Gravitational microlensing as a test of stellar model atmospheres

Bryce, H.M., Hendry, M.A. and Valls-Gabaud, D. (2002) Gravitational microlensing as a test of stellar model atmospheres. Astronomy and Astrophysics, 388(1), L1-L4. (doi: 10.1051/0004-6361:20020507)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361:20020507

Abstract

We present calculations illustrating the potential of gravitational microlensing to discriminate between classical models of stellar surface brightness profiles and the computed ""Next Generation"" models of Hauschildt et al. (1999). These spherically-symmetric models include a much improved treatment of molecular lines in the outer atmospheres of cool giants - stars which are very typical sources in Galactic bulge microlensing events. We show that the microlensing signatures of intensively monitored point and fold caustic crossing events are readily able to distinguish between NextGen and the classical models, provided a photometric accuracy of 0.01 mag is reached. This accuracy is now routinely achieved by alert networks, and hence current observations can discriminate between such model atmospheres, providing a unique insight on stellar photospheres.

Item Type:Articles (Letter)
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Hendry, Professor Martin
Authors: Bryce, H.M., Hendry, M.A., and Valls-Gabaud, D.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Astronomy and Astrophysics
Publisher:EDP Sciences
ISSN:0004-6361
ISSN (Online):1432-0746
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2002 EDP Sciences
First Published:First published in Astronomy and Astrophysics 388(1):L1-L4
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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