Interferometric Observations of V838 Monocerotis
Abstract
We have used long-baseline near-IR interferometry to resolve the peculiar eruptive variable star V838 Mon and to provide the first direct measurement of its angular size. Assuming a uniform disk model for the emission, we derive an apparent angular diameter at the time of observations (2004 November-December) of 1.83+/-0.06 mas. For a nominal distance of 8+/-2 kpc, this implies a linear radius of 1570 +/- 400 Rsolar. However, the data are somewhat better fitted by elliptical disk or binary component models, and we suggest that the emission may be strongly affected by ejecta from the outburst.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- April 2005
- DOI:
- 10.1086/429619
- arXiv:
- arXiv:astro-ph/0502293
- Bibcode:
- 2005ApJ...622L.137L
- Keywords:
-
- Stars: Individual: Constellation Name: V838 Monocerotis;
- Techniques: Interferometric;
- Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- 12 pages, 1 two-part encapsulated postscript figure. Accepted by ApJL. Added a table of observations