On the Origin of Stochastic, Low-Frequency Photometric Variability in Massive Stars

High-precision photometric observations have revealed ubiquitous stochastic low-frequency photometric variability in early-type stars. It has been suggested that this variability arises due to either subsurface convection or internal gravity waves launched by the convective core. Here we show that relevant properties of convection in subsurface convective layers correlate very well with the timescale and amplitude of stochastic low-frequency photometric variability, as well as with the amplitude of macroturbulence. We suggest that low-frequency, stochastic photometric variability and surface turbulence in massive stars are caused by the presence of subsurface convection. We show that an explanation for the observed surface photometric variability and macroturbulence relying on convective core driven internal gravity waves encounters a number of difficulties and seems unlikely to be able to explain the observed trends.

Automated summary

High-precision photometric observations have revealed that stochastic low-frequency photometric variability in early-type stars is likely caused by subsurface convection. The presence of subsurface convection is closely related to the timescale and amplitude of this variability, as well as to the amplitude of macroturbulence. The explanation relying on convective core driven internal gravity waves encounters difficulties and seems unlikely to explain the observed trends.