Spots and Activity of Am Stars

Abstract

The results of a detailed analysis of spot activity on metallic-line A (Am) stars are presented. Two ROTD stars, KIC 8323104 and KIC 8703413, whose power spectra are characterized by a narrow peak and numerous lower-amplitude features at lower frequencies are considered. KIC 12253106, which is not an ROTD star, but undoubtedly has spots on its surface, is also studied. The rotation periods of the surface spots have been found, and the evolution of the spot positions explored. The differential-rotation parameter ΔΩ has been estimated. An analysis of the light curve to reconstruct maps of temperature inhomogeneities on the surface of KIC 8703413 has been performed. These maps indicate concentrations of the active regions at two longitudes. One of these longitudes was active about twice as often as the other one during our observations. The cyclical pattern of the variability of the spot positions on the stellar surface is determined, which may be related to oscillations due to Rossby waves.