclipse depths appear similar to those observed during the most recent (1983) eclipse, although evidence for post-mid-eclipse disk temperature increase is present, due to F star heated portions of the disk coming into view. Molecular CO absorption returned 57 days after nominal mid-eclipse, but was not detected at mid-eclipse plus 34 days, narrowing the association with differentially heated sub-regions in the disk. Transient He I 10830A absorption was detected at mid-eclipse, persisting for at least 90 days thereafter, providing a diagnostic for the hot central region. The lack of solid-state features in Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph, BASS, and MIRAC spectra to date suggests the dominance of large particles (micron-sized) in the disk. Based on these observations, mid-infrared studies out of eclipse can directly monitor and map the disk thermal changes, and better constrain disk opacity and thermal conductivity.

International audience; The ultimate astronomical observatory would be a formation flying space interferometer, combining sensitivity and stability with high angular resolution. The smallSat revolution offers a new and maturing prototyping platform for space interferometry and we put forward a realistic plan for achieving first stellar fringes in space by 2030.