The polarized spectrum of the dust producing Wolf-Rayet+O-star binary WR137

Details The polarized spectrum of the dust producing Wolf-Rayet+O-star binary WR137 The polarized spectrum of the dust producing Wolf-Rayet+O-star binary WR137

Sep 2000

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000a%26a...361..273h&link_type=abstract

Astronomy and Astrophysics, v.361, p.273-282 (2000)

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

12

Stars: Wolf-Rayet, Stars: Mass-Loss, Stars: Individual: Wr137, Polarization

Scientific paper

We present high signal-to-noise, multi-epoch linear spectropolarimetry of the dust producing Wolf-Rayet+O star binary WR137 obtained over the period 1993-1998 at the William Herschel Telescope and the Pine Bluff Observatory. These observations display the `line effect' (a reduction in polarization magnitude through the emission lines) which is an unambiguous signature of Wolf-Rayet wind asphericity. We estimate the foreground polarization by fitting the spectra with a Serkowski law plus straight-line continua. The continuum polarization magnitude is variable (although we find no correlation with binary phase), while the position angle of the intrinsic vector is remarkably constant. It is shown that the position angle of the intrinsic polarization is perpendicular to the extended dust emission observed by Marchenko et al. (1999). Numerical simulations of electron and dust scattering in WR137 are presented. It is shown that the deviations from spherical symmetry caused by wind-wind interaction in the binary are insufficient to explain the observed polarization variability, and that the lack of polarization attributable to the dust formation episode places a strong constraint on its location.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The polarized spectrum of the dust producing Wolf-Rayet+O-star binary WR137 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with The polarized spectrum of the dust producing Wolf-Rayet+O-star binary WR137, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The polarized spectrum of the dust producing Wolf-Rayet+O-star binary WR137 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1521852