Testing Red Clump Models with the Asteroseismic Binary KIC 10841730

TL;DR

This study uses an asteroseismic binary system with a red clump and a red giant to test and refine models of red clump stars, revealing discrepancies and the importance of surface effect corrections.

Contribution

First detailed asteroseismic analysis of a binary with a red clump and RGB star, testing and highlighting uncertainties in red clump stellar models.

Findings

Two possible model solutions with different ages and masses.

Uncertainties in red clump models impact both g-mode and p-mode properties.

Refinement of red clump models is necessary for accurate stellar characterization.

Abstract

Binaries in which both stars are pulsating are rare but extremely valuable. We present the first study of an asteroseismic binary system consisting of a core helium-burning red clump (RC) star and a red giant branch (RGB) star. The Kepler target KIC 10841730 is a wide binary (period $2917 \pm 8$ d) that provides ideal conditions to test the accuracy of RC models. While prior studies of RC stars have revealed discrepancies in modelling the period spacings of mixed modes, other model parameters remain largely untested. We perform a detailed modelling analysis using individual mode frequencies and cover a large parameter space in mass, metallicity, He-abundance, mixing length, overshooting, and mass-loss, and we also explore different methods to correct for surface effects. We find two possible results for the red clump models. One solution requires introducing an unexpected offset of the phase shift in the red clump model, yielding an age consistent with the companion star and current masses of $1.01 \pm 0.06$ and $1.08 \pm 0.06$ M$_\odot$ for the RC and RGB star, respectively. Alternatively, we find that excluding the identification of two questionable radial modes resolves the phase-shift offset issue but results in a higher mass and thus a much younger age for the red clump star, contradicting the age obtained from its companion. We conclude that uncertainties in red clump models affect not only the g-mode period spacings but also the properties of the p modes. We show the power of asteroseismic binaries in validating and constraining stellar models and highlight the need for refining red-clump models.