Three nearby K-giants with planets: Accurate determination of basic parameters, including an analysis of metallicity based on Fe I lines

TL;DR

This study accurately determines fundamental parameters of three nearby K-giants with planets, analyzing Fe I lines to refine metallicity and microturbulence, and compares results with Gaia benchmark data.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of Fe I lines for metallicity and microturbulence determination in K-giants, highlighting the impact of excitation potential and offering line selection recommendations.

Findings

Good agreement with Gaia benchmark data for basic parameters

Excitation potential significantly affects [Fe/H] and Vt in early K-giants

Non-LTE effects are minor for these stars

Abstract

Fundamental parameters are determined for three bright, nearby K-giants, {\beta} Gem (K0 III), {\mu} Leo (K2 III), and {\alpha} Tau (K5 III). It is notable that around all three stars the giant planets have been found. Our results are compared with published high-precision data for benchmark stars included in the Gaia project. Very good agreement was obtained for all three giants with these data for the basic parameters Teff, logg, and M. Special attention was devoted to analysis of the Fe I lines which are the basis of a simultaneous determination of the metallicity index [Fe/H] and microturbulent parameter Vt. The equivalent widths W of the Fe I lines are automatically measured from published spectra for the benchmark stars. An analysis of Fe I lines from the list of "golden lines" selected in a study of benchmark stars led to the conclusion that the excitation potential El of the low level of the lines plays an substantial role in determining [Fe/H] and Vt. It is shown that in the case of the early K-giants {\beta} Gem and {\mu} Leo for lines in the range of W from 100 to 300 m{\AA} there is a dependence of the [Fe/H] and Vt values on El. It is shown that a correct accounting for it leads an ambiguity in the determination of [Fe/H] and Vt for {\beta} Gem and {\mu} Leo. In the case of the coolest K-giant {\alpha} Tau (Aldebaran) with a temperature Teff = 3920K, this effect seems to be less pronounced. Recommendations are given for the Fe I lines selection for [Fe/H] and Vt determination. It is sonfirmed for the example of the three stars studied here that the non-LTE effects in the Fe I lines for the K-giants with normal metallicity are very minor, so they cannot be the reason of the revealed ambiguity in [Fe/H] and Vt values. The low ratios of the carbon 12C/13C and oxygen 16O/17O isotopes confirm that all three giants passed the phase of deep convective mixing.