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T. Bohlsen

Publications and source records attributed to T. Bohlsen.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

V618 Sgr: Galactic eclipsing symbiotic nova detected in repeated outbursts

V618 Sgr was previously classified as an R CrB-type variable and later as a possible symbiotic star. Our study aims to analyse the nature of this target, which is currently undergoing significant brightening in properties similar to those of known symbiotic novae. We analyse literature information, photometric observations, and 35 new optical spectra. Our findings strongly suggest that V618 Sgr is an eclipsing symbiotic nova currently in outburst. Additionally, since the star has demonstrated at least two similar brightenings in the past, we propose that V618 Sgr could be the first known galactic symbiotic nova observed in repeated outbursts of this type and may host a relatively massive white dwarf.

astro-ph.SR

The long-term spectral changes of eta Carinae: are they caused by a dissipating occulter as indicated by CMFGEN models?

Eta Carinae ($\eta$\,Car) exhibits a unique set of P Cygni profiles with both broad and narrow components. Over many decades, the spectrum has changed -- there has been an increase in observed continuum fluxes and a decrease in FeII and HI emission line equivalent widths. The spectrum is evolving towards that of a P Cygni star such as P~Cygni itself and HDE~316285. The spectral evolution has been attributed to intrinsic variations such as a decrease in the mass-loss rate of the primary star or differential evolution in a latitudinal-dependent stellar wind. However intrinsic wind changes conflict with three observational results: the steady long-term bolometric luminosity; the repeating X-ray light curve over the binary period; and the constancy of the dust-scattered spectrum from the Homunculus. We extend previous work that showed a secular strengthening of P~Cygni absorptions by adding more orbital cycles to overcome temporary instabilities and by examining more atomic transitions. {\sc cmfgen} modeling of the primary wind shows that a time-decreasing mass-loss rate is not the best explanation for the observations. However, models with a `small' dissipating absorber in our line-of-site can explain both the increase in brightness and changes in the emission and P Cygni absorption profiles. If the spectral evolution is caused by the dissipating circumstellar medium, and not by intrinsic changes in the binary, the dynamical timescale to recover from the Great Eruption is much less than a century, different from previous suggestions.

astro-ph.SR

Towards a consistent model of the hot quadruple system HD 93206 = QZ Carin\ae: II. N-body model

HD 93206 is early-type massive stellar system, composed of components resolved by direct imaging (Ab, Ad, B, C, D) as well as a compact sub-system (Aa1, Aa2, Ac1, Ac2). Its geometry was already determined on the basis of extensive photometric, spectroscopic and interferometric observations. However, the fundamental absolute parameters are still not known precisely enough. We use an advanced N-body model to account for all mutual gravitational perturbations among the four close components, and all observational data types, including: astrometry, radial velocities, eclipse timing variations, squared visibilities, closure phases, triple products, normalized spectra, and spectral-energy distribution (SED). The respective model has 38 free parameters, namely three sets of orbital elements, component masses, and their basic radiative properties ($T$, $\log g$, $v_{\rm rot}$). We revised the fundamental parameters of QZ Car as follows. For a model with the nominal extinction coefficient $R_V \equiv A_V/E(B-V) = 3.1$, the best-fit masses are $m_1 = 26.1\,M_{\rm S}$, $m_2 = 32.3\,M_{\rm S}$, $m_3 = 70.3\,M_{\rm S}$, $m_4 = 8.8\,M_{\rm S}$, with uncertainties of the order of $2\,M_{\rm S}$, and the system distance $d = (2800\pm 100)\,{\rm pc}$. In an alternative model, where we increased the weights of RV and TTV observations and relaxed the SED constraints, because extinction can be anomalous with $R_V \sim 3.4$, the distance is smaller, $d = (2450\pm 100)\,{\rm pc}$. This would correspond to that of Collinder 228 cluster. Independently, this is confirmed by dereddening of the SED, which is only then consistent with the early-type classification (O9.7Ib for Aa1, O8III for Ac1). Future modelling should also account for an accretion disk around Ac2 component.

astro-ph.SR

Towards a consistent model of the hot quadruple system HD 93206 = QZ Carinae - I. Observations and their initial analyses

The hot nine-component system HD 93206, which contains a gravitationally bounded eclipsing Ac1+Ac2 binary ($P=5.9987$~d) and a spectroscopic Aa1+Aa2 ($P=20.734$~d) binary can provide~important insights into the origin and evolution of massive stars. Using archival and new spectra, and a~rich collection of ground-based and space photometric observations, we carried out a detailed study of this object. We provide a much improved description of both short orbits and a good estimate of the mutual period of both binaries of about 14500~d (i.e. 40 years). For the first time, we detected weak lines of the fainter component of the 6.0~d eclipsing binary in the optical region of the spectrum, measured their radial velocities, and derived a mass ratio of $M_{\rm Ac2}/M_{\rm Ac1}=1.29$, which is the opposite of what was estimated from the International Ultraviolet explorer (IUE) spectra. We confirm that the eclipsing subsystem Ac is semi-detached and is therefore in a phase of large-scale mass transfer between its components. The Roche-lobe filling and spectroscopically brighter component Ac1 is the less massive of the two and is eclipsed in the secondary minimum. We show that the bulk of the \ha emission, so far believed to be associated with the eclipsing system, moves with the primary O9.7I component Aa1 of the 20.73~d spectroscopic binary. However, the weak emission in the higher Balmer lines seems to be associated with the accretion disc around component Ac2. We demonstrate that accurate masses and other basic physical properties including the distance of this unique system can be obtained but require a more sophisticated modelling. A~first step in this direction is presented in the accompanying Paper~II (Bro\v{z} et al.).

astro-ph.SR

Hen 3-860: New southern eclipsing symbiotic star observed in the outburst

Brightening of Hen 3-860, previously classified as an H$\alpha$ emitter, was detected by the ASAS-SN survey at the end of the year 2016. We have obtained the first spectroscopic observations of the transient and supplemented them with photometric data from the DASCH archive of astronomical plates, ASAS and ASAS-SN surveys. Based on the results of our analysis, we can classify the object as a classical symbiotic star of the infrared type S, consisting of an M2-3 giant with $T_{\rm g}$ $\sim$ 3 550 K, a radius $R_{\rm g}\sim$ 60 - 75 R$_{\odot}$, and a luminosity $L_{\rm g}\sim$ 540 - 760 L$_{\odot}$, and a hot and luminous component ($T_{\rm h}$ $\sim$ $1-2 \times 10^5$ K and $L_{\rm h} \sim 10^3 \rm L_\odot$). The system experienced at least four outbursts in the last 120 years. In addition to the outbursts, its light curves revealed the presence of eclipses of the hot component and its surrounding (relatively cool) shell, which developed during the outburst and redistributed a fraction of the radiation of the hot component into the optical, by the giant, classifying the object as a representative of a group of eclipsing symbiotic stars. The eclipses allowed us to reveal the orbital period of the system to be 602 days.

astro-ph.SR

Spectroscopic and photometric analysis of symbiotic candidates -- I. Ten candidates on classical symbiotic stars

Symbiotic stars belong to a group of interacting binaries that display a wide variety of phenomena, including prominent outbursts connected with mass transfer, as well as stellar winds, jets, eclipses, or intrinsic variability of the components. Dozens of new symbiotic stars and candidates have been discovered in recent years. However, there are many objects which are still poorly studied. Some symbiotic candidates suspected in the literature have never been studied spectroscopically. In this contribution, we present the first results of the ongoing campaign focused on symbiotic candidates. In the first paper in the series, we study the nature of ten candidate classical symbiotic stars suspected based on their photometric behaviour, colours or abundance pattern. To confirm or reject the symbiotic nature of the studied candidates, we obtained new spectra and analysed them in detail together with available multi-frequency photometric and spectroscopic observations of the objects. Hen 3-860 and V2204 Oph are genuine symbiotic systems showing typical spectral features of burning symbiotic stars and outbursts in the last 100 years. The first object belongs to the uncommon group of eclipsing symbiotic stars. V1988 Sgr cannot be classified as a genuine burning symbiotic star, but the scenario of an accreting-only symbiotic system cannot be ruled out. Hen 4-204 might be a bona-fide symbiotic star due to its similarity with the known symbiotic binary BD Cam. Six other symbiotic candidates (V562 Lyr, IRAS 19050+0001, EC 19249-7343, V1017 Cyg, PN K1-6, V379 Peg) are either single dwarf or giant stars or non-symbiotic binaries.

astro-ph.SR

ASASSN-21co: A detached eclipsing binary with an 11.9 year period

We use ASAS V-band and ASAS-SN g-band observations to model the long-period detached eclipsing binary ASASSN-21co. ASAS observations show an eclipse of depth V ~ 0.6 mag in April of 2009. ASAS-SN g-band observations from March of 2021 show an eclipse of similar duration and depth, suggesting an orbital period of 11.9 years. We combine the g-band observations with additional BVRI photometry taken during the eclipse to model the eclipse using PHOEBE. We find that the system is best described by two M giants with a ratio of secondary radius to primary radius of ~0.61. Optical spectra taken during the eclipse are consistent with at least one component of the binary being an M giant, and we find no temporal changes in the spectral features. The eclipse itself is asymmetric, showing an increase in brightness near mid-eclipse, likely due to rotational variability that is too low amplitude to be observed out-of-eclipse.

astro-ph.SR

Spectroscopic and geometrical evolution of the ejecta of the classical nova ASASSN-18fv

The optical spectroscopic observations of ASASSN-18fv observed from 2018 March 24 to 2019 Jan 26 are presented. The optical spectra are obtained from Mirranook, Vainu Bappu and South African Astronomical observatories. The spectra are dominated by hydrogen Balmer, Fe II and O I lines with P-Cygni profiles in the early phase, typical of an Fe II class nova. The spectra show He I lines along with H I and O I emission lines in the decline phase placing the nova in the hybrid class of novae. The spectra show rapid development in high ionization lines in this phase. Analysis of the light curve indicate t$_2$ and t$_3$ values of about 50 and 70 days respectively placing the nova in the category of moderately fast nova. The ejecta geometry, inclination and position angle are estimated using morpho-kinematic analysis. The geometry of the ejecta is found to be an asymmetric bipolar structure with an inclination angle of about 53$^{\circ}$. The ejected mass using photo-ionization analysis is found to be 6.07 $\times$ 10$^{-4}$ M$_{\odot}$.

astro-ph.SR

The January 2016 eruption of recurrent nova LMC 1968

We present a comprehensive review of all observations of the eclipsing recurrent Nova LMC 1968 in the Large Magellanic Cloud which was previously observed in eruption in 1968, 1990, 2002, 2010, and most recently in 2016. We derive a probable recurrence time of $6.2 \pm 1.2$ years and provide the ephemerides of the eclipse. In the ultraviolet-optical-IR photometry the light curve shows high variability right from the first observation around two days after eruption. Therefore no colour changes can be substantiated. Outburst spectra from 2016 and 1990 are very similar and are dominated by H and He lines longward of 2000 Angstrom. Interstellar reddening is found to be E(B-V) = $0.07\pm0.01$. The super soft X-ray luminosity is lower than the Eddington luminosity and the X-ray spectra suggest the mass of the WD is larger than 1.3 M$_\odot$. Eclipses in the light curve suggest that the system is at high orbital inclination. On day four after the eruption a recombination wave was observed in Fe II ultraviolet absorption lines. Narrow line components are seen after day 6 and explained as being due to reionisation of ejecta from a previous eruption. The UV spectrum varies with orbital phase, in particular a component of the He II 1640 Angstrom emission line, which leads us to propose that early-on the inner WD Roche lobe might be filled with a bound opaque medium prior to the re-formation of an accretion disk. Both this medium and the ejecta can cause the delay in the appearance of the soft X-ray source.

astro-ph.SR

Evolution of the disk of pi Aqr: from near-disappearance to a strong maximum

Some Be stars display important variability of the strength of the emission lines formed in their disk. This is notably the case of pi Aqr. We present here the recent evolution of the Be disk in this system thanks to spectra collected by amateur spectroscopists since the end of 2013. A large transition occurred: the emission linked to the Be disk nearly disappeared in January 2014, but the disk has recovered, with a line strength now reaching levels only seen during the active phase of 1950--1990. In parallel to this change in strength occurs a change of disk structure, notably involving the disappearance of the strong asymmetry responsible for the V/R modulation.

astro-ph.SR

V473 Lyr, a modulated, period-doubled Cepheid, and U TrA, a double-mode Cepheid observed by MOST

Space-based photometric measurements first revealed low-amplitude irregularities in the pulsations of Cepheid stars, but their origins and how commonly they occur remain uncertain. To investigate this phenomenon, we present MOST space telescope photometry of two Cepheids. V473 Lyrae is a second-overtone, strongly modulated Cepheid, while U Trianguli Australis is a Cepheid pulsating simultaneously in the fundamental mode and first overtone. The nearly continuous, high-precision photometry reveals alternations in the amplitudes of cycles in V473 Lyr, the first case of period doubling detected in a classical Cepheid. In U TrA, we tentatively identify one peak as the $f_X$ or 0.61-type mode often seen in conjunction with the first radial overtone in Cepheids, but given the short length of the data, we cannot rule out that it is a combination peak instead. Ground-based photometry and spectroscopy were obtained to follow two modulation cycles in V473 Lyr and to better specify its physical parameters. The simultaneous data yield the phase lag parameter (the phase difference between maxima in luminosity and radial velocity) of a second-overtone Cepheid for the first time. We find no evidence for a period change in U TrA or an energy exchange between the fundamental mode and the first overtone during the last 50 years, contrary to earlier indications. Period doubling in V473 Lyr provides a strong argument that mode interactions do occur in some Cepheids and we may hypothesise that it could be behind the amplitude modulation, as recently proposed for Blazhko RR Lyrae stars.

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He II $\lambda$4686 emission from the massive binary system in $\eta$ Car: constraints to the orbital elements and the nature of the periodic minima

{\eta} Carinae is an extremely massive binary system in which rapid spectrum variations occur near periastron. Most notably, near periastron the He II $\lambda 4686$ line increases rapidly in strength, drops to a minimum value, then increases briefly before fading away. To understand this behavior, we conducted an intense spectroscopic monitoring of the He II $\lambda 4686$ emission line across the 2014.6 periastron passage using ground- and space-based telescopes. Comparison with previous data confirmed the overall repeatability of EW(He II $\lambda 4686$), the line radial velocities, and the timing of the minimum, though the strongest peak was systematically larger in 2014 than in 2009 by 26%. The EW(He II $\lambda 4686$) variations, combined with other measurements, yield an orbital period $2022.7\pm0.3$ d. The observed variability of the EW(He II $\lambda 4686$) was reproduced by a model in which the line flux primarily arises at the apex of the wind-wind collision and scales inversely with the square of the stellar separation, if we account for the excess emission as the companion star plunges into the hot inner layers of the primary's atmosphere, and including absorption from the disturbed primary wind between the source and the observer. This model constrains the orbital inclination to $135^\circ$-$153^\circ$, and the longitude of periastron to $234^\circ$-$252^\circ$. It also suggests that periastron passage occurred on $T_0 = 2456874.4\pm1.3$ d. Our model also reproduced EW(He II $\lambda 4686$) variations from a polar view of the primary star as determined from the observed He II $\lambda 4686$ emission scattered off the Homunculus nebula.

astro-ph.SR

Early evolution of the extraordinary Nova Del 2013 (V339 Del)

We determine the temporal evolution of the luminosity L(WD), radius R(WD) and effective temperature Teff of the white dwarf (WD) pseudophotosphere of V339 Del from its discovery to around day 40. Another main objective was studying the ionization structure of the ejecta. These aims were achieved by modelling the optical/near-IR spectral energy distribution (SED) using low-resolution spectroscopy (3500 - 9200 A), UBVRcIc and JHKLM photometry. During the fireball stage (Aug. 14.8 - 19.9, 2013), Teff was in the range of 6000 - 12000 K, R(WD) was expanding non-uniformly in time from around 66 to around 300 (d/3 kpc) R(Sun), and L(WD) was super-Eddington, but not constant. After the fireball stage, a large emission measure of 1.0-2.0E+62 (d/3 kpc)**2 cm**(-3) constrained the lower limit of L(WD) to be well above the super-Eddington value. The evolution of the H-alpha line and mainly the transient emergence of the Raman-scattered O VI 1032 A line suggested a biconical ionization structure of the ejecta with a disk-like H I region persisting around the WD until its total ionization, around day 40. It is evident that the nova was not evolving according to the current theoretical prediction. The unusual non-spherically symmetric ejecta of nova V339 Del and its extreme physical conditions and evolution during and after the fireball stage represent interesting new challenges for the theoretical modelling of the nova phenomenon.

astro-ph.SR