Reinvestigating the Lambda Boo Stars
Abstract
The peculiar nature of Lambda Bootis was first introduced in 1943. Subsequently, Lambda Boo stars have been slowly recognized as a group of A-type Population I dwarfs that show mild to extreme deficiencies of iron-peak elements, although C, N, O, and S can be near solar. MK classification criteria include broad hydrogen lines, a weak metallic-line spectrum compared to MK standards, coupled with a particularly weak Mg II 4481 line. This intriguing stellar class has recently regained the spotlight because of the directly imaged planets around a confirmed Lambda Boo star-HR 8799 and a probable Lambda Boo star-Beta Pictoris. The possible link between Lambda Boo stars and planet-bearing stars motivates us to study Lambda Boo stars systematically. However, Lambda Boo candidates published in the literature have been selected using widely different criteria. The Lambda Boo class has become somewhat of a "grab bag" for any peculiar A-type stars that didn't fit elsewhere. In order to determine the origin of Lambda Boo stars’ low abundances and to better discriminate between theories explaining the Lambda Boo phenomenon, a refined working definition of Lambda Boo stars is needed. We have re-evaluated all published Lambda Boo candidates and their existing spectra. After applying a consistent set of optical/UV classification criteria, we identified over 60 confirmed and over 20 probable Lambda Boo stars among all stars that have been suggested as Lambda Boo candidates. We are obtaining new observations for those probable Lambda Boo stars. We also have explored the possible link between debris disks and Lambda Boo Stars.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #223
- Pub Date:
- January 2014
- Bibcode:
- 2014AAS...22315102C