EM Cep - an interesting Be star
Abstract
On the basis of $UBVR$ photometric data, obtained at Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory during 1991--1999, a very interesting and unusual flare in the Be star EM Cep was detected. An increase in brightness in the $R$ band was observed, together with a simultaneous decrease in brightness in the $U$-band. The duration of the flare was over two hours. We estimated the percentage of brightness increase during the flare and the brightness decrease of the corresponding anti-flare, and the minimum amount of mass lost during this event. Different explanations for the nature of the star were investigated, from a binary companion to a pulsating star to a magnetic reconnection event. The present data point to the star probably being a single magnetic Be star; however, new observations are required to settle the question of the nature of EM Cep finally.
- Publication:
-
Stars and their Variability Observed from Space
- Pub Date:
- 2020
- Bibcode:
- 2020svos.conf..171K
- Keywords:
-
- $UBVR$ photometry;
- stellar flare;
- Be star