Calibrating the Boron Abundances in Solar -Type Stars
Abstract
We will use the archive of GHRS moderate- and high-resolution spectra of F-G dwarf and subgiant stars to improve our ability to synthesize and interpret the spectral region containing the B I resonance doublet near 2497Angstrom . Our efforts in synthesizing the solar spectrum, as a first step in the analysis of HST/GHRS data, indicate that there is quite probably a missing source of continuous opacity in the Sun and in stars similar to the Sun. This apparent source of continuous opacity seems to vanish in the hotter F subgiant Procyon and we suspect a low-ionization metal bound-free opacity {such as Mg I} as the missing source. In order to improve the analysis, derivation, and interpretation of boron abundances obtained from this spectral region, we propose to analyze all archived GHRS spectra of F and G dwarf and subgiant stars in order to quantify the behavior of this possible opacity source as a function of temperature and metallicity. By mapping the behavior of this opacity source we can: 1} apply empirical corrections as necessary and 2} identify the possible nature of such an opacity source. The results from this study will enable us to critically evaluate and improve our ability to derive reliable abundances of the key light element boron in solar-type stars.
- Publication:
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HST Proposal
- Pub Date:
- July 1997
- Bibcode:
- 1997hst..prop.7998S