The nature of the high Galactic latitude O-star HD 93521: new results from X-ray and optical spectroscopy

Context. Owing to its unusual location and its isolation, the nature of the high Galactic latitude O9.5 Vp object HD 93521 is still uncertain. <BR /> Aims: We have collected X-ray and optical observations to characterize the star and its surroundings. <BR /> Methods: X-ray images and spectra are analysed to search for traces of a recent star formation event around HD 93521 and to search for the signature of a possible compact companion. Optical echelle spectra are analysed with plane-parallel model atmosphere codes, assuming either a spherical star or a gravity darkened rotationally flattened star, to infer the effective temperature and surface gravity, and to derive the He, C, N and O abundances of HD 93521. <BR /> Results: The X-ray images reveal no traces of a population of young low-mass stars coeval with HD 93521. The X-ray spectrum of HD 93521 is consistent with a normal late O-type star although with subsolar metallicity. No trace of a compact companion is found in the X-ray data. In the optical spectrum, He and N are found to be overabundant, in line with the effect of rotational mixing in this very fast rotator, whilst C and O are subsolar. A critical comparison with the properties of subdwarf OB stars, indicates that, despite some apparent similarities, HD 93521 does not belong to this category. <BR /> Conclusions: Despite some ambiguities on the runaway status of the star, the most likely explanation is that HD 93521 is a Population I massive O-type star that was ejected from the Galactic plane either through dynamical interactions or a result of a supernova event in a binary system. Based on observations collected at the Observatoire de Haute Provence (France) and with XMM-Newton, an ESA science mission with instruments and contributions directly funded by ESA member states and the USA (NASA).Hα images are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or via <A href="http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/546/A77">http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/546/A77</A>