Spectrum of the ``Invisible'' Companion of Z Canis Majoris Revealed in Polarized Light

Details Spectrum of the ``Invisible'' Companion of Z Canis Majoris Revealed in Polarized Light Spectrum of the ``Invisible'' Companion of Z Canis Majoris Revealed in Polarized Light

Nov 1993

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1993apj...417..687w&link_type=abstract

Astrophysical Journal v.417, p.687

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

38

Accretion, Accretion Disks -- Binaries: Close -- Stars: Individual (Z Canis Majoris) -- Stars: Pre-Main-Sequence

Scientific paper

Optical spectropolarimetry of the FU Orionis variable Z CMa in 1991-1992 shows larger polarization in the emission lines than in the continuum. The intensity spectrum at this time has absorption lines with some narrow weak emission. The polarized flux spectrum appears similar to an intensity spectrum of Z CMa obtained in 1987 when it was ˜0.9 mag brighter at V and showed strong emission lines. We argue that the primary component of the Z CMa binary is an emission line source, perhaps an Ae/Be star, that varies at V by 1-3 mag and was responsible for the 1987 outburst. The primary is mostly obscured from view by an asymmetrical distribution of dust which polarizes the light scattered into our line of sight. The secondary, a normal FU Orionis variable, is seen more directly, and therefore contributes a large amount of unpolarized flux, about 80% of the total optical flux. Most of the polarization is intrinsic to the system and oriented perpendicular to the jet axis. We propose that independent variations in the brightness of both sources are responsible for the appearance and disappearance of a narrow emission line spectrum on the broader FU Orionis absorption line spectrum.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Spectrum of the ``Invisible'' Companion of Z Canis Majoris Revealed in Polarized Light 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 Spectrum of the ``Invisible'' Companion of Z Canis Majoris Revealed in Polarized Light, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Spectrum of the ``Invisible'' Companion of Z Canis Majoris Revealed in Polarized Light will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-808511