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Wind line variability and intrinsic errors in observational mass loss rates

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 August 2024

Derck Massa Open the ORCID record for Derck Massa [Opens in a new window]  and
Raman Prinja
Derck Massa*
Affiliation:
Space Science Institute, 4750 Walnut Street Suite 205 Boulder, Colorado 80301, USA
Raman Prinja*
Affiliation:
Department of Physics & Astronomy, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
*
email: dmassa@spacescience.org
email: rkp@star.ucl.ac.uk
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Abstract

UV wind line variability in OB stars appears to be universal. We review the evidence that the variability is due to large, dense, optically thick structures rooted in or near the photosphere. Using repeated observations and a simple model we translate observed profile variations into optical depth variations and, consequently, variations in measured mass loss rates. Although global rates may be stable, measured rates vary. Consequently, profile variations infer how mass loss rates determined from UV wind lines vary. These variations quantify the intrinsic error inherent in any mass loss rate derived from a single observation. These derived rates can differ by factors of 3 or more. Our results also imply that rates from non-simultaneous observations (such as UV and ground based data) need not agree. Finally, we use our results to examine the nature of the structures responsible for the variability.

Keywords

stars: windsoutflowsstars: mass loss
Type
Contributed Paper
Information
Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union , Volume 18 , Symposium S361: Massive Stars Near and Far , May 2022 , pp. 205 - 211
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of International Astronomical Union

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