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Ultraviolet observations of P Cygni with CopernicusCopernicus ultraviolet scans of the peculiar mass-losing star P Cyg are described. From the L-alpha profile and diffuse band strengths reported in the literature, a value of interstellar reddening E(B V) of approximately 0.35 mag is derived, leading to the conclusion that the star is intrinsically reddened. This value for the color excess leads to an estimated distance for P Cyg of 0.6-1.8 kpc, on the basis of which a revised visual absolute magnitude of -7.6 to -5.2 is obtained. The wind from P Cyg is quite unlike that for other early B supergiants, displaying a low terminal velocity and low ionization. This difference is connected with the great extension of its photosphere and with the fact that the acceleration of the flow begins below the photosphere. It is suggested that the wind in P Cyg results from dynamical instabilities quite distinct from the mechanism which initiates the winds in other OB stars.
Document ID
19790039184
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Ambartsumian, V. A.
(Princeton Univ. Observatory NJ, United States)
Snow, T. P., Jr.
(Princeton University New Observatory, Princeton, N.J.; Colorado, University, Boulder, Colo., United States)
Mirzoian, L.
(Princeton Univ. Observatory NJ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 15, 1979
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
79A23197
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS5-23576
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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