Modelling the H Lyman lines in evolved late-type stars

Abstract

The importance of Partial Redistribution (PRD) in the modelling of the Lyman Alpha and Lyman Beta emission lines of hydrogen in stellar atmospheres is examined using simple atmospheric models of a range of late-type stars. These models represent the sub-giant Procyon (F5 IV-V), and the two giants Beta Gem (K0 III) and Alpha Tau (K5 III). These stars are selected to span a wide range of surface gravities: 1.25 < log g < 4.00. The calculations are performed using the computer code MULTI (Carlsson 1986) with the modifications made by Hubeny & Lites (1995). It is found that PRD effects are highly significant, both in the direct prediction of the Lyman line profiles and in the application of hydrostatic equilibrium (HSE) to calculate the atmospheric electron density in static atmospheric models.

14 pages, 10 figures, to be published in MNRAS