Hubble Space Telescope Spectra of the Phase-modulated Wind in the SMC O+WR Binary R31
Bianchi, L.; Hutchings, J. B.; Morris, S. C.
Canada, United States
Abstract
We present HST/GHRS profiles of C IV 1500 A at conjunction phases 0.21, 0.26, and 0.72 of the 6.5 day O6+WN3 binary R31 in the SMC. We also use IUE archival data covering other orbital phases, There are strong changes in the line profile, depending on the line of view through an ionization bubble near the WR star. We fit a model for the stellar wind and discuss the unique probe of mass loss found in this system. We also discuss the strong interstellar components of the line arising in the Galactic foreground and in the SMC.