The infrared evolution of Sakurai's Object

T. R. Geballe*, A. Evans, B. Smalley, V. H. Tyne, S. P S Eyres

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Infrared spectroscopy and photometry have revealed the remarkable evolution of Sakurai's Object from 1996 to the present. A cooling, carbon-rich photospheric spectrum was observable from 1996 to 1998. Considerable changes occured in 1998 as the continuum reddened due to absorption and emission by newly formed dust located outside the photosphere. In addition, a strong and broad helium 1.083 μm P Cygni line developed, signifying the acceleration of an outer envelope of material to speeds as high as 1000 km s-1. At the same time the photosphere of the central star remained quiescent. By 1999 the photosphere was virtually completely obscured by the dust and the helium emission line was the only detectable spectral feature remaining in the 1-5 μm band. In 2000 emission by dust has become even more dominant, as the envelope continues to expand and cool and the helium line weakens.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)39-49
Number of pages11
JournalAstrophysics and Space Science
Volume279
Issue number1-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2002
EventSakurai's Object: What have we learned in the first five years? - Keele University, United Kingdom
Duration: 3 Aug 20004 Aug 2000

Keywords

  • Stars: AGB and post-AGB
  • Stars: evolution
  • Stars: individual (Sakurai's Object (V4334 Sgr))
  • Stars: peculiar

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