The evolution of the Wolf-Rayet features of the slow nova, RR Telescopii.
Abstract
Between 1951 and 1960, the spectrum of RR Tclescopii contained broad emission bands similar to those in Wolf-Rayet stars, as well as a narrow nebular-line spectrum. As the nebular spectrum increased in ionization level, the equivalent Wolf-Rayet type of the bands varied from WN 6 to WN 3 or earlier and the bands became broader. The possible spectroscopic appearance of extremely high temperature Wolf-Rayet stars is described. it is suggested that the bands arose in the extended atmosphere of the nova remnant, which photoionized the outer nebula and supplied it with kinetic energy through mass loss. The remnant was rapidly contracting and increasing in temperature in the process of recovering from the nova outburst.
- Publication:
-
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
- Pub Date:
- July 1974
- DOI:
- 10.1093/mnras/168.1.101
- Bibcode:
- 1974MNRAS.168..101T