Abstract
We use recent observations of the Heiλ10830Å absorption line and 3D hydrodynamical numerical simulations of the winds collision to strengthen the case for an orientation of the semimajor axis of the massive binary system ηCarinae where the secondary star is toward us at periastron passage. These observations show that the fast blue absorption component exists for only several weeks prior to the periastron passage. We show that the transient nature of the fast blue absorption component supports a geometry where the fast secondary wind, both pre- and post-shock material, passes in front of the primary star near periastron passage.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2658-2664 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society |
Volume | 413 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 2011 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Binaries: general
- Infrared: stars
- Stars: individual: ηCar
- Stars: mass-loss
- Stars: massive
- Stars: winds, outflows