Advances in mass-loss predictions

TL;DR

This paper introduces Monte Carlo simulations for predicting mass-loss rates in massive stars, tests these predictions against observations considering wind clumping, and models polarimetric variability, especially in luminous blue variables.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive Monte Carlo-based framework for mass-loss prediction, incorporating wind clumping effects and polarimetric variability modeling for hot stars.

Findings

Predicted mass-loss rates align with observed data considering wind clumping.

Luminous Blue Variables show significant polarimetric variability due to wind clumping.

LBVs are potential direct supernova progenitors.

Abstract

We present the results of Monte Carlo mass-loss predictions for massive stars covering a wide range of stellar parameters. We critically test our predictions against a range of observed mass-loss rates -- in light of the recent discussions on wind clumping. We also present a model to compute the clumping-induced polarimetric variability of hot stars and we compare this with observations of Luminous Blue Variables, for which polarimetric variability is larger than for O and Wolf-Rayet stars. Luminous Blue Variables comprise an ideal testbed for studies of wind clumping and wind geometry, as well as for wind strength calculations, and we propose they may be direct supernova progenitors.