The Optical Spectrum of the X-Ray Transient XTE J0421+560 (= CI Cam)

Details The Optical Spectrum of the X-Ray Transient XTE J0421+560 (= CI Cam) The Optical Spectrum of the X-Ray Transient XTE J0421+560 (= CI Cam)

Dec 1998

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1998aas...193.5201r&link_type=abstract

American Astronomical Society, 193rd AAS Meeting, #52.01; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 30, p.1329

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

1

Scientific paper

The transient X-ray source XTE J0421+560 erupted on 1998 March 31 and its optical counterpart was soon found to be the obscure and rarely-observed variable star CI Cam. During the eruption CI Cam became the brightest known X-ray transient at optical wavelengths, rising from R ~ 10.6 at minimum light to R ~ 7.1. In addition, VLA observations in April suggested that CI Cam was emitting relativistic corkscrew jets. We obtained high-dispersion spectroscopy of CI Cam with the 2D-coude spectrograph on the 2.7-m telescope at McDonald Observatory in April, near the end of the eruption. CI Cam had a uniquely-rich emission-line spectrum at that time. The emission lines fell into three distinct groups: (1) H and He I lines with wings extending from -1500 km/s to +500 km/s; (2) Metal lines, mostly Fe II, with half widths at half maximum of 32 km/s; (3)) Highly forbidden lines of, for example, [O III] with half-widths at half maximum of 16 km/s. The permitted metal lines and the highly-forbidden lines arise in two kinematically and thermally distinct shells around CI Cam. The broad lines of H and He arise in a strong wind. Additional observations this fall show that the spectrum has changed radically since April. The H and He emission lines are much narrower and their broad wings have disappeared; the metallic lines have retained their width, but their profile has changed; and the higher members of the Balmer series have developed broad, dish-shaped absorption wings.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The Optical Spectrum of the X-Ray Transient XTE J0421+560 (= CI Cam) 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 Optical Spectrum of the X-Ray Transient XTE J0421+560 (= CI Cam), we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Optical Spectrum of the X-Ray Transient XTE J0421+560 (= CI Cam) will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-994807