Altair: The Brightest δ Scuti Star

/ Authors

D. Buzasi, H. Bruntt, H. Bruntt, T. Bedding, A. Retter, A. Retter, H. Kjeldsen, H. Preston, W. Mandeville, J. Suárez

and 3 more authors

/ Abstract

We present an analysis of observations of the bright star Altair (α Aql) obtained using the star camera on the Wide Field Infrared Explorer (WIRE) satellite. Although Altair lies within the δ Scuti instability strip, previous observations have not revealed the presence of oscillations. However, the WIRE observations show Altair to be a low-amplitude (Δm < 1 parts per thousand [ppt]) δ Scuti star with at least seven modes present.

Journal: The Astrophysical Journal

DOI: 10.1086/426704