Zeta Pup: the merger of at least two massive stars

TL;DR

This paper investigates Zeta Pup, suggesting it is the result of a merger between at least two massive stars, based on detailed UV diagnostics and its runaway nature, indicating a dynamic stellar interaction history.

Contribution

It provides evidence that Zeta Pup is a stellar merger product, highlighting the role of dense stellar cluster interactions in massive star evolution.

Findings

Zeta Pup's stellar and wind parameters are consistent with a merger origin.

The star's runaway status supports a dynamical interaction scenario.

UV diagnostics are effective in analyzing massive star merger signatures.

Abstract

We first discuss the stellar and wind parameters of zeta Pup resulting from detailed UV diagnostics. These parameters together with the runaway nature of the star can most easily be explained by dynamical binary-binary or binary-single star interactions in dense stellar clusters. In this case zeta Pup is most likely the merger of at least two massive stars.