Matching the spectral energy distribution and p-mode oscillation frequencies of the rapidly rotating delta Scuti star [alpha] Ophiuchi with a two-dimensional rotating stellar model

Abstract

Spectral energy distributions are computed using two-dimensional (2D) rotating stellar models and non-LTE plane-parallel model atmospheres. A rotating, 2D stellar model has been found that matches the observed ultraviolet and visible spectrum of [alpha] Oph. The SED match occurs for the interferometrically deduced surface shape and inclination, and is different from the SED produced by spherical models. The p-mode oscillation frequencies in which the latitudinal variation is modeled by a linear combination of eight Legendre polynomials were computed for this model. The five highest and seven of the nine highest amplitude modes show agreement between computed axisymmetric, equatorially symmetric mode frequencies and the mode frequencies observed by the Microvariability and Oscillations of Stars satellite (MOST) to within the observational error. Including nonaxisymmetric modes up through [vertical line]m[vertical line] = 2, and allowing for the possibility that the eight lowest amplitude modes could be produced by modes that are not equatorially symmetric, matches for 24 out of the 35 MOST modes to within the observational error and another eight modes to within twice the observational error. The remaining three observed modes can be fitted within 4.2 times the observational error, but even these may be fitted to within the observational error if the criteria for computed modes are expanded.