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Jack Kelley – University of Iowa

Jack Kelley – University of Iowa

Student: Jack Kelley, Undergraduate Student in Physics and Astronomy, University of Iowa

Research Mentor: Keri Hoadley

Verifying Post-Merger Stellar Evolutionary Processes

My group will test a hypothesis regarding the evolutionary origins of lithium(Li)-rich post-main sequence (post-MS) stars using a rare star, TYC-2597-735-1 (TYC-2597). TYC-2597 was selected for observation because there is ample evidence that it underwent substantial companion interactions not long ago. Unlike most stellar merger candidates, TYC-2597’s probable merger event occurred long enough ago for clear viewing of the star yet sufficiently recent to be confident it experienced companion interactions. These attributes make TYC-2597 a “stepping stone” in post-merger timelines that we can use to verify evolutionary hypotheses. The hypothesis we are using TYC-2597 to test attributes Li-rich post-MS stars’ origins to companion interactions. More specifically, either companion engulfment or tidal interactions. This hypothesis is our team’s key to pinpointing exactly what type of stellar companion TYC-2597 interacted with, allowing for more accurate modeling of its evolutionary origins and outcomes. Using the Keck Observatory, we captured high signal-to-noise, high-resolution optical spectra of TYC-2597. Analyzing these spectra, we’ll measure Li abundance within TYC-2597, forming a bridge between recent stellar mergers and Li-rich stars suspected to be remnants of companion interactions.

2023-2024, Undergraduate