An Extraordinary Accretion Event Detected on DF Tauri

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

4

Accretion, Accretion Disks, Stars: Individual: Constellation Name: Df Tauri, Stars: Pre-Main-Sequence

Scientific paper

We report on the detection of an extreme flarelike event on DF Tauri during a spectroscopic monitoring program of some classical T Tauri stars known to show hot spots on their surfaces. These observations were performed on a nightly basis within roughly one rotational period of DF Tau between 2000 January 7 and 14. The estimated amplitude of variation during this time reached up to 6 mag in the B band. Significant inverse P Cygni profiles in high Balmer lines-evidence of mass accretion-dominated the spectrum obtained on January 8, when the brightness of DF Tau was approaching its maximum. The flux in the ultraviolet dropped dramatically on the following day. Ca II H and K emission lines, the indicator of chromospheric activity, turned into deep, wide absorption, and all other emission lines in the blue end were also absent (filled in or weak absorption), suggesting severe absorption in the line of sight possibly caused by a transient envelope produced in the process of a violent accretion shock. The effect of veiling decreased rapidly from January 10, and normal P Cygni profiles, indicating the presence of strong wind, began to appear. Based on the unique features displayed, we propose that the spectroscopic record of this flarelike brightening on DF Tau, believed to be due to episodic mass accretion accompanied by the release of gravitational energy, might actually be taken as an isolated, snapshot view of the YY Orionis phenomenon.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

An Extraordinary Accretion Event Detected on DF Tauri 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 An Extraordinary Accretion Event Detected on DF Tauri, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and An Extraordinary Accretion Event Detected on DF Tauri will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1005718

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.