Bibcode
DOI
Walborn, Nolan R.; Howarth, Ian D.; Herrero, Artemio; Lennon, Daniel J.
Bibliographical reference
The Astrophysical Journal, Volume 588, Issue 2, pp. 1025-1038.
Advertised on:
5
2003
Journal
Citations
37
Refereed citations
32
Description
The spectrum of HD 191612 has been found to display large, recurrent
variations between two highly reproducible, peculiar states; at least
four transformations have occurred since 1950. In one state, the
spectral type is O6-O7, with C III λ4650 emission comparable to N
III λ4640 (the definition of the Of?p category) and P Cygni
profiles at He II λ4686 and Hα. In the other state, the
spectral type is O8, with the C III emission absent, very strong N III
λ4097 absorption, broad He II λ4686 absorption with narrow
central emission (a profile that may be unprecedented in this line among
known O-type spectra), and a broad asymmetrical absorption at Hα.
One observing sequence over several consecutive nights shows no spectral
variations, practically ruling out a short-period, interacting binary as
the origin of the phenomenon; moreover, no significant radial velocity
variations have been found. Although the sporadic observational record
prior to the discovery of the variations in early 2001 precludes
definite conclusions, it is possible that a given state is maintained
for a decade or longer, but one transformation occurred within 13
months, and the data obtained during 2002 suggest an event with a
shorter timescale.
The Of?p category currently contains only five members: three in the
Galaxy and two in the Small Magellanic Cloud. The other two Galactic
members also display bizarre and unexplained phenomena; in the case of
HD 108, they are strikingly similar to those described here. Because of
their relatively high X-ray luminosities, all three Galactic objects
have been suggested to have collapsed companions. If the spectral
variations of HD 108 and HD 191612 are due to binary interactions, they
are likely multiyear, eccentric systems like WR 140 and η Carinae.
The axisymmetric shell ejections of HD 148937 could have a similar
origin. Alternatively, these stars may be rapid rotators or in an
unstable evolutionary transitional stage. Further intensive
spectroscopic monitoring is required to reveal their nature.