Airborne spectrophotometry of Eta Carinae from 4.5 to 7.5 microns and a model for source morphology

Spectrophotometric observations of Eta Car between 4.5 and 7.5 microns show a featureless thermal-like spectrum with no fine-structure lines or broad emission or absorption features. The color temperature of the spectrum is approximately 375 K. High spatial resolution maps at 3.5, 4.8, and 10 micron...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Astrophysical journal Vol. 321; p. 937
Main Authors Russell, Ray W., Lynch, David K., Hackwell, John A., Rudy, Richard J., Rossano, George S., Castelaz, M. W.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Legacy CDMS 15.10.1987
Subjects
Astrophysics
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Spectrophotometric observations of Eta Car between 4.5 and 7.5 microns show a featureless thermal-like spectrum with no fine-structure lines or broad emission or absorption features. The color temperature of the spectrum is approximately 375 K. High spatial resolution maps at 3.5, 4.8, and 10 microns obtained from the ground are used to discuss the dust distribution and temperature structure, and to present a model for general source morphology. The upper limit to the brightness of the forbidden Ar II fine-structure emission line at 6.98 microns is less than 7 x 10 to the -16th W/sq cm, which still allows for a significant overabundance of argon and is consistent with the evolved nature of the source.
Bibliography:CDMS
Legacy CDMS
ISSN:0004-637X
1538-4357
DOI:10.1086/165686