Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2006-06-12
Astrophys.J.646:L69-L72,2006
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
12 pages, 1 figure, ApJ Letters in press
Scientific paper
10.1086/506593
New optical spectra have been obtained with VLT/FORS2 of the final helium shell flash (FF) star, V605 Aql, which peaked in brightness in 1919. New models suggest that this star is experiencing a very late thermal pulse. The evolution to a cool luminous giant and then back to a compact hot star takes place in only a few years. V605 Aql, the central star of the Planetary Nebula (PN), A58, has evolved from T$_{eff}\sim$5000 K in 1921 to $\sim$95,000 K today. There are indications that the new FF star, Sakurai's Object (V4334 Sgr), which appeared in 1996, is evolving along a similar path. The abundances of Sakurai's Object today and V605 Aql 80 years ago mimic the hydrogen deficient R Coronae Borealis (RCB) stars with 98% He and 1% C. The new spectra show that V605 Aql has stellar abundances similar to those seen in Wolf-Rayet [WC] central stars of PNe with ~55% He, and ~40% C. The stellar spectrum of V605 Aql can be seen even though the star is not directly detected. Therefore, we may be seeing the spectrum in light scattered around the edge of a thick torus of dust seen edge-on. In the present state of evolution of V605 Aql, we may be seeing the not too distant future of Sakurai's Object.
Clayton Geoffrey C.
Crowther Paul A.
de Marco Orsola
Fedrow Joseph M.
Kerber Florian
No associations
LandOfFree
V605 Aql: The Older Twin of Sakurai's Object 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 V605 Aql: The Older Twin of Sakurai's Object, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and V605 Aql: The Older Twin of Sakurai's Object will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-647438