| Full text | |
| Author(s): Show less - |
Gull, Theodore R.
;
Hartman, Henrik
;
Teodoro, Mairan
;
Hillier, D. John
;
Corcoran, Michael F.
;
Damineli, Augusto
;
Hamaguchi, Kenji
;
Madura, Thomas
;
Moffat, Anthony F. J.
;
Morris, Patrick
;
Nielsen, Krister
;
Richardson, Noel D.
;
Stevens, Ian R.
;
Weigelt, Gerd
Total Authors: 14
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL; v. 954, n. 1, p. 15-pg., 2023-09-01. |
| Abstract | |
Previous Hubble Space Telescope (HST)/Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) longslit observations of Eta Carinae (eta Car) identified numerous absorption features in both the stellar spectrum, and in the adjacent nebular spectra, along our line of sight (LOS). The absorption features became temporarily stronger when the ionizing farultraviolet radiation field was reduced by the periastron passage of the secondary star. Subsequently, dissipation of a dusty structure in our LOS has led to a long-term increase in the apparent brightness of. Car, an increase in the ionizing ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and the disappearance of absorption from multiple velocity-separated shells extending across the foreground Homunculus lobe. We use HST/STIS spectro-images, coupled with published infrared and radio observations, to locate this intervening dusty structure. The velocity and spatial information indicate the occulter is approximate to 1000 au in front of eta Car. The Homunculus is a transient structure composed of dusty, partially ionized ejecta that eventually will disappear due to the relentless rain of ionizing radiation and wind from the current binary system along with dissipation and mixing with the interstellar medium. This evolving complex continues to provide an astrophysical laboratory that changes on human timescales. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 11/51680-6 - Exploring the universe: from the galaxies formation to Earth-like planets with the Giant Magellan Telescope |
| Grantee: | Laerte Sodré Junior |
| Support Opportunities: | Special Projects |