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The strange evolution of the Large Magellanic Cloud Cepheid OGLE-LMC-CEP1812.

Authors :
Neilson, Hilding R.
Izzard, Robert G.
Langer, Norbert
Ignace, Richard
Source :
Astronomy & Astrophysics / Astronomie et Astrophysique; Sep2015, Vol. 581, p1-5, 5p
Publication Year :
2015

Abstract

Classical Cepheids are key probes of both stellar astrophysics and cosmology as standard candles and pulsating variable stars. It is important to understand Cepheids in unprecedented detail in preparation for upcoming Gaia, James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and extremely-large telescope observations. Cepheid eclipsing binary stars are ideal tools for achieving this goal, however there are currently only three known systems. One of those systems, OGLE-LMC-CEP1812, raises new questions about the evolution of classical Cepheids because of an apparent age discrepancy between the Cepheid and its red giant companion. We show that the Cepheid component is actually the product of a stellar merger of two main sequence stars that has since evolved across the Hertzsprung gap of the HR diagram. This post-merger product appears younger than the companion, hence the apparent age discrepancy is resolved. We discuss this idea and consequences for understanding Cepheid evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00046361
Volume :
581
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Astronomy & Astrophysics / Astronomie et Astrophysique
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
110129804
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201526716