A Wind analysis of an evolved Giant. FUSE and HST/STIS observations of an eclipsing Symbiotic Binary

Abstract

A major outstanding problem in stellar astrophysics lies in understanding the wind generation mechanism by which evolved giants lose mass. Phase-resolved observations of eclipsing symbiotic binary systems, containing a mass-losing giant and a hot white dwarf, are ideal for studying the wind generation mechanisms in evolved stars. For such systems we use the orbital motion of the dwarf through the giant?s wind to provide a pencil-beam view through the circumstellar gas. FUV observations can probe different layers of the wind in absorption, permitting the derivation of the velocity profile and providing valuable, spatially-resolved diagnostics of the cool wind. We present a series of FUSE and HST/STIS observations of two such systems and discuss our findings. The velocity profiles, and by implication, wind generation mechanisms for these giants are found to differ from those predicted by commonly used parametrisations. The phasing of our observations allow us to examine the density, temperature and velocity structure in the wind acceleration region, as well as the composition of the outflowing material.