The Be Herbig Star HD 52721 - New Signs of Binarity
Abstract
Photometric and high-resolution spectral data on the Be Herbig star HD 52721 from our earlier article [1] are supplemented by new data obtained with an echelle spectrograph mounted on the 2.1-m telescope at the San Pedro Martir Observatory (Ensenada, Mexico). BVR photometry data obtained during 1987-1998 at the Maidanak Observatory (Uzbekistan) are also examined in more detail. This confirms that the phase light curve for an orbital period P = 1d.610 has two minima with different depths separated in phase by 0.5, and reveals a reddening of the object at the phases of the minima. The profiles of atmospheric He I lines in the 4000-4500 Å range are found to be broader, shallower, and more asymmetric at the brightness maximum than at the minimum, as expected in close binary systems. Various factors which may influence the formation of the observed atmospheric line profiles are discussed. The observations confirm the hypothesis of a dense disk shaped gas envelope surrounding the system that makes a significant contribution to its overall brightness and contains a global azimuthal inhomogeneity rotating in synchrony with the orbital motion of the system components. We emphasize the need for new photometric observations of HD 52721 in the region of the atmospheric lines, as well as a continuation of the photometric program, in order to confirm the existence of and to analyze the stable, small variations in the light curve of this object.
- Publication:
-
Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- March 2013
- DOI:
- 10.1007/s10511-013-9266-9
- Bibcode:
- 2013Ap.....56...42B
- Keywords:
-
- stars;
- binary systems;
- circumstellar medium— individual;
- HD 52721