Hα spectropolarimetry of the Herbig Ae star AB Aurigae |
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| Authors: | Matthew Pontefract Janet E Drew Tim J Harries René D Oudmaijer |
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| Institution: | Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Blackett Laboratory, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BW;Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT;Department of Physics and Astronomy, EC Stoner Building, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT |
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| Abstract: | We present spectropolarimetric observations, obtained at H α , of the Herbig Ae star AB Aurigae. Changes in linear polarization across the H α line probe structure in the immediate circumstellar environment of the central star, down to scales of the order of one to a few stellar radii. In the case of AB Aurigae the observed polarimetric signature is complex. After applying a correction for foreground continuum polarization, we find that there is a linear-polarized H α emission component intrinsic to the source. Rotation of the angle of polarization through the emission-line profile suggests scattering in a rotating circumstellar disc. The magnetic accretor model commonly applied to T Tauri stars shows promise of explaining these data. |
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| Keywords: | polarization techniques: polarimetric circumstellar matter stars: emission-line Be stars: individual: AB Aur stars: pre-main-sequence |
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