Tracing WR wind structures by using the orbiting companion in the 29d WC8d + O8-9IV binary CV Ser
Département de Physique, Université de Montréal, Canada
Département de Physique, Université de Montréal, Canada
Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics/National Research Council, Canada, and Facultad de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas, Universidad de Concepción, Chile, et Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile
Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics/National Research Council, Canada
Abstract
We have obtained continuous, high-precision, broadband visible photometry from the MOST satellite of CV Ser over more than a full orbit in order to link the small-scale light-curve variations to extinction due to wind structures in the WR component, thus permitting us to trace these structures. The light-curve presented unexpected characteristics, in particular eclipses with a varying depth. Parallel optical spectroscopy from the Mont Megantic Observatory and Dominion Astrophysical Observatory was obtained to refine the orbital and wind-collision parameters, as well as to reveal line emission from clumps.