IUE observations of a luminous M supergiant that exhibits intense continuum in the far ultraviolet

Observations of the late type M supergiant TV Gem (M1Iab) reveal strong UV continuum between 1200 A and 3200 A. The continuum is essentially featureless with the exception of a number of broad absorption features in the short wavelength spectra range. An absorption feature centered around 1400 A could be due to Si IV absorption found typically in spectra of middle B type stars. UV emission from this star is unexpected because earlier ground-based observations give no indication of a possible association with an early companion or circumstellar ionized nebulosity. A B9 or A1 III - IV type star approximately 2to 3 magnitudes fainter than the M star could explain the level of UV continuum observed, but a fully self consistent explanation that includes the B-V color index of TV Gem is not as yet possible. The continuum flux dependence with wavelength in the UV spectral range could be attributed to a high energy source such as an accretion disc. It is suggested TV Gem is a good candidate for HEAO-2 (Einstein) satellite observations because a high energy object in close proximity to the M star would likely be a source of soft X-ray emission

IUE observations of two late-type stars Bx Mon (M + pec) and TV Gem (M1 Iab)

The IUE observations of two late type stars BX Mon and TV Gem that reveal the emission properties in the ultraviolet of subluminous companions are discussed. Analysis of the continuum emission observed from BX Mon suggests the companion, is a middle A III star. High excitation emission lines observed between 1200 A and 2000 A that generally do not typify emission observed in either late M type variables or A type stars are also detected. It is suggested that these strong high excitation lines arise in a large volume of gas heated by nonradiation processes that could be the result of tidal interaction and mass exchange in the binary system. In contrast to stars such as BX Mon, the luminous M1 supergiant TV Gem shows unexpected intense UV continuum throughout the sensitivity range of IUE. The UV spectrum of TV Gem is characterized by intense continuum with broad absorption features detected in the short wavelength range. The analysis shows that the companion could be a B9 or A1 III-IV star. Alternate suggestions are presented for explaining the UV continuum in terms of an accretion disk in association with TV Gem

The anomalous C 4 intensity ratio in symbiotic stars

The C IV lambda lambda 1548.2,1550.8 resonance doublet in a symbiotic stars was shown to exhibit anomalous line intensity ratios in which I (lambda 1548.2)/I(lambda 1550.8) less than 1, or less than the optically-thick limit of unity. The R Aquarii-central HII region and RX Puppis exhibit this phenomena. The I(lambda 1548.2)/I(lambda 1550.8) ratio in RX Puppis is found to vary inversely with the total C IV line intensity, and with the FES-visual light, as the object declined over a 5 yr period following a brightening in UV and optical emission which peaked in 1982. This doublet intensity behavior could be explained by a wind which has a narrow velocity range of 600 approx. less than sup v wind approx. less than 1000 km/sec, or by the pumping of the Fe II (mul. 45.01) transition a sup 4 F sub 9/2 - y sup 4 H(o) sub 11/2 by C IV lambda 1548.2, which effectively scatters C IV photons into the Fe II spectrum in these objects

IUE observations and interpretation of the symbiotic star RW Hya

The IUE observations of the high excitation symbiotic star RW Hya (gM2 + pec) are discussed. Analysis of the intense UV continuum observed between 1100 A to 2000 A suggests this star is a binary system in which the secondary is identified as a hot subdwarf with T sub eff being approximately 100,000 K. A distance to the system of 1000 pc is deduced. The UV spectrum consists of mainly semiforbidden and allowed transition lines of which the CIV (1548 A, 1550 A) emission lines are particularly strong, and UV continuum at both shorter and longer wavelengths. Strong forbidden lines seem to be absent suggesting the presence of a nebula of high densities. Tidal interaction between the red giant primary and the hot subdwarf is suggested as a likely means to form the observed nebula. RW Hya is suggested as a possible source of soft X-ray emission from material accreting onto the surface of the hot subdwarf. Detection of such emission with HEAO-B would give information if this accretion is taking place via Roche lobe overlow or via capture from a stellar wind emitted by the primary. A general discussion of elemental and ionic abundances in the nebula is also presented

Ingress observations of the 1980 eclipse of the symbiotic star CI Cyngni

One of the major results from the IUE may prove to be the knowledge gained by studies of the ultraviolet spectra of symbiotic stars. Symbiotics combine spectral features of a cool M giant like photosphere with strong high excitation emission lines of nebular origin, superposed. The UV spectra are dominated by intense permitted and semiforbidden emission lines and weak continua indicative of hot compact objects and accretion disks. Two symbiotics, AR Pav and CI Cyg are thought to be eclipsing binaries and IUE observations during the 1980 eclipse of CI Cygni are discussed

International Ultraviolet Explorer Observations of the Aquarii Jet

Ultraviolet spectra were obtained with the International Ultraviolet Explorer of the newly discovered optical-radio jet feature in the symbiotic variable R Aquarii. The far-UV continuum of the jet is characterized by strong continuum which rises with decreasing wavelength in the 1200-2000 A wavelength range and is considerably different in appearance from the relatively flat continuum exhibited by ionized nebulosity in the central star. Prominent Si III] and Si II emission lines seen in the central region are virtually absent in the jet. This could reflect the depletion of silicon in the feature, the result of grain formation in material that has been ejected by the central star. Consistent with this interpretation is the overall excitation of the jet that suggests it is cooler than the nebulosity that engulfs the central UV object

IUE Observations and Interpretation of the Symbiotic Star RW Hya

IUE observations of the high excitation symbiotic star RW Hya (gM2 + pec) have been obtained. Analysis of the intense UV continuum observed between II00 A to 2000 A suggests this star is a binary system in which the secondary is identified as a hot subdwarf with T _. _I0 D K. We deduce a distance to the system of ~1000 pc. The UV spectrum consists of mainly semi-forbidden and allowed transition lines of which the ClV (1548 A, 1550 A) emission lines are particularly strong, and UV continuum at both shorter and longer wavelengths. Strong forbidden lines seem to be absent suggesting the presence of a nebula of high densities, in the approximate range 10^8 - 10^9 cm^-3. Tidal interaction between the red giant primary and the hot subdwarf is suggested as a likely means to form the observed nebula. RW Hya is suggested as a possible source of soft X-ray emission from material accreting onto the surface of the hot subdwarf. Detection of such emission with HEAO-B ( Einstein ) would give us information if this accretion is taking place via Roche lobe overflow or via capture from a stellar wind emitted by the primary. A general discussion of elemental and ionic abundances in the nebula is also presented.https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/scs_books/1008/thumbnail.jp

UV Emission from the M1 Supergiant TV Gem

Low and high dispersion ultraviolet spectra were obtained of the Ml supergiant TV Gem with IUE. Previous IUE observations of this late type supergiant revealed unexpected W continuum emission, perhaps arising from an early B companion. Low resolution spectra obtained approximately one year apart suggest that the strong Si I11 in-combination perhaps with 0 I at wavelengths % A1300 A varies considerably with time. Large variation the column density is required to explain these changes. Sporadic mass expulsion with mass loss rates dM/dt * 10-5 S y r - l from the M supergiant could lead to a dense circumstellar wind near the hot early companion, and thus could account for these observed variations in equivalent width. The high resolution spectrum in the A2000 to 3200 A wavelength range is characterized by narrow absorption lines primarily due to Fe 11, Mn I1 and Mg I1 (h and k), which are skewed in profile with an extended red wing, We tentatively attribute this profile structure to interstellar absorption and an intervening differentially moving cloud in the direction of Gem OB1, of which TV Gem is a known association member.https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/scs_books/1000/thumbnail.jp

Observations and Analysis of the Aquarii Jet

Ultraviolet, optical and radio observations of the symbiotic star R Aquarii are discussed in the light of the discovery of a bright radio and optical jet from this star. The star is probably a binary with a period of 44 years. The VLA maps of the jet reveal a protruding structure extending-10 arc sec from the central radio source with a position angle virtually identical to that of the optical jet observed at Lick. We interpret the observations of R Aqr as indicating the existence of an accretion disk around an unseen companion. The hot subdwarf has effective temperature ,(65,000 K. We believe that the Mira primary and the hot secondary are in orbit around each other with a high eccentricity. At periastron the hot subdwarf accretes at super critical rates and a jet forms. It is difficult to understand how an accretion disk would have eclipsed the Mira in 1928-1935 and 1974-1980. We prefer to interpret the suppression of maximum light in these two periods as due to a distortion of the Mira envelope at periastron by the tidal interaction with the secondary. The jet may help to explain the excitation of the R Aqr nebula. It is possible that R Aqr flared up as a nova N1OOO years ago forming the nebula.https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/scs_books/1001/thumbnail.jp

Variable Ultraviolet Emission in SY Muscae

Following the enhancement in ultraviolet flux which we reported previously, we have continued monitoring the symbiotic variable SY Muscae with the International Ultraviolet Explorer (JUE). Over the course of one year, the prominent emission lines of N v, 0 v, C rv, He II appear to be gradually decreasing in absolute intensity. This appears to coincide with a steady decline in electron density in the emission line forming region, as suggested from the Sim] :\1892 and Cm] :\1909 intensity ratio. Our data is consistent with a sudden ejection event in which material expelled from the surface of a hot Teff = 65 000 K sub dwarf has exposed the underlying UV continuum of the star. A number of strong emission lines that are photoexcited by the intense radiation field of the secondary also exhibit broad pedestal emission that suggest turbulent velocities of -150-300 km s- 1 in an expanding shell or possibly in an accretion disc. The radical change of the UV emission properties observed in SY Muscae indicates that our initial observations of this object were obtained during preliminary stages of mass ejection