|
Description
Employing high-resolution spectra obtained with the near-UV-sensitive detector on the Keck I HIRES, supplemented by data obtained with the McDonald Observatory 2d-coude, we have performed a comprehensive chemical composition analysis of the bright r-process-rich metal-poor red giant star HD 221170. Analysis of 57 individual neutral and ionized species yielded abundances for a total of 46 elements and significant upper limits for an additional five. Model stellar atmosphere parameters were derived with the aid of ~200 Fe peak transitions. From more than 350 transitions of 35 neutron-capture (Z>30) species, abundances for 30 neutron-capture elements and upper limits for three others were derived. Utilizing 36 transitions of La, 16 of Eu, and seven of Th, we derive ratios of log{epsilon}(Th/La)=-0.73 ({sigma}=0.06) and log{epsilon}(Th/Eu)=-0.60 ({sigma}=0.05), values in excellent agreement with those previously derived for other r-process-rich metal-poor stars such as CS 22892-052, BD +17 3248, and HD 115444. Based on the Th/Eu chronometer, the inferred age is 11.7+/-2.8Gyr. The abundance distribution of the heavier neutron-capture elements (Z>=56) is fitted well by the predicted scaled solar system r-process abundances, as also seen in other r-process-rich stars. Unlike other r-process-rich stars, however, we find that the abundances of the lighter neutron-capture elements (37<Z<56) in HD 221170 are also in agreement with the abundances predicted for the scaled solar r-process pattern.
|
