Kepler observations of A-F pre-main sequence stars in Upper Scorpius: Discovery of six new $\delta$~Scuti and one $\gamma$~Doradus stars

TL;DR

This study uses Kepler data to identify six new $ ext{delta}$~Scuti and one $ ext{gamma}$~Doradus pre-main sequence stars in Upper Scorpius, providing insights into their pulsation and potential for future mass determination.

Contribution

First space-based identification of multiple pulsating pre-main sequence stars in Upper Scorpius, including detailed frequency analysis and potential for mass measurements.

Findings

Six $ ext{delta}$~Scuti and one $ ext{gamma}$~Doradus stars identified

Four $ ext{delta}$~Scuti stars observed in short-cadence mode for detailed analysis

One star is a rotational variable in a hierarchical triple system

Abstract

We present light curves and periodograms for 27 stars in the young Upper Scorpius association (age=$11 \pm 1$\,Myr) obtained with the Kepler spacecraft. This association is only the second stellar grouping to host several pulsating pre-main sequence (PMS) stars which have been observed from space. From an analysis of the periodograms, we identify six $\delta$~Scuti variables and one $\gamma$~Doradus star. These are most likely PMS stars or else very close to the zero-age main sequence. Four of the $\delta$~Scuti variables were observed in short-cadence mode, which allows us to resolve the entire frequency spectrum. For these four stars, we are able to infer some qualitative information concerning their ages. For the remaining two $\delta$~Scuti stars, only long-cadence data are available, which means that some of the frequencies are likely to be aliases. One of the stars appears to be a rotational variable in a hierarchical triple system. This is a particularly important object, as it allows the possibility of an accurate mass determination when radial velocity observations become available. We also report on new high-resolution echelle spectra obtained for some of the stars of our sample.