¹ Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
² Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Twelve Quays House, Egerton Wharf, Birkenhead, CH41 1LD, UK
³ Departamento de Astronomía y Astrofísica, Universidad de Valencia, E-46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain

This paper presents observations of the Be/X-ray binary system A0535+26 revealing the first observed loss of its circumstellar disc, demonstrated by the loss of its JHK infrared excess and optical/IR line emission. However optical/IR spectroscopy reveals the formation of a new inner disc with significant density and emission strength at small radii; the disc has proven to be stable over 5 months in this intermediate state.

1999, MNRAS, 310, 21