Stellar variability in the central populations of 47 tucanae from WF/PC observations with the Hubble Space Telescope. I. Project overview, reduction techniques, and first results

Ronald L. Gilliland, Peter D. Edmonds, Larry Petro, Abhijit Saha, Michael M. Shara

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

Stars in the central region of the dense globular cluster 47 Tucanae were monitored for variability using time-resolved photometry from 99 Hubble Space Telescope Planetary Camera exposures of 1000 s in the F336W (U) filter. The observations were obtained while 47 Tuc was in the continuous viewing zone (CVZ) of HST. This data set provides an unparalleled sensitivity for quantification of stellar variability: (1) in the blue straggler population, δ Scuti oscillations would provide important constraints on these enigmatic stars; (2) studies of cataclysmic variables detectable through dwarf novae outbursts or orbital modulation are of interest in testing formation theories; (3) eclipsing binaries and W UMa systems are of fundamental interest for cluster dynamics considerations. In this paper the unique data analysis challenges posed in following some 20,000 (undersampled PSF cores with extended spherical aberration induced halos) stars with near-Poisson limited precisions given the complications of image motion and a high rate of cosmic rays are addressed in detail. Examples of the oscillating blue stragglers, eclipsing binaries, and near-contact binary systems detected in this project are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)191-203
Number of pages13
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume447
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 1995

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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