New BRITE-Constellation observations of the roAp star Alpha Circini

TL;DR

This study uses multi-space telescope photometry to analyze the surface structure and pulsation modes of the roAp star Alpha Circini, revealing multiple surface spots and detailed pulsation characteristics.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive analysis combining data from BRITE-Constellation, WIRE, SMEI, and TESS to improve understanding of Alpha Circini's surface features and pulsation modes.

Findings

Detection of three confirmed surface spots and a possible fourth.

Identification of two radial pulsation modes and one dipolar mode.

Enhanced precision in rotation period and surface feature determination.

Abstract

Chemically peculiar (CP) stars with a measurable magnetic field comprise the group of mCP stars. The pulsating members define the subgroup of rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) stars, of which Alpha Circini is the brightest member. Hence, Alpha Circini allows the application of challenging techniques, such as interferometry, very high temporal and spectral resolution photometry, and spectroscopy in a wide wavelength range, that have the potential to provide unique information about the structure and evolution of a star. Based on new photometry from BRITE-Constellation, obtained with blue and red filters, and on photometry from WIRE, SMEI, and TESS we attempt to determine the surface spot structure of Alpha Circini and investigate pulsation frequencies. We used photometric surface imaging and frequency analyses and Bayesian techniques in order to quantitatively compare the probability of different models. BRITE-Constellation photometry obtained from 2014 to 2016 is put in the context of space photometry obtained by WIRE, SMEI, and TESS. This provides improvements in the determination of the rotation period and surface features (three spots detected and a fourth one indicated). The main pulsation frequencies indicate two consecutive radial modes and one intermediate dipolar mode. Advantages and problems of the applied Bayesian technique are discussed.