Proof of a fast wind in the symbiotic nova AG Pegasi.

Abstract

Hubble Space Telescope observations of the symbiotic nova AG Peg reveal a P Cygni profile in N V λl240. This proves that the hot compact object in the binary system loses material through a fast wind. High resolution spectra allow to discern three different emission regions: the wind from the hot compact star, a nebular emission region of relatively high density located in the extended atmosphere of the red giant, and a region of lower density most probably associated with the location where the fast wind from the hot star collides with the wind from the red giant.