A Three Dimensional Picture of RS CVN Stellar Atmospheres
Abstract
The ROSAT all-sky survey provides a unique opportunity to study an RS CVn system simultaneously at x-ray, EUV, UV, optical, and radio wavelengths at many phases throughout an orbital period. ROSAT can detect the x-ray flux of each candidate system during each 30 second viewing 16 times per day for at least 2 days. We request a block of 7 IUE shifts to obtain NEAR SIMULTANEOUS emission line fluxes (SWP-LO) and Mg IT line profiles (LWP-HI), and we will obtain contemporaneous optical photometry and spectroscopy and VLA radio fluxes (3.6, 6, and 20 cm). one objective of this PROPOSAL is to obtain the FIRST 3-D MODEL OF THE INHOMOGENEOUS PHOTOSPHERE, CHROMOSPHERE, AND CORONA OF A STAR OTHER THAN THE SUN. We will use optical photometry and spectroscopy to map the spotted photospheres of each star, and the Mg II line profiles to DOPPLERIMAGE their chromospheres, to determine the location, size, and surface flux of the active regions. We will then use the time variation of the UV emission line and x-ray fluxes to determine what fluxes are due to the quiet and active regions separately. These data will provide SURFACE FLUXES for the quiet and active regions separately. We will then will model BOTH REGIONS independently using an emission measure analysis. We will also model any flares observed. The second part of the program will be a simultaneous UV/X-ray SURVEY with the objective of DETERMINING THE RANGE OF PHYSICAL MODELS APPLICABLE TO THE CHROMOSPHERES AND CORONAE OF RS CVN SYSTEMS. We propose to obtain emission line fluxes (SWP-LO) and Mg II line profiles (LWP-HI) of all bright RS CVns observed by ROSAT from mid-July through September 1990 that meet the IUE observing constraints. About 17 systems in the Strassmeier catalog will likely be observed during this period. While many RS CVn systems have been observed separately by IUE and x-ray satellites, SIMULTANEOUS UV and x-ray observations are required to model these spatially inhomogenous and timevariable systems. This research program and the ROSAT RS CVn survey will constitute most of the data for the Ph.D. Thesis of the Lead Investigator, Anthony Veale.
- Publication:
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IUE Proposal
- Pub Date:
- 1990
- Bibcode:
- 1990iue..prop.3715L