Gravity-darkening exponents for MESA stellar evolution models

TL;DR

This paper provides updated gravity-darkening exponents for stellar evolution models from the ZAMS to giant phases, computed with MESA for various stellar masses and compositions, improving upon previous estimates.

Contribution

It introduces new gravity-darkening exponents derived from modern MESA stellar models, updating prior values based on older models and covering a wide range of stellar masses.

Findings

Updated $eta$ values for multiple stellar masses.

Models span from ZAMS to giant phase.

Results improve accuracy of stellar brightness modeling.

Abstract

In this Research Note we present new gravity-darkening exponents ($\beta$) for several stellar evolution models from the ZAMS up to the giant phase. The models were computed using the MESA code (version 7385) for the composition $X = 0.70$ and $Z = 0.02$, adopting A09 opacities and a mixing length parameter of $\alpha_{\rm MLT} = 1.84$. Results were calculated using the triangle strategy, for initial stellar masses of 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 5.0, 7.0, 10.0, 15.0, and 20.0 $M_{\odot}$, and provide an update on previously available $\beta$ values that used older models.