Statistics – Computation
Scientific paper
Mar 1994
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1994a%26a...283..493m&link_type=abstract
Astronomy and Astrophysics (ISSN 0004-6361), vol. 283, no. 2, p. 493-507
Statistics
Computation
10
Chaos, Coherent Light, Computational Astrophysics, Eclipsing Binary Stars, Spectrum Analysis, Stellar Physics, Variable Stars, Wolf-Rayet Stars, Amplitude Distribution Analysis, Astronomical Photometry, Fourier Analysis, Narrowband, Rotational States, Stellar Orbits, Variability
Scientific paper
WR 40 (HD 96548) is one of the largest-amplitude intrinsic light variables (delta m approximately 0.1 mag) yet detected among Wolf-Rayet stars; it is also one of the most confusing. Period analyses by various authors since 1980 have suggested periods ranging from about 2 to 7 days. Armed with new three-color narrowband photometry of WR 40 obtained at Las Campanas and CTIO in early 1991, we perform a comprehensive period analysis of the star using these observations plus data from the literature. Only continuum bandpasses of the stellar spectrum are measured. The results suggest that the various periods identified by previous authors are in fact all hormonics of just two longer periods, near 12.3 and 17.5 d. We demonstrate that a relatively simple eclipsing binary system with one component rotating asynchronously - when sampled at the same times as existing data sets - can produce Fourier amplitude spectra which mimic the apparently chaotic behaviour of WR 40 observed over the years.
Matthews Jaymie M.
Moffat Anthony F. J.
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