Multiwavelength monitoring of BD +53°2790, the optical counterpart to 4U 2206+54

Blay, P.; Negueruela, I.; Reig, P.; Coe, M. J.; Corbet, R. H. D.; Fabregat, J.; Tarasov, A. E.
Referencia bibliográfica

Astronomy and Astrophysics, Volume 446, Issue 3, February II 2006, pp.1095-1105

Fecha de publicación:
2
2006
Número de autores
7
Número de autores del IAC
0
Número de citas
43
Número de citas referidas
38
Descripción
We present the results of our long-term monitoring of BD +53°2790, the optical counterpart to the X-ray source 4U 2206+54. Unlike previous studies that classify the source as a Be/X-ray binary, we find that its optical and infrared properties differ from those of typical Be stars: the variability of the V/R ratio is not cyclical; there are variations in the shape and strength of the Hα emission line on timescales less than 1 day; and no correlation between the EW and the IR magnitudes or colors is seen. Our observations suggest that BD +53°2790 is very likely a peculiar O9.5V star. In spite of exhaustive searches we cannot find any significant modulation in any emission line parameter or optical/infrared magnitudes. Spectroscopy of the source extending from the optical to the K-band confirms the peculiarity of the spectrum: not only are the He lines stronger than expected for an O9.5V star but also there is no clear pattern of variability. The possibility that BD +53°2790 is an early-type analogue to He-strong stars (like θ1 Ori C) is discussed.