Is β Pictoris an Active Star?
Abstract
We present the first emission-line spectrum of β Pictoris, as revealed by the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer satellite. Broad emission lines due to highly ionized species, C III and O VI, are well detected above the very low continuum level. The mere presence of such lines in the β Pic spectrum is evidence of a complex stellar environment, including dense and hot regions. We argue that these spectral features may originate from a solar-like extended chromosphere or from magnetospheric accretion.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- August 2001
- DOI:
- 10.1086/323005
- Bibcode:
- 2001ApJ...557L..67D
- Keywords:
-
- Accretion;
- Accretion Disks;
- Stars: Circumstellar Matter;
- Stars: Activity;
- Stars: Chromospheres;
- Stars: Individual: Constellation Name: β Pictoris