Properties and Nature of Be Stars. 14. Is KX And a Strongly Interacting Binary?

Abstract

This paper summarizes and adds to the observational knowledge of KX And, a peculiar emission-line object. A formal orbital solution, based on new Ondrejov and all previously published radial velocities of the metallic shell lines in the optical region has led to an improved ephemeris. Radial velocities of various lines measured in the IUE spectra are also presented and analyzed. Phase-dependent spectroscopic, light, and color variations of the star are documented using the present and some published spectra, an abundant 10-year series of Hvar UBV observations, and some other photoelectric observations. Although the observed spectral and light variations of KX And bear some resemblance to what is observed for strongly interacting eclipsing binaries like RX Cas, there are many as yet unexplained puzzles in its behavior, and conclusive proof of its putative binary nature seems to be rather remote.