The Angular Diameter and Effective Temperature of the Lithium-Rich K Giant HD 148293 from the CHARA Array

TL;DR

This study measures the angular diameter and effective temperature of the Li-rich K giant HD 148293 using interferometry, providing insights into its evolutionary stage and lithium production process.

Contribution

First direct interferometric measurement of HD 148293's angular diameter and temperature, confirming its evolutionary phase related to lithium enrichment.

Findings

Supports the hypothesis that HD 148293 is in a brief lithium-producing evolutionary stage.

Provides precise stellar parameters for a Li-rich giant.

Places the star on the H-R diagram consistent with lithium production models.

Abstract

We measured the angular diameter of the lithium-rich K giant star HD 148293 using Georgia State University's Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy (CHARA) Array interferometer. We used our measurement to calculate the star's effective temperature, which allowed us to place it on an H-R diagram to compare it with other Li-rich giants. Its placement supports the evidence presented by Charbonnel & Balachandran that it is undergoing a brief stage in its evolution where Li is being created.