Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
8141241 | New Astronomy | 2018 | 9 Pages |
Abstract
We use observations of the Luminous Blue Variable (LBV) P Cygni spanning seven decades, along with signal processing methods, to identify a periodicity in the stellar luminosity. We find a distinct period of 4.7â¯Â±â¯0.3 years together with shorter periods. The periodicity is a possible indication of a binary companion passing in an eclipse-like event from the dense LBV wind, and if so it is the first observational indication that P Cygni is a binary system. This may support models that contribute giant LBV eruptions to interaction with a binary companion. We discuss other interpretations for the periodicity as well.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Physics and Astronomy
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Authors
Amir M. Michaelis, Amit Kashi, Nino Kochiashvili,