We examine over 160 archival Hα spectra from the Ritter Observatory for the interacting binary β Lyr obtained between 1996 and 2000. The emission is characteristically double-peaked, but asymmetric, and with an absorption feature that is persistently blueshifted. Using a set of simplifying assumptions, phase varying emission line profiles are calculated for Hα formed entirely in a Keplerian disk, and separately for the line formed entirely from an off-center bipolar flow. However, a dynamic spectrum of the data indicates that the blueshifted feature is not always present, and the data are even suggestive of a drift of the feature in velocity shift. We explore whether a circumbinary envelope, hot spot on the accretion disk, or accretion stream could explain the observations. While none are satisfactory, an accretion stream explanation is somewhat promising.
Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ETSU/oai:dc.etsu.edu:etsu-works-6724 |
Date | 17 August 2018 |
Creators | Ignace, Richard, Gray, Sharon K., Magno, Macno A., Henson, Gary D., Massa, Derek |
Publisher | Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University |
Source Sets | East Tennessee State University |
Detected Language | English |
Type | text |
Format | application/pdf |
Source | ETSU Faculty Works |
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