Spectrum of Chi Cyg

Forums Variable Stars chi Cygni 2015 Spectrum of Chi Cyg

#576971
Andy Wilson
Keymaster

Here is a low resolution spectrum I took of Chi Cygni last night, 15th August 2015.

I used Richard Walker’s spectroscopic atlas to identify the Titanium Oxide and Zirconium Oxide absorption bands, though TiO is most definitely dominant. I also picked out what I believe to be the first 4 emission lines in the hydrogen Balmer series. I understand the hydrogen emission lines are caused by a radiative and hypersonic shock wave propagating through the stellar atmosphere (http://arxiv.org/pdf/1109.6500v1.pdf). I was a little hesitant in the identification of H-alpha as I have not seen it in other online spectra, but I think this is correct.

Best wishes,

Andy