Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Jul 1999
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1999hst..prop.8327d&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #8327
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Hst Proposal Id #8327 Hot Stars
Scientific paper
{This is the original abstract written in August 1998; it remains valid in February 1999.} Eta Carinae relates to a number of astrophysical topics and may be crucial for some of them, but its physical nature is certainly Not Yet Understood, and in 1998 the research situation became even more extraordinary than it was before. New STIS observations had the combination of good spatial and spectral resolution, with UV-to-far-red wavelength coverage, that we've always wanted for studies of the star itself {or its wind}. However, these data were acquired during a major ``spectroscopic event.'' It has now become clear that such events recur at 5.5-year intervals, strongly affect the X- rays, and, as the STIS data show, are not easy to explain. Given a 5.5-year periodicity, the binary-vs.-single-star question has become critical for further progress on Eta Car. If it is a binary, we need to find the parameters. STIS spectroscopy of Eta's normal state is required. Here we propose a project with several combined goals: {1} to obtain the spectrum of the star at ``normal'' times; {2} to extend the wavelength coverage below 1700 Angstrom; {3} to seek evidence for a hypothetical companion star; {4} to learn whether Eta Car varies significantly when it is not near a discrete spectroscopic event; and {5} to study the bizarre spectra of dense, slow-moving, extremely peculiar ejecta located 0.15" to 1.5" from the star. This project is coordinated with our Cycle 7 program and some planned GTO observations.
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