An abundance analysis of Alpha Centauri A

Journal Article · Thu Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1990 · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/168434· OSTI ID:6917629

Furenlid, I; Meylan, T ^[1]

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1. Georgia State Univ., Atlanta (USA)

A differential abundance analysis between the sun and Alpha Cen A has been carried out. Over 500 lines of 26 elements have been measured in very high signal-to-noise ratio spectra of both objects. The result is a linearly averaged metal overabundance in Alpha Cen A of around 0.12 dex, with an error in the mean value for most elements of + or - 0.02 to 0.04 dex. The derived overabundances have been incorporated into the model atmosphere calculations. Light elements up though Zn are distinctly overabundant, whereas heavy elements show solar abundances. A relatively small overabundance of Fe and strong overabundances of the odd-Z elements Na, Al, Mn, and Cu point toward enrichment of the prestellar medium by a Type II supernova. The derived abundances give a consistent age of around 4 billion yr for the A and B components of the Alpha Cen system according to interior model calculations published by Demarque, Guenther, and van Altena (1987). 28 refs.

• OSTI ID: 6917629
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (USA) Vol. 350; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ABUNDANCE
AGE ESTIMATION
BINARY STARS
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
CHEMISTRY
COSMOCHEMISTRY
ELEMENT ABUNDANCE
ELEMENTS
ERUPTIVE VARIABLE STARS
LINE WIDTHS
MAIN SEQUENCE STARS
METALS
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO
STARS
SUN
SUPERNOVAE
VARIABLE STARS