The PGPUC horizontal branch evolutionary tracks

Context. The horizontal branch (HB) phase of stellar evolution plays a critical role in understanding the life cycle of stars, particularly in the context of low-mass stars. However, generating theoretical evolutionary tracks for HB stars is computationally intensive, especially when attempting to match a wide range of observational data. Aims. This work presents an extensive grid of HB evolutionary tracks computed using the PGPUC code, covering a broad range of chemical compositions, progenitor masses, and alpha-element distributions. The aim is to provide a robust tool for interpreting HB stellar populations and advancing our understanding of their diverse properties. The evolutionary tracks are made publicly available through the PGPUC Online database for easy access and interpolation. Methods. We computed over 19 000 HB evolutionary tracks encompassing a wide range in terms of mass, metallicity, helium abundance, and alpha-element enhancement, along with different progenitor masses. Using these tracks, we calculated zero-age, middle-age, and terminal-age loci. Results. The PGPUC database now includes a fine grid of HB evolutionary tracks, allowing for precise interpolation. Key findings include the dependence of HB morphology on progenitor mass, metallicity, and helium abundance.

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Journal
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Published
2025-06-19
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202555099
Primary Topic
Astronomy and Astrophysical Research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

The PGPUC horizontal branch evolutionary tracks

M. Catelan, A. A. R. Valcarce, Sânzia Alves, Felipe González-Bordon
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy and Astrophysical Research
article

The PGPUC horizontal branch evolutionary tracks

M. Catelan, A. A. R. Valcarce, Sânzia Alves, Felipe González-Bordon
article en

Abstract

Context. The horizontal branch (HB) phase of stellar evolution plays a critical role in understanding the life cycle of stars, particularly in the context of low-mass stars. However, generating theoretical evolutionary tracks for HB stars is computationally intensive, especially when attempting to match a wide range of observational data. Aims. This work presents an extensive grid of HB evolutionary tracks computed using the PGPUC code, covering a broad range of chemical compositions, progenitor masses, and alpha-element distributions. The aim is to provide a robust tool for interpreting HB stellar populations and advancing our understanding of their diverse properties. The evolutionary tracks are made publicly available through the PGPUC Online database for easy access and interpolation. Methods. We computed over 19 000 HB evolutionary tracks encompassing a wide range in terms of mass, metallicity, helium abundance, and alpha-element enhancement, along with different progenitor masses. Using these tracks, we calculated zero-age, middle-age, and terminal-age loci. Results. The PGPUC database now includes a fine grid of HB evolutionary tracks, allowing for precise interpolation. Key findings include the dependence of HB morphology on progenitor mass, metallicity, and helium abundance.

Astronomy and AstrophysicsVol. 699
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (CL), University of Tarapacá (CL), Millennium Institute of Astrophysics (CL)
Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo
Responsible consumption and production
Openalex Percentile: Top 86%
Astronomy and Astrophysical Research
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