Novalike Variable in Sagittarius
Abstract
F. Kerber and H. Gratl, University of Innsbruck; and M. Roth, Las Campanas Observatory, report: "We have found dramatic changes in the spectrum of the novalike object reported by Y. Sakurai in Feb. 1996 (cf. IAUC 6322, 6323) at R.A. = 17h52m32s.69, Decl. = -17d41'07".7 (equinox 2000.0), compared to our observations from one year ago. The object was suspected to be undergoing a late He-flash (IAUC 6325, 6328), and our group has been monitoring the object's evolution since discovery. Spectra obtained on 1997 Mar. 23.33 UT at the 2.5-m du Pont telescope show very prominent lines in the C2 Swan bands (bandheads 473, 516 and 558 nm) not seen before. In addition, the H Balmer lines seem to have weakened considerably compared to a year ago. The object was expected to change quickly in astronomical terms, but the observed change is certainly much faster and much more massive than expected."
- Publication:
-
International Astronomical Union Circular
- Pub Date:
- March 1997
- Bibcode:
- 1997IAUC.6601....2K