In the realm of stellar astrophysics, understanding the nuances of star behavior is crucial for various scientific endeavors, including energy research. Two researchers, Nuno Moedas and Maria Pia Di Mauro from the University of Porto in Portugal, have recently delved into the complexities of Procyon A, an F-type main-sequence star, to shed light on the surface effect—a discrepancy between observed and model oscillation frequencies due to inadequate modeling of the surface stellar layers.
Procyon A, part of a binary system, has been extensively studied through ground-based and space-based observations, providing precise data and making it a benchmark for F-type stars. The researchers aimed to investigate how different surface correction methods impact the inference of Procyon A’s fundamental properties. They employed a grid of models computed with MESA, a widely-used software instrument for creating stellar evolution models, incorporating factors like gravitational settling, radiative accelerations, and turbulent mixing. The AIMS code was used to select the best-fit models, considering various methods to fit the individual frequencies.
The study found that applying surface corrections can introduce uncertainties of up to 7% in the inferred stellar mass. Notably, the most reliable mass estimates were obtained using frequency ratios, the Sonoi et al. (2015) surface correction, or by directly fitting the individual frequencies. The researchers concluded that surface effects in F-type stars differ from those observed in the Sun and solar-like stars, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of surface corrections when studying these stars.
This research, published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, highlights the importance of accurate stellar modeling for understanding the fundamental properties of stars. For the energy sector, particularly in fields like stellar energy research and nuclear fusion, precise stellar models are essential for developing accurate energy production models and understanding the life cycles of stars that influence the cosmic energy landscape.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.