A search for FK Com candidates using Kepler Space Telescope observations: Analogs of HD 199178

Abstract

Analysis of collected photometric observations obtained with the Kepler Space Telescope were used to select and study 33 objects with parameters corresponding to those of the FK Com starHD199178; these can be considered candidate stars of this type. In this final study, the four objects with the best light curves, which show the properties of their regular rotational modulation most clearly, were selected for detailed studies. The photometric analysis is based on all data currently available in the Kepler archive (covering almost four years). The rotational periods and estimated parameters of the objects’ differential rotation are determined, and the longitudes of the dominant active regions on the surfaces found. For all four stars, the spot coverage is approximately 1% of the visible stellar surface area. The rotational periods and data on the stars’masses and radii fromtheMAST catalog are used to determine the rotation velocities projected onto the line of sight, which ranged from 12 to 21 km/s. Further studies will enable definite conclusions about how these stars are related to FK Com stars. If they are ultimately classified as FK Com stars, this will considerably increase the number of this rare type of star and the also number of rapidly rotating, single, late-type giants.