H-alpha polarization of wind-heated optical bullets in SS 433

Brown, J.C. and Fletcher, L. (1992) H-alpha polarization of wind-heated optical bullets in SS 433. Astronomy and Astrophysics, 259(2), L43-L45.

Abstract

Mechanisms for energy supply to the optical bullets are discussed. It is pointed out that in the case of heating by bullet collisions with the system wind, recently shown to be a likely heating candidate, impact polarization of the H-alpha line should be generated. An estimate shows that this line polarization should be at least 0.2 percent and orthogonal to the jet, precessing with it on the sky. This should be observable and is proposed as a diagnostic of the wind heating model, in contrast to turbulent internal heating.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Fletcher, Professor Lyndsay
• Authors: Brown, J.C., and Fletcher, L.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
• Journal Name: Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Publisher: EDP Sciences
• ISSN: 0004-6361
• ISSN (Online): 1432-0746
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 1992 EDP Sciences
• First Published: First published in Astronomy and Astrophysics 259(2):L43-L45
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.