The effects of surface fossil magnetic fields on massive star evolution - III. The case of τ Sco

tau Sco, a well-studied magnetic B-type star in the Upper Sco association, has a number of surprising characteristics. It rotates very slowly and shows nitrogen excess. Its surface magnetic field is much more complex than a purely dipolar configuration which is unusual for a magnetic massive star. We employ the cmfgen radiative transfer code to determine the fundamental parameters and surface CNO and helium abundances. Then, we employ mesa and genec stellar evolution models accounting for the effects of surface magnetic fields. To reconcile tau Sco's properties with single-star models, an increase is necessary in the efficiency of rotational mixing by a factor of 3-10 and in the efficiency of magnetic braking by a factor of 10. The spin-down could be explained by assuming a magnetic field decay scenario. However, the simultaneous chemical enrichment challenges the single-star scenario. Previous works indeed suggested a stellar merger origin for tau Sco. However, the merger scenario also faces similar challenges as our magnetic single-star models to explain tau Sco's simultaneous slow rotation and nitrogen excess. In conclusion, the single-star channel seems less likely and versatile to explain these discrepancies, while the merger scenario and other potential binary-evolution channels still require further assessment as to whether they may self-consistently explain the observables of tau Sco.

Automated summary

tau Sco is a magnetic B-type star with surprising characteristics such as slow rotation and nitrogen excess. To reconcile its properties with single-star models, an increase in the efficiency of rotational mixing and magnetic braking is necessary.