Abstract
The Microvariability and Oscillations of Stars (MOST) satellite has detected low-amplitude light variations (Δm ∼ 1 mmag) in the Be star β CMi (B8 Ve). The observations lasted 41 days and the variations have typical periods ∼0.3 days. We demonstrate that the dominant frequencies are consistent with prograde high-order g-modes of m = -1 excited by the Fe bump of opacity in an intermediate-mass (≈3.5 M⊙) star with a nearly critical rotation period of 0.38 days. This is the first detection of nonradial g-mode pulsations in a Be star later than B6 leading to the possibility that pulsations are excited in all classical Be stars.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 544-550 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 654 |
Issue number | 1 I |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2007 Jan 1 |
Keywords
- Stars: early-type
- Stars: emission-line, Be
- Stars: individual (β Canis Minoris)
- Stars: oscillations
- Stars: rotation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science