Exoplanets and Stellar Physics

Abstract:

We present an ISO SWS and ISOPHOT-S, mid-infrared spectroscopic survey of 15 ultra-luminous IRAS galaxies. We combine the survey results with a detailed case study, based on near-IR and mm imaging spectroscopy, of one of the sample galaxies (UGC 5101). We compare the near- and mid-IR characteristics of these ultra-luminous galaxies to ISO and literature data of thirty starburst and active galactic nuclei (AGN), template galaxies. We find that 1) 70-80% of the ultra-luminous IRAS galaxies in our sample are predominantly powered by recently formed massive stars. 20-30% are powered by a central AGN. These conclusions are based on a new infrared 'diagnostic diagram' involving the ratio of high to low excitation mid-IR emission lines on the one hand, and on the strength of the 7.7um PAH feature on the other hand. 2) at least half of the sources probably have simultaneously an active nucleus and starburst activity in a 1-2 kpc diameter circum-nuclear disk/ring. 3) the mid-infrared emitting regions are highly obscured. After correction for these extinctions, we estimate that the star forming regions in ULIRGs have ages between 10^7 and 10^8 years, similar to but somewhat larger than those found in lower luminosity starburst galaxies. 4) in the sample we have studied there is no obvious trend for the AGN component to dominate in the most compact, and thus most advanced mergers. Instead, at any given time during the merger evolution, the time dependent compression of the circum-nuclear interstellar gas, the accretion rate onto the central black hole and the associated radiation efficiency may determine whether star formation or AGN activity dominates the luminosity of the system.

Abstract:

We examine the effect of dynamical tides raised by a companion on a solar-type star. In these binaries, gravity or g mode oscillations are excited by the companion in the radiative region beneath the convective envelope of the star. They become evanescent in the convection zone. This is of particular interest in connection with the newly discovered planets, some of which are found to orbit around solar-type stars with a period comparable to that of the high order g modes of the star. One such example is 51 Pegasi. Here, we determine the magnitude of the perturbed velocity induced by the tides at the stellar surface. We show that, in the case of 51 Pegasi, this velocity is too small to be observed. This result is insensitive to the magnitude of the stellar turbulent viscosity assumed and is not affected by the possibility of resonance, which occurs when the frequency of the tidal disturbance is close to that of some normal mode of the star. We also discuss the orbital evolution and synchronization timescales associated with the tidal interaction.