η Carinae: Binarity Confirmed
Open Access
- 10 January 2000
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Astronomical Society in The Astrophysical Journal
- Vol. 528 (2) , L101-L104
- https://doi.org/10.1086/312441
Abstract
We report the recovery of a spectroscopic event in η Carinae in 1997/1998 after a prediction by Damineli in 1996. A true periodicity with P = 2020 ± 5 days (0.2% uncertainty) is obtained. The line intensities and the radial velocity curve display a phase-locked behavior, implying that the energy and dynamics of the event repeat from cycle to cycle. This rules out S Doradus oscillation or multiple shell ejection by an unstable star as the explanation of the spectroscopic events. A colliding-wind binary scenario is supported by our spectroscopic data and by X-ray observations. Although deviations from a simple case exist around periastron, intensive monitoring during the next event (mid-2003) will be crucial to our understanding of the system.Keywords
All Related Versions
This publication has 10 references indexed in Scilit:
- Recurrent X‐Ray Emission Variations of η Carinae and the Binary HypothesisThe Astrophysical Journal, 1999
- Long-term spectroscopy of η CarinaeAstronomy and Astrophysics Supplement Series, 1998
- TheASCAX‐Ray Spectrum of η CarinaeThe Astrophysical Journal, 1998
- Is Eta Carinae a long-period binary?New Astronomy, 1997
- ETA CARINAE AND ITS ENVIRONMENTAnnual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics, 1997
- Eta Carinae: a long period binary?New Astronomy, 1997
- The 5.52 Year Cycle of Eta CarinaeThe Astrophysical Journal, 1996
- Variability of CarinaeMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 1994
- Spectroscopic studies of O-type stars. VIII - Radial velocities and the K-termThe Astrophysical Journal, 1977
- Eta Carinae. II. The Spectrum.The Astrophysical Journal, 1953