H Emission Line Wings in
 CrB
Karen S. Bjorkman, Nancy D. Morrison,
and Erica N. Hesselbach
Ritter Observatory, Dept. of Physics & Astronomy,
University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606-3390
email:
karen@astro.utoledo.edu
Received: Mar 1, 2006; Accepted: Mar 2, 2006
ABSTRACT
We note the presence of H emission wings in a recent spectrum
of the Be star  CrB, and suggest that frequent monitoring of
the star over the next few months would be appropriate.
Current Status of CrB
Rivinius et al. (2003) indicated the possible development of a new
emission phase of the well-known Be star CrB in 2003, after
nearly 20 years of inactivity. In a recent spectrum obtained by Nancy
Morrison on 26 Feb 2006 with the 1-m telescope and échelle
spectrograph at the Ritter Observatory, clear evidence of strong
emission line wings at H is noted (see Figure 1). We publish
this preliminary spectrum here in the hopes of prompting careful
monitoring of this star over the next few months, so that any further
development of the emission phase can be followed in detail.
Figure 1. H spectrum of the Be star
CrB obtained at the Ritter Observatory on 2006 Feb 26 (UT).
Note the strong emission line wings. This is a preliminary reduction,
and does not include telluric line removal or heliocentric correction.
We are grateful to the Ritter Observatory observing team for their
help with data acquisition, and especially to Robert Burmeister, whose
care and efforts keep the telescope running smoothly. Observations at
the Ritter Observatory are supported by NSF under the PREST program,
grant number 0440784.
REFERENCES
Rivinius, T., et al. 2003, Be Star Newsletter, vol. 36.
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