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An energetic stellar outburst accompanied by circumstellar light echoes

Author

Listed:
  • Howard E. Bond

    (Space Telescope Science Institute)

  • Arne Henden

    (Universities Space Research Association & US Naval Observatory, Flagstaff Station
    US Naval Observatory, Flagstaff Station)

  • Zoltan G. Levay

    (Space Telescope Science Institute)

  • Nino Panagia

    (Space Telescope Science Institute
    On assignment from the European Space Agency)

  • William B. Sparks

    (Space Telescope Science Institute)

  • Sumner Starrfield

    (Arizona State University
    Astronomy, Arizona State University)

  • R. Mark Wagner

    (University of Arizona)

  • R. L. M. Corradi

    (Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes)

  • U. Munari

    (INAF-Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova)

Abstract

Some classes of stars, including novae and supernovae, undergo explosive outbursts that eject stellar material into space. In 2002, the previously unknown variable star V838 Monocerotis brightened suddenly by a factor of ∼104. Unlike a supernova or nova, it did not explosively eject its outer layers; rather, it simply expanded to become a cool supergiant with a moderate-velocity stellar wind. Superluminal light echoes were discovered1,2 as light from the outburst propagated into the surrounding, pre-existing circumstellar dust. Here we report high-resolution imaging and polarimetry of those light echoes, which allow us to set direct geometric distance limits to the object. At a distance of >6 kpc, V838 Mon at its maximum brightness was temporarily the brightest star in the Milky Way. The presence of the circumstellar dust implies that previous eruptions have occurred, and spectra show it to be a binary system. When combined with the high luminosity and unusual outburst behaviour, these characteristics indicate that V838 Mon represents a hitherto unknown type of stellar outburst, for which we have no completely satisfactory physical explanation.

Suggested Citation

  • Howard E. Bond & Arne Henden & Zoltan G. Levay & Nino Panagia & William B. Sparks & Sumner Starrfield & R. Mark Wagner & R. L. M. Corradi & U. Munari, 2003. "An energetic stellar outburst accompanied by circumstellar light echoes," Nature, Nature, vol. 422(6930), pages 405-408, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:422:y:2003:i:6930:d:10.1038_nature01508
    DOI: 10.1038/nature01508
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