High-precision K2/TESS photometry and HERMES spectroscopy of four bright field stars

Abstract

Space-based photometry from K2 and TESS, coupled with high-resolution spectroscopy, provides a unique opportunity to re-examine the variability and chemical nature of four brightstars(HD 73135, BD +19◦ 2045, BD +19◦ 2046, and TYC 1395- 855-1), which were poorly characterized by the original ground-based campaign under the Nainital–Cape survey. We aim to establish the nature of the variability, chemical properties, and evolutionary status of these stars. We analysed ground-based Johnson BV photometry combined with K2 and TESS time-series data to establish the nature of their variability. Using high-resolution HERMES (High Efficiency and Resolution Mercator Echelle Spectrograph)spectroscopy, we determined their spectral classifications and chemical abundances. In addition, we used the inferred spectroscopic constraints with grid-based evolutionary modelling to derive their corresponding masses, radii, and ages. The frequency analysis reveals a diversity of low-amplitude variability across the sample. HD 73135 shows a persistent modulation near 1.5 d that is most consistent with rotation, although an ellipsoidal-binary interpretation cannot yet be excluded, while BD +19◦ 2045 exhibits multiple low-frequency signals and is identified as a new candidate γ Doradus g-mode pulsator. BD +19◦ 2046 and TYC 1395-855-1 are non-variable or only marginally variable in K2 but display coherent low-frequency modulation in TESS of uncertain origin. Spectroscopically, HD 73135 is the only chemically peculiar star in the sample and shows a clear Am abundance pattern, whereas the other three stars are chemically normal. These results demonstrate the value of combining legacy survey data with contemporary photometric and spectroscopic analysis.