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A Radio and Optical Polarization Study of the Magnetic Field in the Small Magellanic Cloud
We present a study of the magnetic field of the Small Magellanic Cloud(SMC), carried out using radio Faraday rotation and optical starlightpolarization data. Consistent negative rotation measures (RMs) acrossthe SMC indicate that the line-of-sight magnetic field is directeduniformly away from us with a strength 0.19+/-0.06 μG. Applying theChandrasekhar-Fermi method to starlight polarization data yields anordered magnetic field in the plane of the sky of strength 1.6+/-0.4μG oriented at a position angle 4deg+/-12deg,measured counterclockwise from the great circle on the sky joining theSMC to the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). We construct athree-dimensional magnetic field model of the SMC, under the assumptionthat the RMs and starlight polarization probe the same underlyinglarge-scale field. The vector defining the overall orientation of theSMC magnetic field shows a potential alignment with the vector joiningthe center of the SMC to the center of the LMC, suggesting thepossibility of a ``pan-Magellanic'' magnetic field. A cosmic-ray-drivendynamo is the most viable explanation of the observed field geometry,but has difficulties accounting for the observed unidirectional fieldlines. A study of Faraday rotation through the Magellanic Bridge isneeded to further test the pan-Magellanic field hypothesis.
| Interstellar gas, dust and diffuse bands in the SMC
Aims.In order to gain new insight into the unidentified identity of thediffuse interstellar band (DIB) carriers, this paper describes researchinto possible links between the shape of the interstellar extinctioncurve (including the 2175 Å bump and far-UV rise), the presence orabsence of DIBs, and physical and chemical conditions of the diffuseinterstellar medium (gas and dust) in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). Methods: We searched for DIB absorption features in VLT/UVES spectra ofearly-type stars in the SMC whose reddened lines-of-sight probe thediffuse interstellar medium of the SMC. Apparent column density profilesof interstellar atomic species (Na i, K i, Ca ii and Ti ii) areconstructed to provide information on the distribution and conditions ofthe interstellar gas. Results: The characteristics of eight DIBsdetected toward the SMC wing target AzV 456 arestudied and upper limits are derived for the DIB equivalent widthstoward the SMC stars AzV 398, AzV214, AzV 18, AzV 65 andSk 191. The amount of reddening is derived for theseSMC sightlines, and, using RV and the H i column density,converted into a gas-to-dust ratio. From the atomic column densityratios we infer an indication of the strength of the interstellarradiation field, the titanium depletion level and a relative measure ofturbulence/quiescence. The presence or absence of DIBs appears to berelated to the shape of the extinction curve, in particular with respectto the presence or absence of the 2175 Å feature. Our measurementsindicate that the DIB characteristics depend on the local physicalconditions and chemical composition of the interstellar medium of theSMC, which apparently determine the rate of formation (and/or)destruction of the DIB carriers. The UV radiation field (viaphotoionisation and photo-destruction) and the metallicity (i.e. carbonabundance) are important factors in determining diffuse band strengthswhich can differ greatly both between and within galaxies.Based on observations collected with VLT/UVES at the European SouthernObservatory, Paranal, Chile (ESO programs 67.C-0281 and 71.C-0679).Tables [see full text]-[see full text] and Fig. [see full text]are only available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org
| Models for Massive Stellar Populations with Rotation
We present and discuss evolutionary synthesis models for massive stellarpopulations generated with the Starburst99 code in combination with anew set of stellar evolution models accounting for rotation. The newstellar evolution models were compiled from several data releases of theGeneva group and cover heavy-element abundances ranging from twice solarto one-fifth solar. The evolution models were computed for rotationvelocities on the zero-age main sequence of 0 and 300 km s-1and with the latest revision of stellar mass-loss rates. Since the masscoverage is incomplete, in particular at nonsolar chemical composition,our parameter study is still preliminary and must be viewed asexploratory. Stellar population properties computed with Starburst99 andthe new evolution models show some marked differences in comparison withmodels obtained using earlier tracks. Since individual stars now tend tobe more luminous and bluer when on the blue side of theHertzsprung-Russell diagram, the populations mirror this trend. Forinstance, increases by factors of 2 or more are found for thelight-to-mass ratios at ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths, aswell as for the output of hydrogen-ionizing photons. If these resultsare confirmed once the evolution models have matured, recalibrations ofcertain star formation and initial mass function indicators will berequired.
| VLT UVES Observations of Interstellar Molecules and Diffuse Bands in the Magellanic Clouds
We discuss the abundances of interstellar CH, CH+, and CN inthe Magellanic Clouds, derived from spectra of seven SMC and 13 LMCstars obtained (mostly) with the VLT UVES. CH and/or CH+ havenow been detected toward three SMC and nine LMC stars; CN is detectedtoward Sk 143 (SMC) and Sk -67 2 (LMC). These data represent nearly allthe optical detections of these molecular species in interstellar mediabeyond the Milky Way. In the LMC, the CH/H2 ratio iscomparable to that found for diffuse Galactic molecular clouds in foursight lines but is lower by factors of 2.5-4.0 in two others. In theSMC, the CH/H2 ratio is comparable to the local Galacticvalue in one sight line but is lower by factors of 10-15 in two others.The abundance of CH in the Magellanic Clouds thus appears to depend onlocal physical conditions and not just on metallicity. In both the SMCand the LMC, the observed relationships between the column density of CHand those of CN, CH+, Na I, and K I are generally consistentwith the trends observed in our Galaxy.Using existing data for the rotational populations of H2 inthese sight lines, we estimate temperatures, radiation field strengths,and local hydrogen densities for the diffuse molecular gas. The inferredtemperatures range from about 45 to 90 K, the radiation fields rangefrom about 1 to 900 times the typical local Galactic field, and thedensities (in most cases) lie between 100 and 600 cm-3.Densities estimated from the observed N(CH), under the assumption thatCH is produced via steady state gas-phase reactions, are considerablyhigher than those derived from H2. Much better agreement isfound by assuming that the CH is made via the (still undetermined)process(es) responsible for the observed CH+. A significantfraction of the CH and CH+ in diffuse molecular material inthe SMC and LMC may be produced in photon-dominated regions. Theexcitation temperature obtained from the populations of the two lowestCN rotational levels toward Sk -67 2 is quite consistent with thetemperature of the cosmic microwave background radiation measured withCOBE.Toward most of our targets, the UVES spectra also reveal absorption atvelocities corresponding to the Magellanic Clouds ISM from several ofthe strongest of the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs; at 5780, 5797,and 6284 Å). On average, the three DIBs are weaker by factors of7-9 (LMC) and about 20 (SMC), compared to those typically observed inGalactic sight lines with similar N(H I), presumably due to the lowermetallicities and stronger radiation fields in the LMC and SMC. Thethree DIBs are also weaker (on average, but with some exceptions), byfactors of order 2-6, relative to E(B-V), N(Na I), and N(K I) in theMagellanic Clouds. The detection of several of the so-calledC2 DIBs toward Sk 143 and Sk -67 2 with strengths similar tothose in comparable Galactic sight lines, however, indicates that nosingle, uniform scaling factor (e.g., one related to metallicity)applies to all DIBs (or for all sight lines) in the Magellanic Clouds.Based on observations collected at the European Southern Observatory,Chile, under programs 67.C-0281, 70.D-0164, 72.C-0064, 72.C-0682, and74.D-0109.
| B-type supergiants in the Small Magellanic Cloud: rotational velocities and implications for evolutionary models
High-resolution spectra for 24 SMC and Galactic B-type supergiants havebeen analysed to estimate the contributions of both macroturbulence androtation to the broadening of their metal lines. Two differentmethodologies are considered, viz. goodness-of-fit comparisons betweenobserved and theoretical line profiles and identifying zeros in theFourier transforms of the observed profiles. The advantages andlimitations of the two methods are briefly discussed with the lattertechniques being adopted for estimating projected rotational velocities(v sin i) but the former being used to estimate macroturbulentvelocities. The projected rotational velocity estimates range fromapproximately 20 to 60 km s-1, apart from one SMC supergiant,Sk 191, with a v sin i ≃ 90 km s-1. Apart from Sk 191,the distribution of projected rotational velocities as a function ofspectral type are similar in both our Galactic and SMC samples withlarger values being found at earlier spectral types. There is marginalevidence for the projected rotational velocities in the SMC being higherthan those in the Galactic targets but any differences are only of theorder of 5-10 km s-1, whilst evolutionary models predictdifferences in this effective temperature range of typically 20 to 70 kms-1. The combined sample is consistent with a linearvariation of projected rotational velocity with effective temperature,which would imply rotational velocities for supergiants of 70 kms-1 at an effective temperature of 28 000 K (approximately B0spectral type) decreasing to 32 km s-1 at 12 000 K (B8spectral type). For all targets, the macroturbulent broadening wouldappear to be consistent with a Gaussian distribution (although otherdistributions cannot be discounted) with an 1/e half-width varying fromapproximately 20 km s-1 at B8 to 60 km s-1 at B0spectral types.
| B-type supergiants in the SMC: Chemical compositions and comparison of static and unified models
High-resolution UCLES/AAT spectra are presented for nine B-typesupergiants in the SMC, chosen on the basis that they may show varyingamounts of nuclear-synthetically processed material mixed to theirsurface. These spectra have been analysed using a new grid ofapproximately 12 000 non-LTE line blanketed tlusty model atmospheres toestimate atmospheric parameters and chemical composition. The abundanceestimates for O, Mg and Si are in excellent agreement with those deducedfrom other studies, whilst the low estimate for C may reflect the use ofthe C II doublet at 4267 Å. The N estimates are approximately anorder of magnitude greater than those found in unevolved B-type stars orH II regions but are consistent with the other estimates in AB-typesupergiants. These results have been combined with results from aunified model atmosphere analysis of UVES/VLT spectra of B-typesupergiants (Trundle et al. 2004, A&A, 417, 217) to discuss theevolutionary status of these objects. For two stars that are in commonwith those discussed by Trundle et al., we have undertaken a carefulcomparison in order to try to understand the relative importance of thedifferent uncertainties present in such analyses, includingobservational errors and the use of static or unified models. We findthat even for these relatively luminous supergiants, tlusty models yieldatmospheric parameters and chemical compositions similar to thosededuced from the unified code fastwind.
| Understanding B-type supergiants in the low metallicity environment of the SMC II
Despite a resurgence of effort over the last decade in the area ofmassive stars there is still ambiguity over their evolutionary path,contamination of their surface abundances and the behaviour of theirstellar winds. Here 10 SMC B-type supergiants are analysed applying aunified model atmosphere code fastwind to intermediate resolutionspectra from the ESO Multi Mode Instrument (emmi) on the NTT telescope.Combined with the 8 targets analysed in Paper I (Trundle et al. 2004),this work provides observational results on the properties of the windsand chemical compositions of B-type supergiants in the SMC. This paperemphasizes and substantiates the implications for stellar evolution fromPaper I; that current theoretical models need to produce larger degreesof surface nitrogen enhancements at lower rotational velocities. Inaddition a significant discrepancy between theoretical and observedmass-loss rates is discussed which will have important implications forthe rotational velocities obtained from stellar evolution calculations.Furthermore, an initial calibration of the wind-momentum luminosityrelationship for B-type supergiants in a low metallicity environment (Z= 0.004) is presented.
| Terminal Velocities of Luminous, Early-Type Stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud
Ultraviolet spectra from the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS)are used to determine terminal velocities for 11 O and B-type giants andsupergiants in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) from the Si IV and C IVresonance lines. Using archival data from observations with the GoddardHigh-Resolution Spectrograph and the International Ultraviolet Explorertelescope, terminal velocities are obtained for a further five B-typesupergiants. We discuss the metallicity dependence of stellar terminalvelocities for supergiants, finding no evidence for a significantscaling between Galactic and SMC metallicities forTeff<30,000 K, consistent with the predictions ofradiation-driven wind theory. A comparison of thev&infy;/vesc ratio between the SMC and Galacticsamples, while consistent with the above statement, emphasizes that theuncertainties in the distances to galactic OB-type stars are a seriousobstacle to a detailed comparison with theory. For the SMC sample thereis considerable scatter in v&infy;/vesc at agiven effective temperature, perhaps indicative of uncertainties instellar masses.
| Catalogue of Apparent Diameters and Absolute Radii of Stars (CADARS) - Third edition - Comments and statistics
The Catalogue, available at the Centre de Données Stellaires deStrasbourg, consists of 13 573 records concerning the results obtainedfrom different methods for 7778 stars, reported in the literature. Thefollowing data are listed for each star: identifications, apparentmagnitude, spectral type, apparent diameter in arcsec, absolute radiusin solar units, method of determination, reference, remarks. Commentsand statistics obtained from CADARS are given. The Catalogue isavailable in electronic form at the CDS via anonymous ftp tocdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or viahttp://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cgi-bin/qcar?J/A+A/367/521
| An exploratory non-LTE analysis of B-type supergiants in the Small Magellanic Cloud
A preliminary differential non-LTE model atmosphere analysis of moderateresolution (R ~ 5 000) and signal-to-noise ratio spectra of 48 SmallMagellanic Cloud B-type supergiants is presented. Standard techniquesare adopted, viz. plane-parallel geometry and radiative and hydrostaticequilibrium. Spectroscopic atmospheric parameters (T_eff, log g andv_turb), luminosities and chemical abundances (He, C, N, O, Mg and Si)are estimated. These are compared with those deduced for a comparablesample of Galactic supergiants. The SMC targets appear to have similaratmospheric parameters, luminosities and helium abundances to theGalactic sample. Their magnesium and silicon underabundances arecompatible with those found for main sequence SMC objects and there isno evidence for any large variation in their oxygen abundances. Bycontrast both their carbon and nitrogen lines strengths are inconsistentwith single abundances, while their nitrogen to carbon abundance ratiosappear to vary by at least as much and probably more than that found inthe Galactic sample.
| UV Spectral Classification of O and B Stars in the Small Magellanic =
We present an ultraviolet classification system for 0 and B stars of theSmall Magellanic Cloud (SMC). This system is defined by a set ofstandard, low resolution, International Ultraviolet Explorer (JUE)spectra. This UV classification system results from the development ofspectral sequences demonstrating systematic patterus of UV spectralfeatures. These spectral sequences yield Uv classifications for 133 0and B stars of the SMC, which we also present here. Although independentof the MK System, our UV classifications show general agreement withthose deduced from visual data. This UV classification system isdesigned to be applicable to 0 and B stars in other nearby galaxies ofmetallicity comparable to the SMC. The classification technique itselfis applicable to any UV dataset of sufficient size and quality, and canbe used to extend our UV classification system to other galactic metalabundances. These UV classification systems will be essential foranalysis of datasets from new spaceborne instrumentation such as theSpace Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS), which will be capable ofobserving stars in external galaxies for which no opticalclassifications exist. 0 1997 American Astronomical Society.[S0004-6256(97)0231 1-X]
| The HIPPARCOS proper motion of the Magellanic Clouds
The proper motion of the Large (LMC) and Small (SMC) Magellanic Cloudusing data acquired with the Hipparcos satellite is presented. Hipparcosmeasured 36 stars in the LMC and 11 stars in the SMC. A correctlyweighted mean of the data yields the presently available most accuratevalues, mu_alpha cos(delta) = 1.94 +/- 0.29 mas/yr, mu_delta = - 0.14+/- 0.36 mas/yr for the LMC. For the SMC, mu_alpha cos(delta) = 1.23 +/-0.84 mas/yr, mu_delta = - 1.21 +/- 0.75 mas/yr is obtained, whereby careis taken to exclude likely tidal motions induced by the LMC. Bothgalaxies are moving approximately parallel to each other on the sky,with the Magellanic Stream trailing behind. The Hipparcos proper motionsare in agreement with previous measurements using PPM catalogue data byKroupa et al. (1994), and by Jones et al. (1994) using backgroundgalaxies in a far-outlying field of the LMC. For the LMC the Hipparcosdata suggest a weak rotation signal in a clockwise direction on the sky.Comparison of the Hipparcos proper motion with the proper motion of thefield used by Jones et al. (1994), which is about 7.3 kpc distant fromthe center of the LMC, also suggests clockwise rotation. Combining thethree independent measurements of the proper motion of the LMC and thetwo independent measurements of the proper motion of the SMC improvesthe estimate of the proper motion of the LMC and SMC. The correspondinggalactocentric space motion vectors are computed. Within theuncertainties, the LMC and SMC are found to be on parallel trajectories.Recent theoretical work concerning the origin of the Magellanic Systemis briefly reviewed, but a unique model of the Magellanic Stream, forthe origin of the Magellanic Clouds, and for the mass distribution inthe Galaxy cannot yet be decided upon. Future astrometric space missionsare necessary to significantly improve our present knowledge of thespace motion of the two most conspicuous galactic neighbours of theMilky Way.
| Revised spectral types for 64 B-supergiants in the Small Magellanic Cloud: metallicity effects.
The problem of the classification of metal poor stars, such as occur inthe Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), is discussed with reference to theapplicability of the MK system in such an environment. An alternativemethod is presented here and applied to B-type supergiants in the SMC. Alocal reference system is first devised and then a transformation to MKspectral types is determined by comparing the trends of metal linestrengths in these two systems. For the determination of the luminosityclass, we emphasize the need to use the hydrogen Balmer line strengthsindependently of metal line-strength considerations. This method is usedto determine new spectral types for 64 supergiants in the SMC, 75% ofthe sample requiring classifications different from previous findings.These new types result in much improved line strength - spectral typecorrelations for He, C, N, O, Mg and Si. Corresponding changes in thedistribution of these stars in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram of theSMC reveal more clearly than before the existence of a ridge which maybe the SMC analogue of a similar feature found for the LMC byFitzpatrick & Garmany (1990ApJ...363..119F). The group of veryluminous supergiants lying above this ridge includes the LBV AV415(R40), a property which this object has in common with LBVs in the LargeMagellanic Cloud. Also, for the first time, clear examples of BN/BCsupergiants are found in the SMC.
| Cross-correlation characteristics of OB stars from IUE spectroscopy
We present a catalogue of homogeneous measures of the linewidthparameter, v_esin i, for 373 O-type stars and early B supergiants(including the separate components of 25 binary and three triplesystems), produced by cross-correlating high-resolution,short-wavelength IUE spectra against a `template' spectrum of tauSco. Wealso tabulate terminal velocities. There are no O supergiants in oursample with v_esin i<65 km s^-1, and only one supergiant earlier thanB5 has v_esin i<50 km s^-1, confirming that an important linebroadening mechanism in addition to rotation must be present in theseobjects. A calibration of the area under the cross-correlation peakagainst spectral type is used to obtain estimates of continuum intensityratios of the components in 28 spectroscopically binary or multiplesystems. At least seven SB2 systems show evidence for the `Struve-Sahadeeffect', a systematic variation in relative line strength as a functionof orbital phase. The stellar wind profiles of the most rapid rotator inour sample, the O9III:n* star HD 191423 (v_esin i=436km s^-1), show itto have a `wind-compressed disc' similar to that of HD 93521; this starand other rapid rotators are good candidates for studies of non-radialpulsation.
| Vitesses radiales. Catalogue WEB: Wilson Evans Batten. Subtittle: Radial velocities: The Wilson-Evans-Batten catalogue.
We give a common version of the two catalogues of Mean Radial Velocitiesby Wilson (1963) and Evans (1978) to which we have added the catalogueof spectroscopic binary systems (Batten et al. 1989). For each star,when possible, we give: 1) an acronym to enter SIMBAD (Set ofIdentifications Measurements and Bibliography for Astronomical Data) ofthe CDS (Centre de Donnees Astronomiques de Strasbourg). 2) the numberHIC of the HIPPARCOS catalogue (Turon 1992). 3) the CCDM number(Catalogue des Composantes des etoiles Doubles et Multiples) byDommanget & Nys (1994). For the cluster stars, a precise study hasbeen done, on the identificator numbers. Numerous remarks point out theproblems we have had to deal with.
| Photospheric Absorption Lines in the Ultraviolet Spectra of O-Stars and B-Stars
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-bib_query?1990MNRAS.246..392P&db_key=AST
| Terminal velocities for a large sample of O stars, B supergiants, and Wolf-Rayet stars
It is argued that easily measured, reliable estimates of terminalvelocities for early-type stars are provided by the central velocityasymptotically approached by narrow absorption features and by theviolet limit of zero residual intensity in saturated P Cygni profiles.These estimators are used to determine terminal velocities, v(infinity),for 181 O stars, 70 early B supergiants, and 35 Wolf-Rayet stars. For OBstars, the values are typically 15-20 percent smaller than the extremeviolet edge velocities, v(edge), while for WR stars v(infinity) = 0.76v(edge) on average. New mass-loss rates for WR stars which are thermalradio emitters are given, taking into account the new terminalvelocities and recent revisions to estimates of distances and to themean nuclear mass per electron. The relationships between v(infinity),the surface escape velocities, and effective temperatures are examined.
| Structure of the interstellar medium in the Magellanic Clouds
Using optical and UV observations, the internal gas structure ofMagellanic Clouds (MCs) was examined for clues to the recent evolutionof the Magellanic System and further signs of this collision event.Results indicate that the intermediate velocity clouds (IVCs) havedifferent origins. Thus, the '60-km/s' IVC is clearly of Galacticorigin. The '130-km/s' IVC is probably also Galactic and is not directlyassociated with the MCs. The '170 km/s' IVC is quite clearly associatedwith the LMC and seems to be the front of the LMC. The overall gasstructure in the MCs indicates that there is a distance-velocityassociation except in two regions: one to the south-west of the SMC (andis enigmatic), and the other to the south of 30 Doradus and appears tobe smoothly linked with the H I bridge, indicating that both featureshave a common overall cause such as the recent tidal collision.
| BVR photoelectric photometry of late-type stars and a compilation of other data in the Small Magellanic Cloud
The basic data used in a discussion of the structure and morphology ofthe SMC Martin et al., (1989) are presented. New BVR photoelectric dataacquired at ESO, 88 SMC K-M type supergiants and three foreground Mstars; for all these stars, high-accuracy Coravel radial velocities hadbeen obtained. Taking into account all available data, a list of mean Vmagnitudes is obtained for 307 stars in the direction of the SMC withknown radial velocities. Also established is a list of mean weightedradial velocities on the IAU standard system for the 307 stars (amongwhich only two are probably foreground Galactic stars).
| The structure of the Small Magellanic Cloud
The structure of the SMC is investigated using previous H-I data,accurate radial velocities of 307 young stars and 35 H-II regions, andhigh-spectral-resolution profiles of interstellar absorption lines. Itis found that 224 stars and 30 H-II regions of the main body of the SMCare associated with four H-I components, and that 54 of the objects arenot associated with H I. Two main complexes of gas, stars, and H-IIregions are found, one with a velocity of about -28 km/s and the otherwith a velocity of about +9 km/s. Most of the young stars are shown tolie within a depth smaller than 10 kpc, in agreement with recentMagellanic Cepheid data.
| Effective temperatures and radii of Small Magellanic Cloud supergiants
The effective temperatures and radii of Small Magellanic Cloudsupergiants are found by comparison with models. The methods usedparallel those used previously by the authors for the Large Cloud and byUnderhill and co-workers for the Galaxy. No significant difference isfound among these galaxies in this respect. A new analysis of the SMCextinction law is presented.
| Studies of massive stars in the Magellanic Clouds. II - New spectral classification of OB stars in the SMC
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1987AJ.....93.1070G
| Radial velocities of southern stars obtained with the photoelectric scanner CORAVEL. VI - 233 F to M type stars in and near the Small Magellanic Cloud - Comparison with 80 spectrographic radial velocities of O to K type stars in this galaxy
Abstract image available at:http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1987A&AS...67..423M
| Ultraviolet interstellar absorption toward stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud. III - The structure and kinematics of the Small Magellanic Cloud
The structural and kinematic properties of the Small Magellanic Cloud(SMC) were studied by combining IUE satellite observations of individualbright stars (Sk 159 and HD 5980) with existing optical and radio data.It is shown that the SMC has a complex structure due to gravitationalinteraction with the Milky Way and the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC).Stars observed in the southwest regions of the SMC were associated withthe 134 km/s H I complex. H II regions in the SMC were distributedaccording to a rotational velocity of 167 km/s. All IUE high-dispersiontargets exhibit ultraviolet absorption near 100 km/s and 200 km/s. It isshown that the absorption arises in the widespread H I complexes atvelocities similar to the H II regions. Some possible explanations forthe origin of H II and H I regions in the SMC are discussed. Thelocations of the nine high-dispersion IUE targets in the SMC are given.
| Ultraviolet interstellar absorption toward stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud. IV - Highly ionized gas associated with the Small Magellanic Cloud
High-dispersion International Ultraviolet Explorer satellite spectra ofseven stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) are examined to studythe properties of interstellar C IV and Si IV absorption in the SMC.Absorption by C IV or Si IV or both is found near 160 km/s for all thestars. The velocity and the relative C IV and Si IV strengths suggestUV-photoionized nebular gas as the origin of this absorption. Inaddition, the stars show absorption by C IV and, sometimes, Si IV in thevelocity range 100-130 km/s. This velocity is 30-60 km/s more negativethan that expected for normal nebular gas, and the relative C IV and SiIV strengths indicate an ionization source other than stellar UVphotoionization by normal Population I stars. Possible global originsare considered for this absorption, including a hot phase of the SMCinterstellar medium and a circum-SMC distribution of highly ionized gas.The only detection of interstellar N V toward a SMC star is for HD 5980.The line is broad, possibly complex, and spans the velocity range of thenebular absorption and the 100-130 km/s absorption.
| Highly ionized gas associated with the small Magellanic cloud
High dispersion IUE spectra of SMC stars are examined to search forevidence of a widespread distribution of highly ionized gas. For all ofthe stars, absorption by C IV and/or Si IV is found near 160 kms-1, and is attributed to nebular material. In addition, thestars show absorption by the high ion lines in the range 100 - 130 kms-1. This absorption might indicate the presence of globaldistributions of these ions, such as a hot phase of the interstellarmedium or a halo-like region.
| Interstellar CA II lines in SMC stars
Interstellar Ca II lines of reddened early-type stars in the SMC wereobserved. In addition to the component from the Milky Way, strong lineswere detected at radial velocities corresponding to gas in the SMC. Theinterstellar Ca II lines are abnormally strong, given the small colorexcesses of the stars and the low metallicity of the SMC gas, whichsuggests that the grains contain a much smaller fraction of theinterstellar calcium than they do in the galaxy. The radial velocitiesdo not conflict with the two-galaxy model for the SMC of Matthewson andFord (1983) if the higher-velocity system is behind the lower-velocitysystem.
| A comparison between various UV photometric systems for late-type stars
Ultraviolet absolute photometry and spectrophotometry obtained forlate-type stars with the TD1, OAO-2, ANS, and IUE satellites arecompared. Strong colour effects are found in the TD1 2740 Å band,and, to a lesser extend, in the OAO-2 2980 Å band. The reason forthese effects is believed to be due to red leaks in the sensitivityfunctions. For the TD1 band at 2365 Å a strong non-linearity atlow flux levels is found. The OAO-2 spectrophotometry is found to besignificantly influenced by scattered light for late-type stars. The ANSphotometry and the IUE LWR spectrophotometry are found to be withoutlarge systematic errors. As a corollary the authors give intrinsic UVcolours for late-type stars.
| Studies of luminous stars in nearby galaxies. VIII - The Small Magellanic Cloud
The spectra, colors, and positions on the H-R diagrams of the SmallMagellanic (SMC) supergiants of all spectral types are examined andcompared with corresponding data for supergiant populations in the LMCand Milky Way for clues to the role of chemical composition (i.e., lowmetallicity) on their evolution. A comparison of the observed luminosityfunction shows that while the solar neighborhood and the LMC areessentially the same, the SMC is significantly different, especially atthe upper end. These differences are not due to chemical-compositionvariations. The relative numbers of supergiants of differentluminosities vary most closely with the mass of the galaxy. The blue tored supergiant ratio in the SMC confirms the trends observed in theGalaxy and LMC, and is probably affected by chemical abundancedifferences, especially in the lower luminosity intervals. In addition,it is found that a group of supergiants in the SMC, with spectral typesB8-A5, have anomalous colors and hydrogen lines too strong for theirluminosities.
| Catalogue of the Small Magellanic Cloud star members
This catalogue contains 524 Small Magellanic Cloud members locatedbetween 0.51 h and 1.22 h in right ascension for the epoch 1975.0.Equatorial coordinates, localization of stars with respect to thecomplexes of ionized hydrogen and information about possible closeoptical companions are given. Photoelectric photometric UBV data,spectral classifications and radial velocities published by variousauthors are listed as well in this catalogue. A master set and 17identification astrographic charts including one panelled chart forisolated members are provided.
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Observation and Astrometry data
| Constellation: | Tucana |
| Right ascension: | 00h50m38.40s |
| Declination: | -73°28'18.3" |
| Apparent magnitude: | 11.075 |
| Proper motion RA: | -0.1 |
| Proper motion Dec: | -1.9 |
| B-T magnitude: | 10.958 |
| V-T magnitude: | 11.066 |
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