Asteroseismology with small telescopes

Abstract

Study of the solar interior through analysis of solar oscillations, a field now referred to as helioseismology, has generated interest in the development of asteroseismology, the study of the interior of pulsating stars through the analysis of their oscillations. Some progress has been made in the study of the Rapidly Oscillating Ap stars, cool magnetic Ap stars which pulsate in high overtone, low degree non-radial p-modes with periods between 4 and 15 minutes. Since all of these stars found so far are bright (V<10), their light variations can be studied with small telescopes; most of the work done has been with a 0.5-m telescope. Their light variations are extremely complex, however, which means that they must be intensively observed, something which can only be done with small telescopes. Due to aliasing problems, multisite observing programs of the Rapidly Oscillating Ap stars are often necessary in order to decipher their frequency patterns. A collaborative observing program is suggested.