The Missing Link: Testing Galactic Chemical Evolution Models with the First Multi-isotopic Abundances in Solar Twin Stars

• Published in: The Astrophysical journal 2023-09, Vol.954 (2), p.121
• Main Authors: Coria, David R., Crossfield, Ian J. M., Lothringer, Joshua, Flores, Becky, Prantzos, Nikos, Freedman, Richard
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abundance; Astronomical models; Astrophysics; Asymptotic giant branch stars; Atmosphere; Atmospheric models; Chemical evolution; Extrasolar planets; Extraterrestrial life; Galactic evolution; Galaxy chemical evolution; Isotopic abundances; James Webb Space Telescope; Late-type stars; Massive stars; Metallicity; Modelling; Nuclear fusion; Physics; Planetary atmospheres; Planetary evolution; Solar analogs; Solar atmosphere; Space telescopes; Star & galaxy formation; Star formation; Stars; Stellar age; Stellar evolution; Stellar rotation; Stellar spectra
• ISSN: 0004-637X; 1538-4357
• DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/acea5f

We present the first isotopic abundances of both 13 CO and C 18 O in solar twin stars and test the results against several galactic chemical evolution (GCE) models with different nucleosynthesis prescriptions. First, we compare M -band spectra from IRTF/iSHELL to synthetic spectra generated from custom solar atmosphere models using the PHOENIX atmosphere code. Next, we compare our calculated abundances to GCE models that consider isotopic yields from massive stars, asymptotic giant branch stars, and fast-rotating stars. The 12 C/ 13 C ratios determined for this sample of solar twins are consistent with predictions from the selected GCE models; however, the 16 O/ 18 O ratios tentatively contradict these predictions. This project constitutes the first in a stellar chemical abundance series seeking to (1) support the James Webb Space Telescope as it characterizes exoplanet atmospheres, interiors, and biosignatures by providing host star abundances; (2) identify how unexplored stellar abundances reveal the process of galactic chemical evolution and correlate with star formation, interior, age, metallicity, and activity; and (3) provide improved stellar ages using stellar abundance measurements. By measuring elemental and isotopic abundances in a variety of stars, we not only supply refined host star parameters, but also provide the necessary foundations for complementary exoplanet characterization studies—and ultimately contribute to the exploration of galactic, stellar, and planetary origins and evolution.