Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2010-01-27
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
Accepted to MNRAS
Scientific paper
{Abridged}. An analysis of the calcium and hydrogen abundances, Galactic positions and kinematics of 146 DZ stars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey demonstrates that interaction with the interstellar medium cannot account for their externally polluted atmospheres. The calcium-to-hydrogen ratios for the 37 DZA stars are dominated by super-solar values, as are the lower limits for the remaining 109 DZ stars. All together their metal-contaminated convective envelopes contain 10^{20+-2} g of calcium, commensurate with the masses of calcium inferred for large asteroids. It is probable that these stars are contaminated by circumstellar matter; the rocky remains of terrestrial planetary systems. In this picture, two predictions emerge: 1) at least 3.5% of all main sequence A- and F-type stars build terrestrial planets; and 2) the DZA stars are externally polluted by both metals and hydrogen, and hence constrain the frequency and mass of water-rich, extrasolar planetesimals.
Barstow Martin Adrian
Dufour Patrick
Farihi Jay
Hambly Nigel C.
Redfield Seth
No associations
LandOfFree
Rocky Planetesimals as the Origin of Metals in DZ Stars does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Rocky Planetesimals as the Origin of Metals in DZ Stars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Rocky Planetesimals as the Origin of Metals in DZ Stars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-253622