Recent changes in the near-infrared structure of η Carinae

Nathan Smith, Robert D. Gehrz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Near-infrared imaging at two phases in the 5 yr spectroscopic cycle of η Carinae reveals changes in the spatial structure of the inner core that may be related to recently reported near-infrared photometric variability. The central source changed from a pointlike object to a more extended, bipolar or shell structure. This behavior is reminiscent of changes observed in the radio continuum. NICMOS images show a toroidal distribution of dust and gas around the central star and confirm the morphology of several other structures observed in ground-based images of the Homunculus. The morphological variations appear to be confined to the central core of the nebula.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)L99-L102
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume529
Issue number2 PART 2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2000

Keywords

  • Circumstellar matter
  • Stars: individual (η Carinae)

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