First Kepler results on compact pulsators II: KIC 010139564, a new pulsating subdwarf B (V361 Hya) star with an additional low-frequency mode

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of multiple pulsation modes in a hot subdwarf B star using Kepler data, including a potential hybrid mode, providing insights into stellar oscillations and rotation.

Contribution

First Kepler-based detection of nonradial pulsations in a hot subdwarf B star with multiple modes and a possible hybrid g-mode, advancing understanding of stellar pulsation behavior.

Findings

Over 10 pulsation modes identified between 130-190 seconds

Detection of a long-period (3165 seconds) mode suggesting hybrid nature

Indications of a 2-3 week stellar rotation period

Abstract

We present the discovery of nonradial pulsations in a hot subdwarf B star based on 30.5 days of nearly continuous time-series photometry using the \emph{Kepler} spacecraft. KIC 010139564 is found to be a short-period pulsator of the V361 Hya (EC 14026) class with more than 10 independent pulsation modes whose periods range from 130 to 190 seconds. It also shows one periodicity at a period of 3165 seconds. If this periodicity is a high order g-mode, then this star may be the hottest member of the hybrid DW Lyn stars. In addition to the resolved pulsation frequencies, additional periodic variations in the light curve suggest that a significant number of additional pulsation frequencies may be present. The long duration of the run, the extremely high duty cycle, and the well-behaved noise properties allow us to explore the stability of the periodic variations, and to place strong constraints on how many of them are independent stellar oscillation modes. We find that most of the identified periodicities are indeed stable in phase and amplitude, suggesting a rotation period of 2-3 weeks for this star, but further observations are needed to confirm this suspicion.