Published October 1985 | Version v1
Journal article

Ultraviolet spectrum of the companion of Mira (o Ceti) Observational evidence for a disk formed by wind accretion

  • 1. ESA, Villafranca Satellite Tracking Station, Madrid, Spain
  • 2. Hamburger Sternwarte, West Germany

Description

Extensive spectroscopic observations with IUE of the companion of Mira (omicron Ceti B) are presented. It is shown that the UV continuum observed with IUE is exclusively due to Mira B at Mira A minimum. The UV continuum appears to vary erratically with a total range of plus or minus 30 percent within days or weeks, similar to what is known from optical observations. With an empirical disk mass of about 5 x 10 to the -13 solar mass and the estimated accretion rate, a time scale of about 5 hours is found for complete replacement of disk material; this is close to the observed time scale for substantialbrightness variations of Mira B. 43 references

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Astrophys. J.
Journal Volume
297
Series
Astrophys. J.
Journal Page Range
275-287
ISSN
0004-637X
CODEN
ASJOA

INIS

Country of Publication
United States
Country of Input or Organization
United States
INIS RN
17071041
Subject category
S79: ASTROPHYSICS, COSMOLOGY AND ASTRONOMY;
Descriptors DEI
EMISSION SPECTRA; LUMINOSITY; MASS TRANSFER; SPECTROPHOTOMETRY; STAR ACCRETION; STELLAR WINDS; ULTRAVIOLET SPECTRA; VARIABLE STARS
Descriptors DEC
OPTICAL PROPERTIES; PHYSICAL PROPERTIES; SPECTRA; STAR EVOLUTION; STARS; STELLAR ACTIVITY