The chemical composition of a main-sequence star in the small magellanic cloud

P. L. Dufton*, A. Fitzsimmons, I. D. Howarth

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

High-resolution echelle spectra of a main-sequence B type star (AV 304) in the Small Magellanic Cloud are analyzed using model atmosphere techniques to derive its atmospheric parameters and chemical composition. Because AV 304 is at an early evolutionary stage, its chemical composition should reflect that of its progenitor interstellar material. A general heavy element depletion of approximately -0.6 to -0.8 dex is deduced with nitrogen being more severely depleted (< -1.1 dex) and oxygen possibly less depleted (-0.45 dex). Helium has an approximately normal abundance. The high quality of the observational data coupled with the very small projected rotational velocity implies that depletions should normally be accurate to better than ±0.2 dex, with the oxygen abundance probably being accurate to ±0.1 dex.

Original languageEnglish
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume362
Issue number2 PART 2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Oct 1990

Keywords

  • Galaxies: Magellanic Clouds
  • Stars: abundances
  • Stars: early-type

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The chemical composition of a main-sequence star in the small magellanic cloud'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this