High angular resolution studies of stellar atmospheres

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics

Scientific paper

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Scientific paper

The next few years will see the commissioning of a number of ambitious long baseline optical/infrared interferometers (e.g. Keck, VLTI, CHARA) with the potential for examining stars and their environments on milliarcsecond angular scales, much smaller than those accessible to the HST & NGST. Already, existing prototype arrays have begun to demonstrate the capabilities of these instruments through, for example, high precision measurements of fundamental stellar parameters (radii and masses), studies of the static and dynamic structure of cool evolved stars, and, most recently, multi-epoch mapping of mass-loss events in dust enshrouded stellar systems. In particular, the ability to perform time-resolved high-fidelity imaging with these separated element interferometers, at a level comparable to that achieved with radio VLBI, is set to allow direct testing of theoretical models in a manner that has previously not been possible. In this review I will summarise the current status of optical/ir interferometric astrophysics, with specific reference to both the advantages and shortcomings of interferometric studies. One unusual problem is that in certain cases the theoretical framework within which to interpret the measurements simply does not exist. By highlighting the realistic capabilities of optical/infrared interferometry and identifying those areas of stellar astrophysics best suited for study, my hope is that theoreticians will be encouraged to propose the most efficient diagnostic programmes for future arrays.

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