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 language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | L99-L102 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 529 |
Issue number | 2 PART 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 1 2000 |
Keywords
- Circumstellar matter
- Stars: individual (η Carinae)