Some Spectroscopic Properties of Nova GK Persei
Abstract
The late-type absorption spectrum of GK Per is classified K2 V-IVp from new spectroscopic observations in agreement with earlier work by Kraft. The fraction of continuum light contributed by the cool component at 4200 A is estimated to be about one-third from the depth of the Ca I 4227-A absorption line. By combining an effective temperature appropriate to the spectral class with an estimated absolute bolometric magnitude of 5, we find a radius of 1 to 1.5 solar radii. This is consistent with the photosphere of the cooler component filling its Roche lobe and thus mass exchange is likely to occur. GK Per therefore seems to fulfill at least one of the unusual prerequisites of thermonulcear runaway models for novae as matter is probably accreting onto the primary. The cool component of GK Per, unlike the late-type stars in other cataclysmic binaries, does not appear to be significantly underluminous.
- Publication:
-
Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific
- Pub Date:
- December 1974
- DOI:
- 10.1086/129704
- Bibcode:
- 1974PASP...86..952G
- Keywords:
-
- Absorption Spectroscopy;
- Binary Stars;
- Novae;
- Stellar Spectra;
- Variable Stars;
- Astronomical Models;
- Companion Stars;
- Late Stars;
- Photosphere;
- Stellar Evolution;
- Stellar Temperature;
- Thermonuclear Reactions;
- Astrophysics