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arXiv · 0905.1240

Structure of the outer layers of cool standard stars

S. Dehaes·E. Bauwens·L. Decin·K. Eriksson·G. Raskin·B. Butler·C. D. Dowell·B. Ali·J. A. D. L. Blommaert
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Abstract

Context: Among late-type red giants, an interesting change occurs in the structure of the outer atmospheric layers as one moves to later spectral types in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram: a chromosphere is always present, but the coronal emission diminishes and a cool massive wind steps in. Aims: Where most studies have focussed on short-wavelength observations, this article explores the influence of the chromosphere and the wind on long-wavelength photometric measurements. Methods: The observational spectral energy distributions are compared with the theoretical predictions of the MARCS atmosphere models for a sample of 9 K- and M-giants. The discrepancies found are explained using basic models for flux emission originating from a chromosphere or an ionized wind. Results: For 7 out of 9 sample stars, a clear flux excess is detected at (sub)millimeter and/or centimeter wavelengths. The precise start of the excess depends upon the star under consideration. The flux at wavelengths shorter than about 1 mm is most likely dominated by an optically thick chromosphere, where an optically thick ionized wind is the main flux contributor at longer wavelengths. Conclusions: Although the optical to mid-infrared spectrum of the studied K- and M-giants is well represented by a radiative equilibrium atmospheric model, the presence of a chromosphere and/or ionized stellar wind at higher altitudes dominates the spectrum in the (sub)millimeter and centimeter wavelength ranges. The presence of a flux excess also has implications on the role of these stars as fiducial spectrophotometric calibrators in the (sub)millimeter and centimeter wavelength range.

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S. Dehaes, E. Bauwens, L. Decin, K. Eriksson, G. Raskin, B. Butler, C. D. Dowell, B. Ali, J. A. D. L. Blommaert. 2009-05-08. Structure of the outer layers of cool standard stars. https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/200912442

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