Similarities in the wind characteristics of hot stars.

Abstract

The direct observational similarities in the characteristics of winds in a wide selection of hot stars are considered. Data are presented which demonstrate that discrete absorption components are observed in the UV resonance line profiles of WR stars, WR + O type binaries, B supergiants, B emission-line stars, subdwarf O stars, and the central stars of planetary nebulae (CSPN). The data also show that all these classes of stars may exhibit substantial wind variability, and that the wind terminal velocities of O stars, B supergiants, Be stars, and CSPN are a strong function of T(eff). The wind characteristics are discussed as possible signatures of a common wind driving mechanism, emphasizing the role of radiation pressure driving.