Published April 1983 | Version v1
Journal article

The infrared spectrum and variability of Eta Carinae

  • 1. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Cape Town (South Africa). South African Astronomical Observatory

Description

JHKL photometry shows a slow brightening of eta Car between 1972 and 1980 with a more rapid increase in 1980/81. The total range is about 0.4 mag at K. The visual brightness also increased in 1972-82. Unless variable neutral extinction is involved the brightness variations imply simultaneous changes in the dust emission and at least one other component in the system. This is consistent with these components being powered by a single (variable) central source. Variable He I lines are noted in the infrared and optical regions. The He I line intensity ratios show that the nebula is optically thick in the He I resonance line at 584 A. (author)

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc.
Journal Volume
203
Journal Issue
1
Series
Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc.
Journal Page Range
385-392
ISSN
0035-8711

INIS

Country of Publication
United Kingdom
Country of Input or Organization
United Kingdom
INIS RN
14804175
Subject category
S79: ASTROPHYSICS, COSMOLOGY AND ASTRONOMY;
Descriptors DEI
BRIGHTNESS; COSMIC DUST; EMISSION SPECTRA; INFRARED SPECTRA; NEBULAE; OPACITY; PHOTOMETRY; VARIABLE STARS; VARIATIONS; VISIBLE RADIATION
Descriptors DEC
DUSTS; ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION; OPTICAL PROPERTIES; PHYSICAL PROPERTIES; RADIATIONS; SPECTRA; STARS