Resolving the Massive Binary Wind Interaction Of Eta Carinae with HST/STIS
Abstract
We have resolved the outer structures of the massive binary interacting wind of Eta Carinae using the HST/STIS. They extend as much as 0.7" (1600AU} and are highly distorted due to the very elliptical orbit of the binary system. Observations conducted from 1998.0 to 2004.3 show spatial and temporal variations consistent with a massive, low excitation wind, seen by spatially resolved, velocity-broadened [Fe II], and a high excitation extended wind interaction region, seen by[Fe III], in the shape of a distorted paraboloid. The highly excited [Fe III] structure is visible for 90% of the 5.5-year period, but disappears as periastron occurs along with the drop of X-Rays as seen by RXTE. Some components appear in [Fe II] emission across the months long minimum. We will discuss the apparent differences between the bowshock orientation derived from the RXTE light curve and these structures seen by HST/STIS. Monitoring the temporal variations with phase using high spatial resolution with appropriate spectral dispersions proves to be a valuable tool for understanding massive wind interactions.
- Publication:
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American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #213
- Pub Date:
- January 2009
- Bibcode:
- 2009AAS...21340803G