Kepler observations of A-F pre-main-sequence stars in Upper Scorpius: discovery of six new δ Scuti and one γ Doradus stars

Abstract

We present light curves and periodograms for 27 stars in the young Upper Scorpius association (age = 11 ± 1 Myr) obtained with the Kepler spacecraft. This association is only the second stellar grouping to host several pulsating pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars which have been observed from space. From an analysis of the periodograms, we identify six δ Scuti variables and one γ Doradus star. These are most likely PMS stars or else very close to the zero-age main sequence. Four of the δ Scuti variables were observed in short-cadence mode, which allows us to resolve the entire frequency spectrum. For these four stars, we are able to infer some qualitative information concerning their ages. For the remaining two δ Scuti stars, only long-cadence data are available, which means that some of the frequencies are likely to be aliases. One of the stars appears to be a rotational variable in a hierarchical triple system. This is a particularly important object, as it allows the possibility of an accurate mass determination when radial velocity observations become available. We also report on new high-resolution echelle spectra obtained for some of the stars of our sample.