On the nature of the cool component of MWC 560
Abstract
Context: MWC 560 (V694 Mon) is one of the most enigmatic symbiotic system with a very active accretion-powered hot component. Such activity can be supported only by a luminous asymptotic giant branch star, i.e. a Mira or SR variable, with a high mass-loss rate. It is also a very unusual jet source because the jet axis lies practically parallel to the line of sight.
Aims: The aims of our study are the determination of the evolutionary status of the cool component of MWC 560.
Methods: Our methods involve analysis of near-IR JHKL and optical light curves.
Results: The cool component of MWC 560 pulsates with a period of ~340 days, and it is probably a red SR variable on the thermally pulsing AGB. The high mass-loss rate expected for such a star is sufficient to power the observed activity of the hot companion.
- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- February 2007
- DOI:
- 10.1051/0004-6361:20066538
- arXiv:
- arXiv:astro-ph/0611815
- Bibcode:
- 2007A&A...463..703G
- Keywords:
-
- stars: binaries: symbiotic;
- stars: oscillations;
- stars: late-type;
- stars: mass-loss;
- stars: individual: MWC 560 (V694 Mon);
- infrared: stars;
- Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- 6 pages, 2 figues, AA accepted