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The Amazing COS FUV (1320 - 1460 A) Spectrum of (lambda) Vel (K4Ib-II)The FUV spectrum (1320-1460 A) of the K4 lb-11 supergiant (lambda) Vel was observed with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) on HST, as part of the Ayres and Redfield Cycle 17 SNAP program "SNAPing Coronal Iron". This spectrum covers a region not previously recorded in (lambda) Vel at high resolution and, in a mere 20 minutes of exposure, reveals a treasure trove of information. It shows a wide variety of strong emission lines, superposed on a bright continuum, with contributions from both atomic and molecular species. Multiple absorptions, including numerous Ni II and Fe II lines, are visible over this continuum, which is likely generated in the chromosphere of the star. Evidence of the stellar wind is seen in the P Cygni profiles of the CII lines near 1335 A and the results of fluorescence processes are visible throughout the region. The spectrum has remarkable similarities to that of (alpha) Boo (K1.5 III), but significant differences as well, including substantial FUV continuum emission, reminiscent of the M2 Iab supergiant (alpha) Ori, but minus the CO fundamental absorption bands seen in the spectrum of the latter star. However, fluoresced CO emission is present, as in the K-giant stars (alpha) Boo and (alpha) Tau (K5 III). The presence of hot plasma in the atmosphere of the star, indicated by previous GHRS observations of Si III] and C III] lines near 1900 A and FUSE observations of O VI 1032 A, is further confirmed by the detection in this COS spectrum of the Si IV UV 1 lines near 1400 A, though both lines are contaminated by overlying fluorescent H2 emission. We present the details of this spectrum, in comparison with stars of similar temperature or luminosity and discuss the implications for the structure of, and the radiative processes active in, the outer atmospheres of these stars.
Document ID
20100026454
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Carpenter, Kenneth
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2010
Subject Category
Astronomy
Meeting Information
Meeting: 16th Cambridge Workshop on Cool Stars, Stellar Systems and the Sun Cool Stars
Location: Seattle, WA
Country: United States
Start Date: August 28, 2010
End Date: September 29, 2010
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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