| |
 |
| Paper: |
Betelgeuse: A Case Study of an Inhomogeneous Extended Atmosphere |
| Volume: |
425, Hot and Cool: Bridging Gaps in Massive Star Evolution |
| Page: |
152 |
| Authors: |
Harper, G. M. |
| Abstract: |
Despite being one of the best-studied stars, the massive M supergi\-ant Betelgeuse had us fooled. An unfortunate convergence of observational interpretation, semi-empirical analyses, and theoretical modeling led to the notion that the accelerating wind was at chromospheric temperatures. Only with high spatial-resolution multi-wavelength datasets covering ultraviolet and centimeter radio wavelengths did it finally become apparent that the bulk of the wind is actually much cooler, while encompassing tiny volumes of hot ultraviolet-emitting plasma. High spectral-resolution TEXES observations of mid-IR [Fe II] emission are now revealing the dynamical nature of the pervasive cool plasma. Extended and inhomogeneous atmospheres appear to be a common property of the early M supergiants, making Betelgeuse an important case study. |
|
|
|
|
|
