Periodic Variations in Ultraviolet Spectral Lines of the B0.5 Ib Star HD 64760: Evidence for Corotating Wind Streams Rooted in Surface Variations

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Abstract
We discuss recently observed periodic modulations in the UV wind lines of the B-type supergiant HD 64760, with a focus on the peculiar, upwardly bowed shape seen in isoflux contours of the absorption variations plotted against velocity and time. We show that this qualitative impression of bowed contours is quantitatively confirmed by a peak in the phase for the associated periodic variation at very nearly the same line position as the apparent bow minimum. The bowed shape is significant because it indicates that wind variations evolve both blueward and redward, i.e., toward both larger and smaller line-of-sight velocities. We show here, however, that these characteristics arise naturally from absorption by strictly accelerating corotating wind streams seen in projection against the stellar disk. The quite good agreement obtained with the observed profile variations provides strong evidence for corotating stream modulations in this wind.