Analysis of the IUE and optical spectra of the peculiar Be star HD 87643.
Abstract
IUE observations of the peculiar Be star HD 87643 are presented. The broad absorptions seen at 2400 A, 2600 A, and 2750 A are interpreted as being produced by Fe II transitions from the ground-state and the low lying metastable states. The optical lines of Fe II seen in emission are most probably excited by continuum fluorescence. This interpretation allows us to estimate the rate of mass loss through the analysis of the iron lines. The calculated value is about 7/10 millionths solar mass per yr, which is in good agreement with that obtained from the analysis of the H-beta (P Cygni) profile. This mass loss rate is two to three orders of magnitude higher than the values deduced from the UV lines for other Be stars, leading to the conclusion that a very active short-lived phase in the star's evolution is being observed.
- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- April 1982
- Bibcode:
- 1982A&A...108..111D
- Keywords:
-
- B Stars;
- Iue;
- Peculiar Stars;
- Stellar Mass Ejection;
- Stellar Spectra;
- Visible Spectrum;
- Iron;
- Line Spectra;
- Stellar Evolution;
- Ultraviolet Spectra;
- Astrophysics