July 11-15, 2011
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Abstract

Improving the Fundamental Accuracy of O Star Parameters and Abundances

D. John Hillier (University of Pittsburgh)

To improve our knowledge of O stars and their evolution, and to improve our understanding of physical processes associated with O stars and their descendants, it is crucial that we have reliable determinations of fundamental parameters, abundances, and mass-loss rates. While vast improvements in analyses of O stars and their descendants have been made, there are still unresolved issues. These include discrepancies between evolutionary and spectroscopic masses, limitations in the accuracy with which we can determine effective temperatures, surface gravities, and abundances, and problems in mass-loss rate determinations. We address these issues and their causes. What errors are introduced by inadequate atomic data? What physics is missing from the models and how can we account for this missing physics? What observations are needed for future advancement?
(to be confirmed by the SOC)