Further Observations of the Peculiar Hot Helium-rich Degenerate KPD 0005+5106

Abstract

A variety of new ultraviolet and optical spectroscopic observations of the peculiar, hot, helium-rich degenerate KPD 0005+5106 are presented. While the expected lines of helium appear, the only detected transitions from a heavier element assignable to the stellar photosphere is the N V 1240 Å doublet, from which an atmospheric abundance is derived. However, hydrogen and some probable CNO ions are detected in emission. The overall energy distribution is consistent with a T_eff≡80,000K. The detected nitrogen is most likely due to selective radiative acceleration processes. Except for He II, the emission lines most likely originate above the stellar photosphere, and may be indicative of a recent episode of mass loss.