High-resolution spectroscopy of V854 Cen in decline – absorption and emission lines of C2 molecules |
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Authors: | N Kameswara Rao David L Lambert |
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Institution: | Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore 560034, India; Department of Astronomy, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712-1083, USA |
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Abstract: | High-resolution optical spectra of the R Coronae Borealis (RCB) star V854 Centauri in the early stages of a decline show, in addition to the features reported for other RCBs in decline, narrow absorption lines from the C2 Phillips system. The low rotational temperature, T rot=1150 K, of the C2 ground electronic state suggests the cold gas is associated with the developing shroud of carbon dust. These absorption lines were not seen at a fainter magnitude on the rise from minimum light, nor at maximum light. This is the first detection of cold gas around an RCB star. |
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Keywords: | stars: individual: V854 Cen stars: variables: other |
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