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IUE observations of the atmospheric eclipsing binary system Zeta AurigaeIUE observations of the eclipsing binary system Zeta Aurigae made prior to and during the eclipse of the relatively small B8 V star by the cool supergiant star (spectral type K2 II) are reported. Spectral lines produced by the absorption of B star radiation in the atmosphere of the K star during eclipse can be used as a probe of the extended K star atmosphere, due to the negligible cool star continuum in the 1200-3200 A region. Spectra taken prior to eclipse are found to be similar to those of the single B8 V star 64 Ori, with the exception of very strong multi-component absorption lines of Si II, Si IV, C IV and the Mg resonance doublet with strong P Cygni profiles, indicating a double shell. Absorption lines including those corresponding to Al II, Al III, Cr II, Mn II, Fe II, Ni II and Ca II are observed to increase in strength and number as the eclipse progresses, with high-ionization-potential lines formed far from the K star, possibly in a shock wave, and low-ionization potential lines, formed in cool plasma, probably a cool wind, nearer to the K star. Finally, an emission-line spectra with lines corresponding to those previously observed in absorption is noted at the time the B-star continuum had disappeared.
Document ID
19800061332
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Champman, R. D.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Laboratory for Astronomy and Solar Physics, Greenbelt, Md., United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
August 7, 1980
Publication Information
Publication: Nature
Volume: 286
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
80A45502
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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