Accession Number:

ADA551655

Title:

The Spatially Resolved H(alpha)-Emitting Wind Structure of P Cygni

Descriptive Note:

Journal article

Corporate Author:

NAVAL OBSERVATORY FLAGSTAFF AZ

Personal Author(s):

• Balan, Aurelian
• Tycner, C.
• Zavala, R. T.
• Benson, J. A.
• Hutter, D. J.
• Templeton, M.

Report Date:

2010-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

11.0

Abstract:

High spatial resolution observations of the Halpha-emitting wind structure associated with the luminous blue variable star P Cygni were obtained with the Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer. These observations represent the most comprehensive interferometric data set on P Cyg to date. We demonstrate how the apparent size of the Halpha-emitting region of the wind structure of P Cyg compares between the 2005, 2007, and 2008 observing seasons and how this relates to the Halpha line spectroscopy. Using the data sets from 2005, 2007, and 2008 observing seasons, we fit a circularly symmetric Gaussian model to the interferometric signature from the Halpha-emitting wind structure of P Cyg. Based on our results, we conclude that the radial extent of the Halpha-emitting wind structure around P Cyg is stable at the 10 level. We also show how the radial distribution of the Halpha flux from the wind structure deviates from a Gaussian shape, whereas a two-component Gaussian model is sufficient to fully describe the Halpha-emitting region around P Cyg.

Descriptors:

• *VARIABLE STARS
• *WIND
• MATHEMATICAL MODELS
• OPTICAL INTERFEROMETERS
• REPRINTS
• STATISTICAL PROCESSES

Subject Categories:

• Astronomy

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE