Optical and UV spectroscopy of the peculiar RS CVn system, RT Lacertae

Technical Report · Fri Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:5798757

Huenemoerder, D P; Barden, S C

Spectra in the H-alpha and H-beta regions of the peculiar double-lined RS CVn binary, RT Lacertae, were obtained in the fall of 1984. Limited International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) long wavelength low and high resolution spectra were obtained concurrently. The ground based spectra have shown an asymmetry with orbital phase in the H-alpha profile. The H-beta profiles were consistent with the same effect. One hemisphere showed excess emission and the other excess absorption, with a broad Gaussian emission component superposed upon the excess H-alpha line. An improved radial velocity curve, giving a better determined mass ratio and geometry was derived. This combined with the radii implied by the rotational broadening of the spectra, showed one component to be 80 to 90% filling the equilibrium Roche surface. The two-faced nature is, therfore, very likely due to mass transfer from the contact component impacting upon its companion. Low resolution ultraviolet data showed that the supposed cooler component is bluer than its companion. High resolution ultraviolet data taken during secondary eclipse showed Mg II emission strength which decreased more slowly than the area visible. The phase behavior of the low resolution data support the former situation, indicating traditional chromospheric activity.

• Research Organization: Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park (USA). Davey Lab.
• OSTI ID: 5798757
• Report Number(s): N-86-20274; NASA-CR-176525
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ABSORPTION SPECTRA
ATMOSPHERES
BINARY STARS
CHROMOSPHERE
DATA
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
INFORMATION
NUMERICAL DATA
RADIAL VELOCITY
SOLAR ATMOSPHERE
SPECTRA
STARS
ULTRAVIOLET SPECTRA
VELOCITY