Interpretation of Beta Lyrae. III. A study of the disk around the secondary component.
Abstract
Light curves of Beta Lyrae available in the far-ultraviolet, visual, and infrared regions of the spectrum at numerous phases in eclipse are analyzed in order to investigate the physical and radiative nature of the disk surrounding the secondary component. The results of this analysis together with those of other investigators lead to the proposal that the outer regions of the disk are dominated by free electrons. This electron-scattering envelope is most likely the source of infrared radiation as well as the cause of the observed polarization. However, the radiation in the region from the optical to the far-ultraviolet comes mainly from submerged layers where local thermodynamic equilibrium prevails. These layers represent the photosphere of either the disk or the secondary component itself.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- December 1977
- DOI:
- 10.1086/155699
- Bibcode:
- 1977ApJ...218..461B
- Keywords:
-
- Companion Stars;
- Disks (Shapes);
- Eclipsing Binary Stars;
- Light Curve;
- Stellar Spectra;
- Stellar Structure;
- Electron Scattering;
- Far Ultraviolet Radiation;
- Free Electrons;
- Infrared Spectra;
- Photosphere;
- Spectrum Analysis;
- Astrophysics