Explaining the transient fast blue absorption lines in the massive binary system ηCarinae

Amit Kashi, Noam Soker, Muhammad Akashi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2658-2664
Number of pages7
JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Volume413
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Binaries: general
  • Infrared: stars
  • Stars: individual: ηCar
  • Stars: mass-loss
  • Stars: massive
  • Stars: winds, outflows

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