Spectropolarimetric observations of WR 137

We present high signal-to-noise spectropolarimetry of the WC7+OB star WR 137 (HD 192641) covering the spectral range from 3600Å to 1.1µm. The polarization spectrum shows unambiguous evidence for an intrinsic polarization vector.     

The massive double-lined O-type binary HD 165052

We present a new optical spectroscopic study of the O-type binary HD 165052 based on high- and intermediate-resolution CCD observations. We re-investigated the spectral classification of the binary components, obtaining spectral types of O6.5 V and O7.5 V for the primary and secondary, respectively, finding that both stars display weak C  iii λ 5696 emission in their spectra. We also determined a radial-velocity orbit for HD 165052 with a period of  2.95510±0.00001 d  , and semi-amplitudes of 94.8 and  104.7±0.5 km s^-1  , resulting in a mass ratio   Q =0.9  . From a comparison with previous radial-velocity determinations, we found evidence of apsidal motion in the system. Several signatures of wind–wind collision, such as phase-locked variability of the X-ray flux and the Struve–Sahade effect, are also considered. It was also found that the reddening in the region should be normal, in contrast with previous determinations.     

The R Coronae Borealis Connection

The R Coronae Borealis (RCB) stars are rare hydrogen-deficient carbon-rich supergiants which undergo spectaculardeclines in brightness of up to 8 magnitudes at irregular intervals as dust forms along the line of sight.Understanding the RCB stars is a key test for any theory whichaims to explain hydrogen deficiency in post-Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars. There are two major evolutionary models for the origin of RCB stars: the Double Degenerate and the Final Helium ShellFlash. In the final flashmodel, there is a close relationship between RCB stars and Planetary Nebulae (PNe). The connection between RCB stars and PNe has recentlybecome stronger, since the central stars of three old PNe (Sakurai's Object, V605 Aql and FG Sge) have had observedoutbursts that transformed them from hot evolved central stars into cool giants with the spectral properties of an RCB star.