H2 in the 2 micron infrared spectra of long period variables: I. Observations
- Author(s)
- Kenneth H. Hinkle, Bernhard Aringer, Thomas Lebzelter, Charles L. Martin, Stephen T. Ridgway
- Abstract
Up to seven lines in the S branch of molecular hydrogen have been detected in the 2 œm infrared absorption line spectra of long period variables. The H2 lines show very strong phase dependent changes in velocity, equivalent width, and line profile, with the strongest lines near minimum light. The strength of the H2 lines also depends on variable type with Mira variables having deep lines (at minimum light), SRa variables generally having detectable lines, and the SRb and non-variables having weak to non-detectable lines. In addition H2 line strengths depend on period and on C/O abundance, with long period (i.e. cool), pure S-type Miras having H2 lines with central depths of up to 80%. The appearance of H2 lines in the spectra of cool giants is linked with geometrical extension of the atmosphere. The greatly increased strength of the H2 lines in Mira variables is observational evidence of the role of stellar pulsation in greatly extending these stellar atmospheres. Weak emission is seen in H2 near maximum light in Miras. We suggest this is resonant scattering in the spherically extended stellar atmosphere. The significant role of H2 opacity in the blue is noted.
- Organisation(s)
- Department of Astrophysics
- External organisation(s)
- National Optical Astronomy Observatory, Tucson, Wichita State University
- Journal
- Astronomy & Astrophysics
- Volume
- 363
- Pages
- 1065-1080
- No. of pages
- 16
- ISSN
- 0004-6361
- Publication date
- 2000
- Peer reviewed
- Yes
- Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 103003 Astronomy
- Portal url
- https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/3cba4f9f-4450-4bd8-b64c-a6c7f0aab955