Variable Circumstellar Disks of “Classical” Be Stars, Part 2
Abstract
Circumstellar disks are common among many stars, all spectral types, and at different stages of their lifetimes. Among the near-main sequence “Classical” Be stars, there is growing evidence that these disks can form, dissipate, and reform, on timescales that are differ from case to case. We present data for a subset of cases where observations have been obtained throughout the different phases of the disk cycle. Using data obtained with the SpeX instrument at the NASA IRTF, we examine the IR spectral line variability of these stars to better understand the timescales and the physical mechanisms involved. The primary focus in this study are the V/R variations that are observed in the sample. A complete run of all double-peaked velocity profiles in the sample is now complete. The second stage of our project is to examine a sample of star clusters known to contain Be stars, with the goal to develop a more statistically significant sample of variable circumstellar disk systems. With a robust multi-epoch study we can determine whether these Be stars exhibit disk-loss or disk-renewal phases. The larger sample will enable an understanding of the prevalence of these disk events.
- Publication:
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American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #223
- Pub Date:
- January 2014
- Bibcode:
- 2014AAS...22315622G